By Whitney Ransom
Students are gaining an edge in the job market by having internship experience on their resumes, said Susan Famulari, Mariott School of Management internship director.
'It''s about the most important thing that students can do at BYU. It differentiates them from others and allows them to stand out,' Famulari said.
Successful completion of an internship gives students three hours of upper division elective credit, or credit within the major, if the department accepts the 496R class, said Will Robins, 22, a junior from South Jordan, majoring in accounting.
Interns in the Provo area usually make 8-14 dollars per hour. Internships performed in the West Coast average 12-15 dollars per hour. The East Coast pays the most, averaging 20-25 dollars per hour, Famulari said.
Most internships are paid, although some assume the name and the experience is enough without any monetary payment, Famulari said.
One BYU student shares why his internship experience at Walt Disney World has been one of the best things that he has done.
The greatest thing about doing an internship with Walt Disney World was being able to work with people from different corporations, said Steve Clayson, 23, a senior from Salt Lake City, majoring in business management.
Another student had a wonderful experience doing an internship with Pacific Marketing Corporation, said Spencer Millerberg, 23, a senior from Sandy, majoring in business.
'There is amazing people that I''m dealing with everyday. I''m dealing with people who have made millions of dollars. Not only that, but they have made life a lot better for people,' Millerberg said.
Students should do an internship because it helps them learn to network, make contacts, gain job experience and also focus on a specific area of emphasis, Robins said.
' Every kind of experience from the White House to a local dot.com company can do so much in advancing students in their careers,' Famulari said. 'You learn what you like, what you don''t like. That is important to know.'
Internships can also teach students lessons that they would not be able to learn in the classroom, said Fabian Fulda, 23, a junior from Germany, majoring in business management.
'In school we learn all the facts and how to calculate all kinds of things, but we don''t really learn how to communicate with people,' Fulda said.
Students can prepare for an internship by writing letters, networking, having a good resume, and researching companies of interest, Robins said.
' Nothing is more pleasing to an employer than a person that goes in and knows what the company does and why they want to work for them,' Robins said.
Another student suggests e-recruiting and practicing interviewing skills to prepare for an internship, said Sam Larson, 23, a senior from Orem, majoring in business management.
' Do an interview, even though you may not get the job. Get experience in that aspect. That is the key,' Larson said.
The two big sellers in getting an internship are reflecting knowledge about the company and showing enthusiasm, Famulari said.
Once students have been granted an internship, they are expected to work diligently, Famulari said.
'You have to put your best foot forward. Phenomenal things can come from doing a good job and lead to better things down the road,' Famulari said.