University News
WIU Students Advance Career Goals Through Internships
November 14, 2014
MACOMB, IL - Western Illinois University students studying in the bachelor of arts in general studies (BGS) and the interdisciplinary studies programs have been working on recent internships to help regional businesses.
Through the UNIV 490 course, three students have advanced their academic goals while learning more about the career fields they are interested in.
Senior BGS student Ashley Reaves, of Oquawka, IL, has completed three UNIV 490 internships with Carl Sandburg College. In Fall 2013, Reaves co-taught a dental hygiene pre-clinical lab. In Summer 2014, she worked with the dean of CSC's Career, Technical and Health Education and in Fall 2014 she co-taught dental radiology, both lecture and lab.
Reaves will graduate in December and has been named the Fall 2014 Cecile A. Christison Sterrett College Scholar for the bachelor of arts in general studies degree.
"For my University 490 internships, I was able to work as a clinical instructor as well as team teach a dental radiology course at Carl Sandburg College's Dental Hygiene School," Reaves said. "Lesson planning, implementation, assessment and other aspects of teaching were the focus of many of my reports. I am forever grateful that I was able to complete coursework that seemed to be tailored to my career and lifestyle. The opportunities that this course offers are limitless. As a result of this course, I was able to complete my BGS degree in a significantly shorter amount of time, yet the amount of information and experience I obtained is irreplaceable."
Senior interdisciplinary studies major Jill Cook, of Sciota, IL, completed a 12 semester hour internship with Alan Thompson State Farm of Macomb.
"I became more knowledgeable about many aspects of insurance and gained a lot of experience working with the team at Alan Thompson State Farm," Cook said. "My experience was very worth my time; it gave me the 'hands on' experience that I wouldn't be able to get in a classroom. I was able to use my knowledge and skills that I previously had and apply them to new experiences. I would recommend that everyone do an internship during their college career as it helps students with many different aspects and prepares them for the future."
Alumna Maile Lejia, of Davenport, IA, earned her BGS degree in Summer 2014. She completed a 10 semester hour internship in the human resource department of the McLaughlin Body Company in Moline, IL, and received excellent work reviews from her supervisors.
An internship is a unique educational experience and provides qualified students with a supervised program of practical experience in various career fields. For more information about the internship programs for the general studies and interdisciplinary studies programs Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach Director Richard Carter at (309) 298-1929.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
Connect with us: