L-R: First row - Zhaquondalee' Greer, Robin Perry, Rachel Rudisill, Anna Barnes, Dr. Just; Second row - John Tuttle, Matt Hardman, Robert Carpenter, Tyler Hamilton, Riley Weber and Trevor Meadows
From a family doctor’s practice, to a golf club in Gettysburg, PA, Catawba College students presented their internships for the Experiential Learning Class in the Ketner School of Business recently. Their presentations were the final requirement for the course that is teaching life skills alongside their internships to give them “real world” experience and advice. Seven seniors and two juniors made presentations, being critiqued for their presentation skills, knowledge, creative skills (they had to use Pecha Kucha or Prezi for their presentations) and communication.
Anna Barnes, a senior from Atlanta, GA. Presented her work with the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association, stating that she gained tremendous insight into what it takes to run a non-profit organization and the importance of fundraising and networking. Robert Carpenter had a good experience with Fastenal, Inc. and relayed their history and the fact that today there are 2700 stores nationwide. Using her integrated marketing skills, Zhaquondalee’ Greer handled assignments from new banner design to helping create slide shows for the Catawba Sports Information Department. Tyler Hamilton found that working for the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce exposed him to not only the inner workings of the chamber business, but also to a valuable network of business owners. He enjoyed researching other chambers and creating ideas to boost membership.
Top ranked golfer for the Catawba team, Matt Harman told about his internship at the Links at Gettysburg where he worked both with the General Manager and the Golf Pro. He will be working there full time after graduation. Trevor Meadows spent his spring semester internship at Nazareth Children’s Home in the accounting area. He not only learned the business side of a non-profit, but also the impressive and valuable mission that is NCH. Rachel Rudisill of Gastonia experienced a business start -up when she worked at Fit Girl Charlotte, a personal training, fitness events company. She was able to have input in the marketing on-line aspect of this fairly new business, and her ideas proved successful.
At Finish Line, the athletic shoe retailer, Riley Weber was able to go through training and serve as assistant manager, learning first-hand the importance of good communications and customer service in the retail industry. John Tuttle, from Kannapolis, worked in his father’s medical practice handling the medical billing, insurance and other operations tasks. He gained great insight into how a small business is run and how important time management is.
Each of these students agreed the value of internships is tremendous. Robin Perry, Director of Career Services and Dr. Renee Just taught the class this semester.
