In honor of National Intern Day on July 28, we are shining the spotlight on some SBU Bearcats participating in internship opportunities this summer. Their coursework at SBU prepared them for these opportunities and now these real-world experiences will take them to the next level. We know these Bearcats are going to make a big impact in their chosen careers!
Autumn Orbin is a web systems and design major from Pleasant Hope, Mo. She is currently completing an internship with Tailwind,
a social media and email marketing solution. This internship is giving Autumn the
opportunity to learn a new coding language, get a behind-the-scenes look at website
and marketing strategies and get hands-on website building experience. SBU faculty
and alumni connections helped Autumn secure this internship opportunity.
When asked what she has learned through this experience, Autumn said, “Sometimes you have to trust the path you are on. My path brought me to SBU and then led me to this incredible internship opportunity. It was a dream position that I am so excited to have been given the opportunity to participate in. No matter what comes next, I know the skills I learned at SBU are going to help me through it.”
Talya Holgate-Allen is a journalism/mass communication major from St. Ann, Jamaica. This summer, Talya is working as an intern at KNWA/KFTA in
Fayetteville, Ark. She is shadowing news reporters, anchors, the digital team and
producers as she learns the ins and outs of developing a telecast. Talya has written
scripts and has published multiple articles on the KNWA website. She has learned to
read from a teleprompter and practiced stand-up reporting.
Through her internship with the news station, Talya said she has learned to “never say no to any work experience” but instead to take advantage of every opportunity presented. She knows her production classes at SBU prepared her for this internship and thanks her advisor and professors for ensuring she remains successful throughout her university experience.
Rebecca Campbell is an exercise science major from Ellington, Mo. She is completing an internship this summer with Carr Physical
Therapy and Sports Performance as the final requirement for her bachelor’s degree
prior to starting her doctor of physical therapy degree at SBU this fall. Her internship is providing her with real-world, hands-on experience
in patient rehabilitation and doctor-patient interactions.
She credits her faculty with helping pair her with this internship opportunity as well as preparing her with the knowledge needed to succeed in her chosen career field. “SBU has equipped me with the knowledge to be able to understand body movement and why we do the exercises prescribed by the physical therapist,” Rebecca said. “SBU also taught me how to let my faith shine through in my actions and treat everyone the same, no matter their background.”
Lauren Berry is a communication major from Mt. Vernon, Ill. She is spending her summer as an intern in the communications
department at Continental Tire located in her hometown. Lauren has assisted with a
variety of work including running the merchandise store, producing graphic design
projects, planning events and more.
This internship has given her an inside look at the operations of a global company and provided insight “into what path (she) would like to take with her communications career.”
Choosing SBU was a last-minute decision for Lauren, who signed up for classes just two weeks before the semester started, but now says, “I can’t imagine my life without SBU!”
Jadon Wipf is a cybersecurity major from Marshfield, Mo. He currently is part of a year-long internship program working
with the data science team at O’Reilly Auto Parts.
Throughout his internship experience, Jadon has worked on privacy compliance applications, advanced SQL querying, data analysis, data cleaning and data profiling. He has done this work alongside expert data scientists and data engineers, providing invaluable career preparation opportunities.
“SBU not only taught me the technical skills I needed to succeed,” Jadon said, “they also taught me how to be a good learner so I would be prepared when obstacles come my way.”
Haleigh Goodman is an exercise science major from Arnold, Mo. She will finish her bachelor's degree this summer after fulfilling
the degree's internship requirement.
As the final part of her degree program, Haleigh is completing an internship at Bischof Chiropractic and Family Health Care. She is learning the basics of acupuncture, drop table technique, nutrition principles and more, which will set her up for success in her next steps – pursuing a doctorate in chiropractic at Logan University.
“I love SBU because it has helped me build my confidence,” Haleigh said, “and it helped me find my voice so I can be confident going into my next set of schooling.”
Kelli Cahill is a Christian ministry major with emphasis in youth ministry and minor in counseling from Miles City, Mont. She is working this summer at Emmanuel
Baptist Church in Billings, Mont. She is splitting her internship time between working
with the youth and helping with the counseling.
While working with the youth group, she has focused on one-on-one discipleship opportunities and leading a small group. On the counseling side of her internship, Kelli has been able to observe multiple counseling sessions and discuss case studies with her supervisor. She also attended a Biblical counseling conference, where she learned so much that will help her in her future career.
Her classes and professors have helped prepare her for this internship experience, which Kelli says has been affirming for her. “This internship has helped me learn so many things, but the main thing I learned was confirmation of the purpose and plan God has for my life.”
Kasydie Shipp is a cybersecurity major from Kansas City, Mo. She currently is participating in a summer internship with
Dairy Farmers of America, where she has become immersed in several different software
programs companies use to strengthen their security. She said her degree program at
SBU has helped prepare her for this work by providing hands-on experience with many
of the tools real-world companies are using and helping her cultivate the right mindset
when considering data security.
She appreciates how SBU faculty are willing to “personally invest in their students to make sure they are fully prepared for when they leave SBU.”
At SBU, we want to help you find your purpose and pursue your God-given calling. Our faculty are committed to connecting you with internships and other resources to equip you for a lifetime of success. Explore our 100+ academic programs to learn more!