Hundreds of UWM students complete internships each semester with Milwaukee-area employers. A recent survey of the Class of 2016 by UWM’s Career Planning and Resource Center found that 38 percent of the class completed an internship, field work or clinical placement before graduation. Overall, 71 percent were employed full-time within a year of graduation, and another 10 percent went on to graduate school or the military. More than one-third of the graduates who had full-time positions and internship experience were hired by the company where they interned. In this slideshow, you will meet a few recent interns and learn about their experiences.
Internships give students hands-on experience
Juan Orjuela, a double major in biological sciences and conservation and environmental science, works with Dr. Jeannie Clark at Lakeshore Veterinary Specialists. “Lakeshore is a state of the art 24-hour emergency teaching hospital that has exposed me to new and exciting cases every day,” Orjuela says. “This fast-paced environment, and the diverse array of cases that we take have helped me become a well-rounded individual and a highly competitive candidate for veterinary school.” (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Journalism, Advertising and Media Studies (JAMS) major Amanda Porter stands on the set of TMJ4's The Morning Blend, where she is working as a production assistant. "My editing, production and hosting skills blossomed while interning with TMJ4 The Morning Blend, adding variety to my skill set and resume," Porter says. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Business student Yousef Alaeddin works in Harley-Davidson's benefits department. “The internship assignments are both task- and project-oriented, designed to bridge the gap between classroom studies and real-world experiences,” Alaeddin says. “I'd say the best part of the internship is the company's focus on personal development, where we are given the opportunity to learn about and discover different aspects of the company.” (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Communication major Emily Mueller has a yearlong internship at Northwestern Mutual in the Life and Annuities New Business Department. “I underwrite life insurance, calculating the risk of providing clients with policies,” Mueller says. “I have shadowed multiple departments, and have spent a few weeks in certain areas being cross-trained for other roles, which has added considerable value to my internship and future career.” (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Architecture student Jarincy Flores works at AG Architecture. “I learn new things about the profession every day through real world examples and from my peers,” Flores says. “As an intern, I was placed in a team. We have projects and deadlines we must meet, and it’s my job to help that happen. I was also able to find a mentor within that team who helps guide me through the process of licensure, as well as helps me in my professional development.” (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
