Simrah Awan, a marketing major with a certificate in international business, is a communications and public relations intern at Baird. Her role includes writing and developing communication plans and content that support the firm's strategic initiatives. Awan also monitors media coverage, prepares talking points for events and writes for workplace charitable giving campaigns. (UWM Photo/Mikaila Dusenberry)
Rachel Schneider, a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation intern at Froedtert Hospital, assists with an outpatient program that helps patients with heart and respiratory issues. The kinesiology major prepares exercise machines and monitors. She also educates patients throughout their treatment plans, which are designed to promote health and reduce the risk of heart problems. (UWM Photo/Mikaila Dusenberry)
Cody Schreck, a graduate student pursuing his master's degree in public history, works as an accessibility intern at the Milwaukee Public Museum, where he helps formulate and evaluate accessibility initiatives. He's pictured here with a textured sign about the exhibit behind him. Creating more ways to interact with the exhibits means visually impaired visitors can enjoy the exhibits too. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Dimera Green is a journalism, advertising and media studies major with a concentration in advertising. She's also a marketing intern for the Workforce Development Center, which acts as a resource to job-seekers and helps businesses meet workforce development needs. Green creates content for Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Eve Cusack is a senior marketing major with a minor in economics and certificate in international business. As part of her internship with Artisan Partners, she creates materials to give clients an overview of their investment results. She also works on projects that help foster efficient processes for both clients and employees. (UWM Photo/Mikaila Dusenberry)
Daniel Orlowski, a student in museum studies, interns at the Milwaukee Art Museum with Catherine Sawinski (right), a UWM alum and assistant curator of European art. Orlowski's work with Sawinski includes researching European art pieces within the collection and revising citations for the “Bouguereau & America” exhibit's accompanying book. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
An internship can be a priceless part of a college education. About 90 percent of employers prefer candidates with work experience, according to a 2017 survey published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
Each year, thousands of UWM students complete internships with more than 1,200 Milwaukee-area employers. Those internships mean UWM students get real-world work experience in their field before they graduate, expand their skillset and make important connections with potential employers across the city.
About a quarter of UWM graduates complete an internship as part of their degree requirements. And nearly 80 percent of UWM graduates complete an internship, student-teaching or similar work experience during their college tenure.
In this slideshow, you’ll meet a few UWM students and learn about their internship experiences.