By Melissa Thrasher / EMU
YPSILANTI— To prepare future job seekers for popular careers, Eastern Michigan University’s Center for Digital Engagement, with support from Ann Arbor SPARK, is offering 48 paid internship positions through the Digital Summer Clinic. The internships provide valuable experience in digital marketing and tech, guidance in creating a professional portfolio and weekly opportunities to connect with mentors and industry professionals.
Bud Gibson, professor and director of EMU’s Center for Digital Engagement, forecasts increased students applying for high-tech internships due to solid employment last year. “Smaller and medium-sized companies have had a harder time in the labor market, so I think it will be strong for our students and employers alike,” said Gibson. And I’m anticipating some good outcomes.”
Morghan Roselle, a sophomore majoring in digital media production and a current field manager at the Center for Digital Engagement, said the clinic allows students to test the waters in any work environment. “I’m grateful to work with a great team and mentor that provides me with lessons and opportunities to achieve our goals, while also giving me an experience in the modern workplace,” said Roselle. “Even though the role of a field manager works well with my minor, this position allows me to explore a niche part of what I can do with my major.”
The Digital Summer Clinic will run in a hybrid format from June 12 to Aug. 11. Interns work 10 hours per week at $18 per hour in teams of two with their companies on various projects, ranging from developing websites and apps to content creation, social media, and advertising. The companies where interns work are clients of Ann Arbor SPARK’s high-tech incubator. Students who complete the internship move on to careers at Google, iProspect and GTB, among others.
“We’ve managed to attract mentors from companies like Google, Pinterest, Duo Security, and Zingerman’s who are dedicated to helping interns from every background succeed,” said Gibson. “Many of our mentors worked through school, wondered how to get into professional roles, and ultimately found their way forward. They are all problem solvers dedicated to helping interns find success.”
“If you’re passionate about what you do and want to explore how you can apply it, get as many experiences as possible,” said Roselle. “Whether it’s an internship, a job, a student project, or an organization, any experience is better than nothing. You will definitely thank yourself later.”
For more information on the Digital Summer Clinic or to apply for an internship position, visit the Digital Summer Clinic website.
About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University’s website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.
