NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University is offering profession-based learning internships that provide students with practical experience and opportunities to build professional networks. The university's Career Services has introduced paid internships aimed at promoting cross-departmental collaboration.

The internships are equivalent to a three-hour credit course and span the entire academic year. Travis Kline, assistant director of Career Services, explained, “These are a way for you, without even having to leave campus, to be able to build that résumé, work on a project or have a very dedicated kind of experience.”

Lauren Kelly and Onkarabetse Koikanyang are two students who have benefited from these internships this year. Kelly, a senior majoring in business management and marketing from Rock Port, Missouri, is interning with the city of Maryville where she handles marketing and social media tasks. Her role involves creating social media posts, engaging with local businesses, and organizing marketing events.

Kelly shared her positive experience: “Everyone I have worked with has been so willing to work with my schedule,” she said. “They’re extremely flexible. The experience is something you’re not going to get elsewhere.” She also noted the internship's impact on her personal development and communication skills.

Koikanyang, a sophomore psychology major from South Africa, works with Northwest’s global engagement office. Her responsibilities include managing social media accounts and designing promotional materials for cultural celebrations. Koikanyang emphasized how the internship has enhanced her soft skills like empathy and active listening.

She remarked on the value of her experiences: “I gained a deeper understanding of how to create inclusive spaces and celebrate diversity,” she said. Dr. Jessie Peter, Koikanyang’s supervisor and senior coordinator of diversity at Northwest, acknowledged her contributions by stating that Koikanyang's efforts have increased student participation in intercultural activities.

Northwest departments leverage PBL interns for large projects requiring additional staffing support. Departments interested in hosting an intern can submit their proposals to Career Services by the end of the spring semester.

For more information about these internships, visit Northwest Missouri State University's Career Services website.