From radio stations to baseball stadiums, the efforts of Eastern students to enter the working world are evident this summer. With the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing an internship at the undergraduate level comes other benefits, such as resume enhancement, network building and skills development. Following are just a few of those students who are seizing their summer with an internship.

Business Administration major Joshua Lamoureux '18 interns for The Nutmeg Broadcasting Company, a subsidiary of Hall Communications Radio Group, at WILI radio station in Willimantic, CT. "I write scripts for ads in addition to recording radio voice promotions and advertisements for the AM and FM stations," he said. "I also attend to marketing, research and copywriting tasks."

Lamoureux's favorite part of the internship is creating his own recordings and adding personal touches to them, like music selections and sound effects. "The skills I'm utilizing are important because I'm interested in pursuing a career in the same field."

Samantha Honeywell '20 is another student finding her place in broadcasting. A Communication major, she was introduced to her internship at Fox 17 News in Nashville, TN, by Eastern alumnus Adam Wurtzel '07, a reporter on "Nashville Insider" and host of "The Nashouse."

Honeywell assists multimedia journalists with reporting, filming and editing news packages. The fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment of the news industry has been enlightening to her. "Up until now I've been allowed to take my time on video editing projects. But here, there's a completely different set up."

Mathematics student Katherine O'Rourke '19 also traveled out of state to fulfill her position as a housing operations intern at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. Duties include managing work orders, conducting preventative maintenance by patrolling buildings, working with facilities and taking inventories.

"My favorite thing about my summer internship is exploring Philadelphia and working with new acquaintances. I also really enjoy getting to know how different schools function," said O'Rourke. "As an aspiring student affairs professional, I think my internship is providing me with important experience in terms of the operations side of the field."

Demitra Kourtzidis '19, a Political Science and Economics double major, experienced similar professional growth during her time spent as an intern at the Office of Policy and Management in Hartford, CT.

"Because of my internship, I've learned that legislation is its own language - and I can now read and understand it," she said. "My supervisor taught me about different political strategies and how small steps legislators take eventually end up as part of a bigger plan."

Kourtzidis helped track legislation from early public hearings through passage in the House and Senate. She also took notes at public hearings and various agency meetings, tracked bills and amendments and attended House and Senate sessions to track bill status.

"My internship allowed me to learn about the behind-the-scenes political process," she continued. "It taught me so much about politics and public policy, and is already proving to be useful in my academic career." Kourtzidis is interested in a career as a public policy consultant. Moreover, she would like to pursue a doctorate in public policy so that she can become a college professor and conduct research.

Sport and Leisure Management major Madalyn Budzik '19 is refining skills that will be useful in her potential career endeavors, as well. She is a field promotion intern for the Bristol Blues collegiate baseball organization based in Bristol, CT.

Budzik organizes all advertising sponsors and games, and works closely with the game announcer to ensure all event communications take place accurately and seamlessly. She also devises games and events for children attending games.

"It takes me out of my comfort zone in terms of public speaking because it requires me to speak in front of large groups of people," she said. "I know this will help me in the future because I am building organizational and communication skills. Internships are important for students because they provide real-world, hands-on experience so they can decide whether they want to continue to pursue the career path they may be considering."

Honeywell concurred, "Every student should do an internship, or more than one if possible, so that they can experience different scenarios and challenges that arise in their field."

"Internships are invaluable for students," concluded O'Rourke.