Posted on May 28, 2019 by Wendy Frost
In an effort to highlight experiential learning opportunities for business students, the UTSA College of Business Center for Student Professional Development (CSPD) hosted Internship Week last month for almost 300 business students.
The event was designed to prepare students for the process of searching, landing and retaining an internship and then transitioning that experience into a full-time job offer.
“I learned how to present my strengths to employers and gained a greater understanding of what companies look for when hiring new employees,” said Alexis Pinkerton , a senior majoring in marketing.
Industry professionals presented on various topics to expose students to numerous technical and soft skills essential in the internship process including personal branding and emotional intelligence.
The event also included a corporate chat featuring seven representatives from Valero. The Valero team discussed their company’s corporate culture as well as internship opportunities.
The CSPD partnered with several business student organizations (Alpha Kappa Psi, American Marketing Association, Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization, Professional Business Women Society) to co-host the event.
Event organizers noted that one of the main roadblocks that prevents students from pursuing an internship opportunity is fear.
“Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky says ‘you miss 100 percent of the shots you never take,’ and his quote is how I spark the fire to motivate, educate and empower students to get out there to shoot their shot!” said Erica Clark , assistant director of internships for the CSPD and event organizer.
Speakers included Amy Mendoza Leonor ,’03, vice president of Dental Whale; Alvin Curette , lecturer at UTSA; Dax Moreno , chief talent and recruiting officer at Tech Block; and Aric Shuler ,’07, director of wholesale marketing at Valero.
Internship Week concluded with a fashion show that stressed the importance of attire in the job search process as well as dressing on a budget.
Following the Internship Week activities, 99 percent of students surveyed reported the sessions increased their confidence to apply for an internship. And, more than 30 internship opportunities were shared with business students.
For more information about securing an internship or finding an intern, email Erica Clark .
— Wendy Frost
