Students encouraged to apply for internships
Blair Chaney
News Writing Student
OCCC held a workshop Nov. 11 to stress the importance of internships.
Having an internship before graduation gives students on-the-job training while creating partnerships with businesses that can help in the future, said Judi McGee, Employment Services coordinator.
McGee said creating these relationships while still in college helps ease the stress when the time comes to find a job.
The key to getting an internship before entering the job force is to use the resources available, she said.
One helpful resource, McGee said, is www.greatergrads.com .
Greater Grads is an online service that allows students to discover internships available in Oklahoma City, she said.
“Some of the internships offered are part-time and some are full-time,” McGee said.
According to the website, Tinker Air Force Base and the Federal Aviation Administration currently have paid internships available, and are looking for prospective students to take advantage of the opportunity.
She said the Air Force Office of Special Investigations has a paid college internship position for students who are interested in seeking a career in federal law enforcement.
More information on these internships are available by visiting the websites of each group.
McGee said the Disney Internship Program also is a great opportunity.
“This program is offered all year ’round and at the different Disney locations,” McGee said.
Interns are paid, as well as given assistance with housing and career development, she said.
There is no need for a car since transportation is provided to all parks, the mall, sometimes the beach and Wal-Mart, said Benjamin Paston, a representative of Disney who took part in the internship.
“This internship is one that will stand out on a résumé, one that will give the chance to work with world-renowned leadership and gain useful, transferable skills,” Paston said in an e-mail.
Paston said he started as an intern for Disney and now recruits for the program at OCCC and the University of Oklahoma.
He also said he works as an emcee for RadioDisney Oklahoma and volunteers for Disney VoluntEARS.
“The networking and learning opportunities were immense,” Paston said.
“I talked with so many professionals and networked with many personnel with high positions in the company.”
Kelsey Gray, business major, attended the workshop and said she was impressed with the Disney Internship
“The Disney Internship sounds fun but it’s also a learning experience,” she said.
“The availability of contacts and new people is enormous. So many good things can come out of this opportunity.”
Disney offers a variety of jobs including entertainment, merchandise, lifeguarding, costuming, transportation, full- and quick-service food and beverage, Paston said.
“The participants could work at any of the resorts or parks or Downtown Disney,” she said.
Paston said downtown Disney is an outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment complex located at the Walt Disney World Resort.
“The internship can last from five to eight months, and credit is offered through most universities,” she said.
McGee said internships can be found in many ways: online, through OCCC, or by calling and asking her about internship opportunities.
For more information, contact McGee at 405-682-1611, ext. 7369.
