BEVERLY, Mass. - The semester-long internship is one of the essential pieces of Endicott's experiential learning model which includes two 120-hour internships, a semester-long internship, and senior thesis. In essence, it gets undergraduate students career ready with a loaded resume geared towards whatever their postgraduate endeavors may be.
Four of the members of the Class of 2018 for the Gulls baseball program - while balancing strength and conditioning programming, captains practices, official team practice, and the start to their 2017-18 campaign - have all completed their semester-long internship. These exceptional student-athletes - Michael Casciano (Somers, Conn.), Colin Mason, Brad Rebello (Bellingham, Mass.), and Bailey Train (Cumberland, Maine) - gave us an insight into their experience working in their desired professions through our new question and answer series.
Michael Casciano
Liberal Studies/Education
Semester-Long Internship: Harborlight Montessori School in Beverly, Mass., internship supervisor is the head teacher of the classroom, Beth Sieminski.
Previous Internships: Attain Therapy and Fitness, Liberty Elementary School
What inspired you to pursue an internship at this organization or what inspired you to go into the specific industry in which you are working?
When I chose to take the route of receiving my teaching licensure during my master's program, it allowed me to complete my senior internship at an educational facility of my choice rather than student teaching. When going through options of what would stand out on a resume when applying for teaching jobs, I thought having a background and understanding of the Montessori philosophy would be very helpful. Once getting some more information and visiting the school I knew it would be the perfect fit for me to be able to gain so much knowledge in the field of education. The idea of becoming a teacher means a lot to me. When I was a young kid I had many teachers who had a big influence on me and still do to this day. Being able to help mold young kids and get them ready for the rest of their lives both in the classroom and the real world is what I am striving for.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences on the job and what did you learn?
Overall, I would say that my most meaningful experience during this internship was the bond and impact I was able to have with each student. I can honestly say that I was able to get through to every child in a different way and leave a positive impact that will hopefully stay with them. Whether it was academically or socially, being able to help students is what makes teaching all worth it.
How did your internship help clarify your postgraduate career pursuits?
This internship allowed me to confirm my career pursuit of teaching. After graduation, I will be completing a 12-month graduate program at Endicott where I will receive my masters and licensure in elementary education.
What advice would you give students that are either just starting the internship program at Endicott or students that will be going on semester-long internship?
I would just say to take full advantage of every opportunity you get during your internship. You never know who is watching you or who you will meet so always act and appear professional. This semester-long internship will give you a good idea if this career is what you really want or not so take it as seriously as possible because it could very well end up being your first professional job you have if you show you are ready for it.
Colin Mason
Sport Management
Semester-Long Internship: Tufts University Sports Information Department
Previous Internships:
What inspired you to pursue an internship at this organization or what inspired you to go into the specific industry in which you are working?
When I was searching for a semester-long internship, I was looking for Division III schools in the area and came across Tufts University. I ultimately choose this internship site because Tufts has a reputation of a stellar athletic department and a plethora of successful athletic programs. I had previous connections to the Tufts prior to my internship search, which helped sway my decision. I enjoy working in the athletic communications department because it is the bridge between the athletic teams and the outside world. Sports information departments promote the teams, athletes, and the university while giving a narrative of the seasons. I enjoy consuming sports information and it was interesting and beneficial for me to be on the other side of the computer screen.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences on the job and what did you learn?
After working in the sports information department for the past couple of months, my experience at Tufts University opened my eyes to a whole world of athletics that I was not fully aware of. Working alongside my supervisor, Paul Sweeney, has been tremendous and beneficial for me in terms of my career development. I have learned and improved skills in athletic and journalistic writing, highlight video creations and using various computer programs. Tufts University recently hosted the NCAA regional tournament for men's soccer and I was on the field covering the game and experienced the post-game conference which was official and exciting.
How did your internship help clarify your postgraduate career pursuits?
Before I started my semester-long internship search, I had a strong feeling that my niche was in collegiate athletics. I was not sure what aspect of this realm I wanted to pursue. The sports information field was recommended to me by my adviser and I felt this would be a good fit for me. I felt that this internship has solidified my passion in working in college athletics at a small school. I have only been exposed to NCAA Division III institutes but I feel this is a perfect fit for me after I graduate from Endicott College.
What advice would you give students that are either just starting the internship program at Endicott or students that will be going on semester-long internship?
My advice for students would be to take advantage of the resources available to you and make sure you are getting the most out of every opportunity that comes your way. You are a professional now, conduct yourself in that manner and start making connections and memories.
Brad Rebello
Sport Management
Semester-Long Internship: Cape Ann YMCA, Sports & Recreation Department
Previous Internships:
What inspired you to pursue an internship at this organization or what inspired you to go into the specific industry in which you are working?
What inspired me to pursue an internship here at the YMCA is that it fulfills its mission one person at a time. The staff contributes by meeting the needs of individuals while building a better, healthy community, and that is something I want to be a part of. Working with younger ages inspired me to get into sports and recreation. I want to build relationships with kids and be involved in their athletic and personal development.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences on the job and what did you learn?
I would have to say that meeting all employees and giving me their insight and knowledge of their position has been most meaningful. I know each staff member personally and they are open to me asking any questions or advice. By having this networking situation I have learned the many aspects of a business ranging from marketing to planning.
How did your internship help clarify your postgraduate career pursuits?
My internship has given me insight that I do want to be in a sports setting that involves interacting with younger age groups. I see myself working at a professional sports organization in the community relations department. Meeting different kinds of people and building relationships with them is something I look forward to.
What advice would you give students that are either just starting the internship program at Endicott or students that will be going on semester-long internship?
My advice to students is to be curious at your internship. This means working hard, creating your own work, and asking questions. This will make your internship experience worthwhile and not just a requirement you have to do. I'd also advise making connections within the company because it may land you a job there if you are serious about it.
Bailey Train
Sport Management
Semester-Long Internship: Trident Fly Fishing
Previous Internships: Maine Red Claws, Bowdoin Athletics
What inspired you to pursue an internship at this organization or what inspired you to go into the specific industry in which you are working?
I was inspired to pursue this internship, as it is in a field that I have a strong passion for. I also felt that the opportunity to pursue an internship in a marketing department would be beneficial for my career.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences on the job and what did you learn?
The most meaningful experience I got during my internship was in relation to the knowledge I gained from a small start-up company. I have aspirations to start my own company one day and to gain all the experience and knowledge from my internship supervisor.
How did your internship help clarify your postgraduate career pursuits?
My internship helped increase my aspirations for my career following college. I hope to pursue a career in the field of marketing and eventually gain the skills to start my own company.
What advice would you give students that are either just starting the internship program at Endicott or students that will be going on semester-long internship?
ASK QUESTIONS! The only way to truly gain experience and knowledge from a semester-long internship is by asking as many questions as you can. An intern is not expected to be an expert in the field.
The Endicott Experience feature aims to highlight the entirety of the student-athletes' experiential learning journey throughout their academic careers. The student-athlete at Endicott is afforded the same opportunities as the general student population at the College as it relates to internships, study abroad, and postgraduate career pursuits. This philosophy mirrors the mission statement of the College which every student is encouraged to take intellectual risks, pursue scholarly and creative interests, contribute to the community, and explore diverse career paths. Read more Endicott Experience features by navigating the links below.
INTERNSHIP: Fall 2015 | 2014-15 Internships | Fall 2016 Semester-Long | Gulls "Learn By Doing" On Winter Break | 442 Student-Athletes Complete Internships During 2016-17 Academic Year
STUDY ABROAD: Studying Abroad as a Student-Athlete at Endicott | James Dwyer Focuses on Opportunities Abroad in Switzerland with Les Roches Global Hospitality | Endicott Student-Athletes Study Abroad in Asia | Holly Erbe Studies Abroad in London, Paris, Amsterdam | Andrea Courtemanche Gains New Perspectives Through Study Abroad Trip |
ACADEMICS: Emily Sharpe and Eric Owens Balance STEM and Sport at Endicott | Kendra Walters, Creating Her Own Happiness Through Art at Endicott
CAREER OUTCOMES: Internships Lead To Career Outcomes | 2015 Graduates Find Immediate Success in Job Market
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