As students prepare for life after college and consider entering their respective fields, job experience and hands on training is key when looking to build a professional career.
While many travel to local area businesses to obtain necessary internship experience, others utilize the many resources and departments available to them on campus.
Communication senior Sara Miles was able to land an internship on campus in the Conferences and Events office. Working closely with the Director of Conferences and Events Lori Phillips, she is perfecting her promotional advertising and event planning skills while on Castleton grounds.
“I like what I am doing at the conference and events office. I am always learning something new and really get the hands on experience I was looking for,” said Miles, adding that after attending her sister’s wedding in the Castleton Pavilion, she found herself interested the inner workings of event preparation and execution.
“It made me want to learn more about event planning and possibly do something after graduation with the experience I will have from my internship,” she said.
Senior Tori Pizzuto has also been able to add to her résumé through opportunities on the Castleton campus while working with Director of Athletic Communications Ben Stockwell in the Athletics department. The internship allows the Communication major, with a concentration in Digital Media, to showcase her passion for photography.
“I love working with the guys in the department and the athletes as well,” said Pizzuto, who photographs sporting events. “It’s an exciting job.”
Since high school Pizzuto has been working as a sports photographer and always longed to dive deeper into the process and learn more about the photography art form. Currently, Stockwell has her shooting live pictures, as well as editing her footage to post on the Castleton athletics website.
Pizzuto said her dream job would be to work as a professional photographer for an NHL team.
“This experience will help me learn the inner workings of a Communications department for an athletics program,” she said.
With a wide range of internship opportunities on campus, students from all departments are taking advantage of intern positions in offices such as the Marketing and Communications Department, Career Services and Admissions. Some are even using their skills to expand into Castleton’s newest offerings in downtown Rutland.
A double major in Business Administration and Spanish for Business, senior Hollie Nop secured a position at Castleton Downtown working as an Economic Assistant. Helping the Dean of Entrepreneurial Program, Lyle Jepson, she completes outreach research, attends local events to promote the office and works on a variety of other community related projects.
Nop says her Castleton Downtown position has not only helped her to step out of her comfort zone but has allowed her to network and build connections in the professional world.
“It's real hands on experience,” Nop said. “Working in Castleton Downtown gave me a firsthand glimpse into the strong connection between nonprofit organizations and area businesses and their combined efforts to develop this area's economy.”