In the world of higher education, spring is an exciting time to dream about summer plans. For many students, summer is an opportunity to put classroom knowledge to the test in the real world. This year, students and professors everywhere have shifted their plans as the world navigates COVID-19.
Because of the pandemic, students in UTC’s communications department struggled to find summer internships. To address the problem, UTC partnered with local nonprofits like The Bethlehem Center, WTCI-TV (PBS), ArtsBuild, Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy and more to develop virtual internships.
“I am forever grateful for the organizations stepping up to provide students with valuable learning experiences,” says Nicole Brown, Co-Internship Director and Academic Advisor in UTC’s communications department.
The Bethlehem Center anticipates hiring several interns for its communications, education and development departments. While the Center has hired interns in the past, this will be the first year they take on virtual interns.
“I think some (full-time) employees feel like an intern is going to be another job for them, but I have come to find that they make my job so much easier,” says Shari Watson, Marketing Manager at The Bethlehem Center.