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Internship Experiences

Current and former Master of Higher Education Leadership students share their experiences interning with various campus departments and area businesses. Internships are an essential part of the learning experience, providing students with opportunities to put classroom theories to practice.

Jessica Klotz of Waycross, Ga. — Graduated July 2009

"My first internship was with Distance Learning. I created and implemented a training through Wimba Live Classroom that addressed Accessibility in Online Courses. I have continued to offer the training to faculty and staff, and I have presented it at two conference: Rock Eagle Conference and Georgia ONmyLINE Conference.

My second internship was with the Office of Employee and Organizational Development. This internship allowed me to be part of the research process in planning staff and faculty trainings. I also learned more about the challenges involved in advertising and getting participants."

Klotz is an administrative secretary for VSU's Access office for Students with Disabilities.

Brian Roberts of Stone Mountain, Ga. — Graduated in May 2009

"I interned with Dr. Biddix to create the Higher Education Leadership Program Web site. I learned a lot about technical Web design and about the Higher Education Leadership Program from the documents and information we posted. It was a great experience personally and professionally knowing that, although the site will and has changed since I was an intern, we set the blueprint."

Brian Roberts is the assistant director of Student Life at Valdosta State University.

Jessica Darsey-Harper of Albany, Ga. — Graduated May 2009

"For one of my internships, I taught a VSU 1101 class, a two-credit hour course that introduces freshman to college life. I wrote a syllabus, prepared quizzes/tests, and created other class materials. I would not trade this semester for anything. I truly believe my students gained so much throughout their semester, and I gained more than I could have imagined as well. This experience gave me the practice I would need for future semesters in the classroom. This internship brought with it discipline, integrity, respect and so many other qualities/characteristics I will always carry with me."

Darsey-Harper is an academic advisor in the Center for Advisement and Student Success at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.