b'Internship ImpactHarley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration Students Develop Knowledge, Skills, Values Outside the ClassroomBy Ashley Braswell Some students may wonder, Is it reallyIn 2016, Dean Wayne Plumly decided to important to complete an internship beforeform a task force focused on drafting graduating from college? Does the hands- an internship policy for the College of on experience really make a difference, orBusiness Administration. The creation of is it simply a matter of luck in landing thethis task force was to meet the growing right job?demand for internships as an option for the BUSA 3999: Experiential Learning Research shows that internships are acourse required of all students pursuing a proven way to gain relevant knowledge,Bachelor of Business Administration degree. skills, and experience while establishingUpon completion of the internship policy, important connections in the field.a committee was established to manage Internships also eliminate the issue of notthis experiential learning opportunity and being considered for a position due to lackcontinue developing this area for the of experience. In addition to internships,business students. Carla Gervin, career the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Businessstrategies coordinator for the College of Administration encourages its students toBusiness Administration, witnessed an compliment their academic preparationuptick in students applying for internships with a range of other experiences, such asand began working on a way to provide study abroad, community service, pursuit ofan internship pipeline between business research with faculty, participation in sportsleaders and students interested in and student organizations, and membershipdeveloping skills in their field. to pre-professional organizations.Three of those students share their stories. 10 Langdale College of Business'