How long have you been the Academic Intern Coordinator at Loras College?
I have been in this position for two-and-a-half years. I graduated from Loras myself and then went to Dallas, Texas, and became a social worker. Since moving back here to work at Loras I have held a total of eight different positions.
My position previous to my current one was associate vice president for institutional advancement, which involved traveling across the country and working with alumni in the whole development area. Admissions counselor was my first position, and for this one I traveled to recruit students to come to Loras — to northern Iowa and Minnesota, to name a few. I left the college for a while and worked for corporate America, and I returned to Loras as director of alumni relations. With this job, I got to see all the people who were and who I actually recruited to come here, people whom I worked with in Career Service, and now I’m calling on them to help our current students.
Did you have a favorite job out of the eight?
I loved all of them. I love this job I have now because it’s really fun and important to me to be working directly with students again. For 14 years, I traveled so much, so I didn’t know as many students. Being in this position is such a great opportunity for me to help students connect with alumni, which I do both formally and informally.
What is your hometown?
I’m originally from Claremont, Iowa, which is a small town in northern Iowa.
What does your typical day look like?
It involves appointments with students, employer contact, and alumni conversations either personally or over the phone. Many days, I hold interview skills workshops, mock interviews, internship workshops, etc.
What does your job entail?
My job is to help students understand how academics, experience and reflection through internships help to prepare them for the world around them in an independent and responsible manner.
What changes would you like to see at Loras?
I wish we could provide more financial support for students to take advantage of internship opportunities across the country and internationally. I wish more students could understand the importance of taking opportunities that exist on campus that will help prepare them to be successful both professionally and personally.
What do you feel is important for students to know about internships?
It is important for students to know that they are a gateway to obtaining a full-time professional position. With the current economy, jobs are very competitive, and internships will assist students in garnering a position.
Do you feel Loras students have an advantage over students from other schools?
They do if they take advantage of the opportunities here. If they don’t take advantage of them, they are just another student in the U.S.
What are you currently working on?
One of the key programs this week is the national alumni board student panel, which will be held this Saturday from 12:30 to
2 p.m. This is an opportunity to network with alumni, hear about their careers and learn about what people hiring are looking for. RSVP is required to Bobbi Martin at bobbi.martin@loras.edu. A free lunch will be provided.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Loras is a great place; I am reminded of this often when working with alumni. They proudly say their time at Loras created the foundation for all of their successes —
professionally and personally.
What is most important to you in life?
I’d say faith, family and friends.
