by by Jenna Tucker, Clemson University
When I first started working with the UPIC Program at Clemson, I knew that experiential education was important; but now, I believe it should be a part of all students’ college experience in some way. Internships create career readiness, due not only to the technical expertise and area knowledge students encounter, but also because of the development of professional competencies. Though sites may range in projects and type of work, one thing remains the same: the importance of working well with others and learning how to interact professionally. These skills will be valuable to students long after the internships end, by first enabling them to feel confident while interviewing for industry jobs or graduate school, to years down the road, as they continue to develop as young professionals. UPIC provided over 900 experiences during the last school year, quite a change from our pilot semester in 2012 (in which we had roughly 20). Our rapid growth is due in part to the state of South Carolina, who generously provided us with recurring annual funding, as well as Clemson’s upper administration, who recognizes the significance of our work. The UPIC staff consists of dedicated professionals who truly believe in what we do. But the heart of the program remains the mentors and interns, who create the exceptional quality of our internships experiences. Our interns work alongside faculty and staff, applying theories learned in their classes to real-life work situations. For me, the most exciting part of working with an on-campus internship program is getting to see all of the amazing projects that they are involved in!
UPIC interns are engaged in every college (and most individual departments) across campus, participating in work that matters. They are adding to their resumes, but more importantly, developing relationships and gaining valuable skills that will enable their success, post-graduation and beyond. We have a group of interns who work with CCIT, Clemson’s in-house computing and information technology department; as well as at the Watt Family Innovation Center, a new facility on campus that hosts state-of-the-art technology in a collaborative, modern space. These opportunities enable interns to stay ahead of the curve in a world with constantly changing technology. There are interns in various research positions across campus, studying genetics, plant pathology, chemistry, etc. They participate in presentations and publications as undergrads, which often increases their chances for admission to medical or graduate school. For our interns in Cooperative Extension, work includes interacting with local farmers and land owners, collecting field data, and presenting workshops at schools and community centers. Many majors find it refreshing to have a hands-on internship experience outside of an office environment. We have student-athletes who work within various areas of Clemson’s athletic department, including recruiting, marketing and student development. They are intrigued to learn about what goes on behind the scenes and off the field. There are also interns working within Development, the Honors College, Study Abroad, Public Affairs, Human Resources, the Michelin Career Center, and Campus Life. These are just a few of the hundreds of internships sites that Clemson hosts, and each one provides interns with tools to excel. For those professionals in higher education thinking of starting a similar program, it may help to ask: Who are my existing campus partners? What are some departments that would benefit from student interns? In what ways can interns make a difference on campus? Even starting with a small number can create impact. UPIC truly prepares students to face the world of work with competence, and I feel blessed to be a part of such a meaningful program. GO TIGERS!!
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Jenna Tucker, M.Ed., began working in Clemson’s Center for Career and Professional Development in the fall of 2013 as a graduate assistant for the University Professional Internship and Co-op (UPIC) Program. She returned to graduate school at Clemson after working for three years at a Fortune 500 company in Greenville, SC. After completing her Master’s degree in Counselor Education in the spring of 2014, she took on a full-time role as an Internship Counselor for UPIC, before moving into the role of Assistant Director of the program in 2015. Jenna’s main area of focus is career and professional development, specifically by helping students gain valuable skills and real-world work experience through intentional and field-based internships.
