Spring & Summer 2026 Edition
From Fall 2025 to Summer 2026, these semesters marked a period of meaningful professional engagement for CLAS students as they stepped beyond the classroom and into internships that connected academic learning with real-world application. Across a wide range of settings, students transformed theory into practice and gained a clearer sense of their academic and career direction.
Explore Work in Real-Life Settings
Interns worked in diverse environments, including private companies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, and public institutions. These placements allowed students to experience different workplace cultures and expectations while applying what they have learned in their coursework. Whether in familiar fields or entirely new areas of interest, students used these opportunities to test assumptions and expand their understanding of possible career paths.
Developing Professional Identity
A central outcome of these experiences was skill development. Students strengthened their ability to collaborate with others, communicate effectively, manage responsibilities, and adapt to changing tasks and environments. Many also noted the value of translating classroom concepts into practical work, gaining insight into how their academic preparation aligns with professional demands.
Building identity and Direction
Beyond technical skills, internships played a key role in shaping students’ confidence and professional identity. Navigating workplace challenges, receiving feedback, and building relationships helped students better understand their strengths and areas for growth. For some, the experience reinforced existing goals; for others, it prompted new questions and possibilities about their future direction.
Carrying Experiences Forward
As students continue into Summer 2026 and beyond, they will return to campus with experiences that deepen their engagement in coursework and peer collaboration. Their time in internships adds context to academic discussions and strengthens the connection between what is learned in class and how it is applied beyond it.
Recognition of Achievements
The Office for Professional Development in the Ellis Center recognizes the effort, curiosity, and commitment demonstrated by CLAS students throughout their internships. These experiences reflect the ongoing value of experiential learning in preparing students for their next steps after graduation.
