Unlocking Major Career Potential with Internships

Amber Ewing

June 12, 2024

"Students who embark on internships find they not only enhance their skills but also open doors to future career opportunities."

At Millsaps, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom.

Many Millsaps students look to internships to gain invaluable experiences that bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and professional practice. Students who embark on internships find they not only enhance their skills but also open doors to future career opportunities.

“Millsaps has forged strong partnerships with a diverse array of organizations across industries, ensuring students have access to a wide range of opportunities,” Ryan Colvin, director of the college’s Center for Career Education.

“These partnerships range from local businesses to multinational corporations, and non-profits to governmental agencies, providing field-specific, hands-on experience.”

In the healthcare sector, the college’s collaboration with the University of Mississippi Medical Center offers students unparalleled opportunities to engage in innovative medical research and clinical practice. UMMC interns work in various departments, from pediatrics to neurology, gaining exposure to the latest medical technologies and practices. These internships provide a critical foundation for students aspiring to careers in medicine, nursing and healthcare administration.

Millsaps senior Aastha Banga participates in research at UMMC.

Millsaps senior Aastha Banga participates in research at UMMC.

Millsaps senior and biology and psychology major, Aastha Banga has taken advantage of more than one internship opportunity during her time here. She conducted research at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and participated in the Millsaps-Meridian internship program.

Interns working in Meridian may participate in projects ranging from educational outreach to cultural heritage conservation efforts. This experience not only enriches their understanding of community-driven development but also provides the skills necessary to lead similar initiatives.

“The internship experience was immensely valuable because it opened doors to a whole different aspect of health care and a whole new community that I did not know existed in the way that it does,” Banga said.

For those passionate about the mental health and well-being of children, Canopy Children’s Solutions provides an excellent internship program. Canopy is dedicated to helping children and families overcome behavioral health challenges. Through the partnership, Millsaps interns have been able to gain skills in community engagement, accounting, learning and development, human resources, education and student teaching, and culture and engagement.

Senior Bianca Jones participated in an internship at Canopy in Spring 2024. Jones, who is majoring in English and creative writing with a minor in education, found the experience to be incredibly insightful as she gained classroom experience.

“Working with the kids at Canopy really opened my eyes to the truth about the education system and how to support them within it,” she said.

Additionally, the college’s connection with national landmark historic sites provides a distinctive experience for students interested in history, archaeology and cultural preservation. Interns can work at renowned locations, engaging in activities like historical research, preservation projects and educational programming.

“The Millsaps College Center for Career Education plays a pivotal role in connecting students with these internship opportunities,” Colvin said.

Millsaps senior Anu Mathew gives a presentation on her experience while working as an intern in Meridian, MS.

Millsaps senior Anu Mathew gives a presentation on her experience while working as an intern in Meridian, Miss.

“The center provides resources such as resume workshops, interview preparation sessions and networking events. The center’s Career Specialists work closely with students to understand their interests, values and career goals to better identify suitable internship opportunities. This personalized approach ensures that each is equipped with the tools and resources to find an internship that aligns with their academic background and professional aspirations.”

These examples highlight just a few of the multitude of internship opportunities open to Millsaps students. With an expansive network of partnerships and dedicated support, Millsaps is committed to helping students transform their academic achievements into professional success.

For more information about internship opportunities at Millsaps, please visit the Center for Career Education’s website.