The Success of William & Mary University’s External Internship Program
On July 25, 2024, William & Mary University was awarded the prestigious 2024 Circle of Excellence Award by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for its outstanding external internship program. This recognition highlights the university’s commitment to providing students with valuable career development opportunities through practical experiences. The Office of Career Development and Professional Engagement (OCDPE) at William & Mary collaborates with alumni across the nation to facilitate external internships, which typically consist of one to two-day career observation experiences. These internships allow students to attend meetings with senior leaders within organizations, observe client interactions, and discuss industry trends, thereby offering invaluable networking opportunities and exposure to potential career paths.
During the 2023-24 academic year, the OCDPE successfully recruited alumni and friends to serve as hosts for external internships, thanks to collaborations with the William & Mary Parents and Families Council and the newly launched One Network platform. As a result of these partnerships, the external internship program saw significant growth, with a total of 498 applications submitted by students, marking a 39% increase from the previous academic year. Furthermore, 97 students participated in 122 internship experiences, the highest participation rate in the past five years. This year’s program also set a record for employer site participation, with 37 host sites offering 42 external internship options, an increase of 31% from the previous year.
Kathleen Powell, the Chief Career Officer at William & Mary, emphasized the university’s mission: “At William & Mary, we are not just educating students; we are empowering them to thrive in a rapidly changing world. External internships are part of our Vision 2026 commitment to provide every undergraduate with funding for unpaid and underfunded internships and applied learning experiences.” According to a 2022 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), practical experiences such as internships and applied learning opportunities significantly contribute to successful career development after graduation.
Approximately 61% of the Class of 2022 at William & Mary participated in practical learning opportunities during their four years of study, including applied research, internships, external internships, field experiences, and study abroad programs. The Circle of Excellence Award from CASE is the highest recognition for educational advancement, aimed at honoring outstanding achievements in resource utilization, innovation, and impact on institutions or their communities, including alumni, parents, students, and faculty. This year, CASE’s volunteer reviewers selected 486 exemplary cases from over 4,200 submissions, awarding bronze, silver, gold, and grand gold awards.
This accolade comes in the context of William & Mary’s career readiness programs receiving national acclaim. Earlier this spring, the university secured federal funding to expand its internship programs, and President Katherine Rowe was also honored with the 2024 Career Services Champion Award from the National Association of Colleges and Employers for her contributions to career services.
The Impact of Internships on Career Development for Students
The success of William & Mary University’s external internship program is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of internships in the career development of students. As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, internships have emerged as a critical component of a student’s educational experience. They provide not only practical experience but also a platform for students to showcase their skills to potential employers.
For instance, on May 30, 2024, the Career Development Office at the State University of New York at Fredonia emphasized the significance of internships for college students aiming to stand out in a competitive job market. Internship coordinator Jennifer Wilkins noted that while having a degree is important, possessing practical work experience is even more crucial. Employers are more inclined to select candidates who can demonstrate the skills they acquired during internships rather than those who merely present a degree and transcript. Internships not only help students gain valuable hands-on experience but also often lead to job offers, as many interns receive employment invitations upon completing their internships.
Surveys conducted by career development offices across various universities reveal that many graduates have gained internship experience in diverse fields such as accounting, history, biology, music industry, sports management, and computer information science. These experiences have helped them clarify their career choices. Internships are typically short-term supervised experiences related to students’ majors or career goals, often taking place during the fall and spring semesters, J-term, and summer.
For example, Victoria Bugenhagen, a 2023 accounting graduate, completed an auditing internship at a major accounting firm in Buffalo, where she acquired valuable accounting and auditing skills. Similarly, Christine White, a history major, gained skills in digital archiving and exhibition production during her internship at the National Comedy Center. Natalie Wilkes, a music industry major, learned social media marketing and graphic design during her internship, which helped her define her career direction in the music industry.
Moreover, students from various disciplines, such as Benjamin Kelly in sports management and Tyler Dorr in computer science, confirmed their career choices through internships. Kelly interned in marketing and event operations at the Western New York PGA, while Dorr worked as a software engineering intern at Paychex. Courtney Campes, a biology major, gained invaluable clinical experience during her ophthalmic technician internship, further solidifying her career goals.
The Career Development Office encourages students to participate in internships to enhance their competitiveness. Wilkins stated that as more professions require internship experience, students need to consider how to distinguish themselves among their peers. In summary, internships are not only a means of gaining work experience but also a crucial step in students’ career development.
Collaboration Between Universities and Alumni for Student Opportunities
The collaboration between universities and alumni plays a pivotal role in creating opportunities for students, as evidenced by the success of William & Mary University’s external internship program. This partnership model is increasingly being adopted by institutions across the United States to enhance student experiences and career readiness.
On April 16, 2024, the University of Nebraska (NU) announced a partnership with Google aimed at improving educational opportunities for residents of Nebraska and supporting the state’s workforce needs. NU’s interim president, Chris Kabourek, announced that the university would offer a variety of Google career certificates across multiple fields, with pre-registration already open for courses set to begin in the 2024-25 academic year. The courses will be offered in three cycles: August, December, and April, with 2,500 spots available in each cycle. Kabourek emphasized that providing more educational opportunities is a “win” and stressed that every Nebraskan should have access to high-quality, affordable education.
The goal of this collaboration is to provide opportunities rather than profit, with NU retaining all revenue generated from certificate registrations to cover management and technical needs. The courses will cover areas such as cybersecurity, IT support, data analysis, digital marketing and e-commerce, project management, and user experience design, allowing learners to complete their studies at their own pace within three to six months. Google experts will teach these courses, and the content has been reviewed by leading employers. Nebraska residents, as well as NU students and alumni, will benefit from a special registration fee of $20 per year. U.S. Congressman Mike Flood expressed support for this collaboration, viewing it as a pathway for Nebraskans to pursue their dreams and expand their career horizons.
According to a 2023 report by the American Association of Colleges and Universities, employers generally support these “micro-credentials,” with two-thirds of employers indicating a preference for hiring graduates with micro-credentials. Google reported that over 250,000 individuals have earned Google certificates, with 75% experiencing positive career impacts, such as new jobs, promotions, or raises. Kabourek noted that this collaboration will help achieve the legislative goal set in 2022, which aims for 70% of Nebraska residents to hold higher education credentials by 2030. Tim Jares, dean of the College of Technical and Business Education at the University of Nebraska, praised this partnership, believing it will enhance the market competitiveness of students and alumni. Other renowned U.S. institutions, such as Syracuse University, the University of Texas System, the University of California-Los Angeles (2024 USNews Ranking: 15) , and Rutgers University, have also offered similar career certificates.
Recognition and Awards for Educational Programs in Career Services
The recognition of educational programs in career services is crucial for highlighting the efforts of institutions to prepare students for successful careers. The recent accolades received by various universities underscore the importance of effective career services and the impact they have on student outcomes.
Saint Martin’s University was recently named a “College of Distinction” for the 2024-2025 academic year, a recognition that reflects the university’s commitment to providing exceptional undergraduate education. Additionally, Saint Martin’s University received awards in nine other categories, including Catholic higher education institutions, Washington state institutions, affordability, career development programs, military support, and four top academic programs. These awards demonstrate the university’s dedication to promoting experiential learning, fostering strong student-faculty relationships, cultivating an active campus community, and achieving transformative student outcomes.
Bill Brownsberger, president of Saint Martin’s University, expressed pride in receiving these College of Distinction awards, stating that they affirm the university’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality Catholic Benedictine education. He emphasized that this recognition reflects the efforts of faculty, staff, and students who embody the mission of academic excellence and community impact through the interaction of faith, reason, and service.
In addition to being named a College of Distinction for 2024-2025, Saint Martin’s University was recognized as a Catholic College of Distinction and a Washington State College of Distinction, receiving special recognition in the following categories:
1. Affordability: Acknowledging the university’s commitment to affordability and return on investment compared to other institutions.
2. Military Support: Recognized for its comprehensive programs that assist service members in achieving success both in and out of the classroom.
3. Career Development: Awarded for its focus on graduate opportunities and rich resources that help students succeed after graduation.
4. Business: Recognized for its practical business programs that cultivate responsible business leaders.
5. Education: Acknowledged for its programs that emphasize experiential learning, mentoring, high-impact practices, and successful student outcomes.
6. Engineering: Recognized for its commitment to providing dynamic, experience-based undergraduate education for future engineers.
7. Nursing: Acknowledged for its experiential learning that cultivates well-rounded, thoughtful, and skilled future nurses.
The Catholic College of Distinction award recognizes institutions that not only have Catholic origins but also embody the Catholic spirit in practice. Saint Martin’s University earned this award by integrating its mission into every experiential learning opportunity, which is to empower students to positively change their lives and the lives of others through the interaction of faith, reason, and service.
The College of Distinction awards honor institutions that successfully implement high-impact educational practices and experiential learning. Unlike traditional data-driven ranking systems, the selection process involves extensive research and detailed interviews, considering schools that adhere to four standards of excellence: engaged students, outstanding teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes. Saint Martin’s University excelled in these areas, ensuring a supportive and enriching environment that prepares students for future academic and career success.
Patty Lemon, the director of admissions and enrollment, stated, “Such recognition highlights the qualities that make Saint Martin’s University an excellent place for students to learn and grow. From affordability to career development, these awards showcase Saint Martin’s commitment to student success during and after college.”
The honors received by Saint Martin’s University emphasize its ongoing efforts to create a rich learning environment that helps students achieve success in their careers and communities. For more information about the university’s College of Distinction awards and its commitment to excellence in higher education, please visit www.stmartin.edu.
Conclusion
The recognition of William & Mary University’s external internship program with the 2024 Circle of Excellence Award serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role that internships play in the career development of students. The collaboration between universities and alumni, as demonstrated by William & Mary’s successful partnerships, is essential for creating meaningful opportunities that enhance student experiences and prepare them for the workforce.
Moreover, the impact of internships on career development cannot be overstated. As students navigate an increasingly competitive job market, practical experiences gained through internships provide them with the skills and connections necessary to succeed. Institutions like the University of Nebraska are leading the way in fostering partnerships that expand educational opportunities, while universities such as Saint Martin’s University are being recognized for their commitment to career services and student success.
In summary, the achievements of William & Mary University and other institutions highlight the importance of experiential learning and the collaborative efforts between universities and their communities. As higher education continues to evolve, the focus on career readiness and the integration of practical experiences into academic programs will remain paramount in preparing students for successful futures.
News References:
- William & Mary Wins Gold 2024 Circle of Excellence Award
- William & Mary Highlights Careers Initiative in Rankings
- Internships Key to Students Wanting to Stand Out in the Job Market
- NU Partners with Google to Offer Career Certificates
- Saint Martin’s University Recognized as 2024-2025 College of Distinction