EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University senior kinesiology major Aaron von Bruck recently completed a fall internship with the athletic department at Pleasant Hill High School. This hands-on experience allowed him to sharpen his leadership skills, explore his career interests, and have a meaningful impact on the school community.
We sat down with von Bruck to reflect on his internship experience and how it is shaping his future. You can watch the full interview below on Bushnell’s YouTube channel.
Creating Something Special
One of the highlights of his internship was designing a winter sports pamphlet that debuted at the home basketball opener. “I used Canva to create the pamphlet, drawing inspiration from past designs while adding my own creative vision,” he explained. The pamphlet featured team rosters, schedules, and other highlights, showcasing his ability to blend graphic design with community engagement.
Beyond the project itself, von Bruck took pride in being Pleasant Hill High School’s first-ever intern. “It’s exciting to know that I helped pave the way for future students,” he said. “I hope this inspires the school to build an ongoing internship program.”
Internship as a Career Catalyst
von Bruck, who aspires to own a gym in the future, found that the mentorship and leadership aspects of this internship aligned closely with his long-term goals. “This experience gave me a chance to develop the qualities of a coach and mentor,” he shared. “I want to be the kind of mentor kids can rely on for guidance and support.”
While he does not plan to work in a high school setting long-term, von Bruck valued the experience for the insight it provided into working in a professional environment and managing responsibilities.
Words of Wisdom for Future Interns
For von Bruck, internships are an essential step toward professional growth: “They give you a glimpse into what it’s like to work in a real-world setting and help you develop skills like time management and efficiency.” He encourages other students to embrace internship opportunities, emphasizing the value of taking initiative and seeking out growth opportunities.
Bushnell’s Internship Program: A Foundation for Success
Reflecting on his journey, von Bruck praised Bushnell University’s internship program for its structure and focus on personal and professional development. The program emphasizes seven core learning objectives: critical thinking, communication, teamwork, technology, leadership, professionalism, and equity and inclusion.
“The program isn’t just about completing tasks—it’s about becoming a more well-rounded person,” he explained. “Having a clear plan and goals made my experience even more meaningful.”
Leaving a Legacy
von Bruck is proud of the legacy he left at Pleasant Hill High School, from the marketing materials he created to the mentorship he provided. “Maybe someone will look back years from now, see their name in the pamphlet, and remember the good times,” he reflected. “It’s rewarding to know I contributed to something that will last.”
For more information about Bushnell University’s internship program and how it supports students in gaining real-world experience, visit www.bushnell.edu/career-development.