EUGENE, Ore. – Internships are a critical component of the college experience, offering students the opportunity to gain real-world experience, build professional networks, and develop valuable skills that will help them succeed in their chosen fields. At Bushnell University, internships are an essential part of the curriculum, providing students with hands-on experience that complements their academic studies.
“Our internship program provides students with intentional and relevant experiences that allow them to develop career readiness competencies in areas such as leadership, communication, technology, teamwork, and critical thinking – all of which are essential for their success in any profession,” said Angela Doty, Dean of Career & Academic Resources at Bushnell University.
As the 2022-23 academic year draws to a close, Bushnell University’s internship program is celebrating another successful season, with dozens of students gaining valuable hands-on experience in a wide range of fields. Below are some of the highlighted internships and what the interns had to say about their experience.
Jacob Lilley at Roseburg Forest Products
Jacob Lilley at Roseburg Forest Products
Jacob Lilley is a senior at Bushnell University, majoring in Business Administration. Lilley had the opportunity to intern with Roseburg Forest Products, a wood-products company that focuses on high-quality manufacturing and strong core values. Here is what he shared about his experience:
Q: What drew you to this internship site?
On LinkedIn, I learned about Roseburg Forest Products summer internship opportunities. I read about Roseburg’s workplace culture online and I was intrigued. After speaking with a Bushnell career advisor, she connected me with the Director of Analytics at the company. After talking with him about my qualifications, what an internship would consist of, and the values and goals of the company, I was completely convinced that I wanted to intern there.
Q: What did your day-to-day tasks consist of?
My work was project-based, so my day-to-day tasks varied. But over the course of my internship, I used business intelligence (BI) tools to visualize data. I also designed an online course to teach others to use the same tools. I was also given the opportunity to manage a project, which included tracking deadlines, leading team meetings, and reporting our progress to management. But the company also arranged multiple events for the interns, including tours of manufacturing mills and timberland, and even an event where we delivered presentations to upper management.
Q: How did the experience prepare you for the career you want to pursue after graduation?
Roseburg Forest Products consistently gave me opportunities to grow as a professional, and the support to back it. I was always surrounded by people who pushed me to develop and take on new responsibilities, while still offering a lot of grace and patience as I learned. My internship exposed me to multiple facets of a large enterprise and helped me to see different roles in which I might enjoy and be successful. My supervisor also made helpful recommendations on where I might fit based on my strengths. This internship is the reason I am graduating with confidence, with a strong sense of where I’m going after college.
Julia Kassing at Harvest House
Julia Kassing at Harvest House
Julia Kassing at Harvest House
Julia Kassing, a recent graduate of Bushnell University last December, shared her experience as an intern. Kassing interned at Harvest House, a Christian publishing company. Here is a glimpse into her experience:
Q: What drew you to this internship site?
Harvest House drew my interest through its Christian foundation and values. I had heard from Professor Christy Silverthorne that it was a healthy company with a positive work environment. I was not disappointed.
Q: What surprised you about your internship experience? How was it different from what you expected?
I was most surprised by what working in an office setting was like. I expected it to be much more lifeless and dull. While there were many moments of quiet, as to be expected, the company was intentional about making the people who worked there feel like a family. The people there truly loved each other and cared about their relationships and others’ well-being.
Q: What advice would you give to students before starting their internship?
Keep an open mind! Be curious! There are learning opportunities in unexpected places. If you don’t get the internship you have your heart set on, that’s okay. God will work with you wherever you are. And always act in a way that you will be proud of.
More Internship Locations & Highlights
Taylor Bryant at Food for Lane County (event hosted at Kendall Ford)
Taylor Bryant at Food for Lane County
Karla Cardinal at Tensegrity
Karla Cardinal at Tensegrity
Andrew Lindley at Roseburg Forest Products
Andrew Lindley at Roseburg Forest Products
Sarah Phillips at YMCA
Sarah Phillips at YMCA
Kalina Rojas at Catholic Community Services
Kalina Rojas at Catholic Community Services
Dakota Underwood at Creswell Wellness Center
Dakota Underwood at Creswell Wellness Center
Madison Clark at Moss Adams
Madison Clark at Moss Adams
Ben Wilson and Tyler King at Eugene Mission
Tyler King at Eugene Mission
Ben Wilson at Eugene Mission
Ben Wilson and Tyler King at Eugene Mission
About Bushnell University
Founded in 1895 Bushnell University helps students discover and answer God’s call on their lives. Devoted to offering a Christ-centered environment, Bushnell encourages students to grow in wisdom, informed by faith, and leading to lives of service. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the University was founded by pastor-educator Eugene C. Sanderson and pioneer businessman and church leader James A. Bushnell.
Bushnell is the largest private university in Eugene’s vibrant University District. The University offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees for undergraduate and graduate studies through course formats on campus, online, and hybrid formats. More information about the University is available at www.bushnell.edu.