By: Greg Russell

An internship can be a life-changing experience — just ask U of M hospitality and resort management major Anthony Fenech, who spent the summer at one of the most prestigious resorts in the nation, the Orange Lake Resort in Orlando, Fla.

“I got such a diverse and well-rounded experience there that I feel like I am ahead of the game in terms of my own personal career development,” said Fenech. “The best thing about this internship was that it began to narrow down what I want to do after college.”

Fenech could soon have plenty of company: Because of the newly established Guaranteed Internship Program, all incoming freshmen who remain in good standing at the University will be guaranteed an internship by their senior year.

“An internship enhances the educational experience of a student,” said U of M Provost Dr. Ralph Faudree. “It is a valuable aid for a student to make the connection between their academic studies and the work place. Studies indicate that students take their academic program more seriously after having an internship experience.

“For many students, their first position is a direct result of their internship with the employer,” Faudree continued. “Employers from both the public and private sector indicate that an internship is one of the key elements they look for on a resume.”

Students must be in good academic standing and must be making satisfactory progress toward a degree. The U of M is recommending the internships be done during the student’s junior or senior year. The work experience may be paid or unpaid, and can be credit or non-credit.

Students may initiate the process through their academic department; Dr. Dixie Crase, director of Academic Internships, dcrase@ memphis.edu; or Courtney Pierce, assistant director of Employer Relations and Internships (Career Services), cpierce2@memphis.edu.

“The best thing about this internship was that I learned things that no classroom can teach you,” said Adam Holthouse, who worked with Fenech and is also a student in the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management in the Fogelman College of Business & Economics. “I met amazing people who I will keep in touch with for the rest of my life.” For more details on the program, visit: http://www.memphis.edu/ internships/guarantee.htm