Profession-based learning internships prepare students for careers

Northwest Missouri State University profession-based learning (PBL) internships are providing real-world experience, professional networking opportunities and skill development that goes beyond the classroom.

Northwest Career Services has developed paid PBL internships for students to engage in profession-based learning and encourage cross-departmental collaboration.

The internships equal a three-hour credit course, spanning the entirety of the academic year.

“These are a way for you, without even having to leave campus, to be able to build that résumé, work on a project or have a very dedicated kind of experience,” Travis Kline, assistant director of Career Services, said.

Two Northwest students – Lauren Kelly and Onkarabetse Koikayang – have benefited by participating in PBL internships this year.

Kelly, a senior business management and marketing major from Rock Port, Missouri, interns with the city of Maryville, doing marketing and social media work. She creates social media posts, connects with Maryville businesses and creates marketing events to encourage community engagement.

The internship has allowed her to gain valuable marketing experience without going far from the Northwest campus.

“Everyone I have worked with has been so willing to work with my schedule,” Kelly said. “They’re extremely flexible. The experience is something you’re not going to get elsewhere.”

Kelly had not realized how many things Maryville businesses are doing until working with the city in addition to an internship she holds with Mosaic Life Care.

“The experience I gained during this internship has helped me develop into a more well-rounded person,” Kelly said. “I have not only improved my communication skills, but I have also built meaningful relationships within the Maryville community.”

Koikanyang, a sophomore psychology major from South Africa, interns with Northwest’s global engagement office to assist with social media accounts and marketing materials. She also takes photos at events, designs flyers and creates engaging content on social media to promote cultural celebrations.

The internship has brought her psychology concepts to life.

“As someone aspiring to become a clinical psychologist, this internship helped me build essential soft skills like empathy, active listening and cultural competence,” Koikanyang said. “Engaging with students from different backgrounds and promoting events that celebrate diversity has strengthened my ability to connect with people, which is a crucial aspect of clinical psychology.”

Koikanyang said the profession-based learning experience has reinforced the importance of effective communication, cultural awareness and teamwork. The experience is building her confidence while she explores her interests in a practical setting.

“I gained a deeper understanding of how to create inclusive spaces and celebrate diversity, which is valuable not just in this role but also in my future career,” Koikanyang said. “I improved my skills in digital marketing, content creation and social media management. Additionally, I developed interpersonal and professional communication skills through my meetings and collaborations with my team.”

Dr. Jessie Peter, a senior coordinator of diversity and Koikanyang’s supervisor, noticed an increase in student participation in intercultural learning experiences due to Koikanyang’s work.

“Onka has a learning mindset,” Peter said. “This has allowed her to build a strong bond with students, faculty, staff and community members across social media platforms. She is creative and has made significant suggestions to improve our social media presence.”

Northwest offices and departments utilize PBL interns to work on large projects for which they may not have staff, increasing opportunities for students to get hands-on experience.

Offices and departments may submit internship ideas to Career Services and apply for a PBL intern at the end of the spring semester. Career Services places students with an area to work 150 hours per semester.

For more information about PBL internships, visit http://www.nwmissouri.edu/career/.