Continuing Education Students Use Internships to Try On a New Career

When you think o​​f internships, you might think of a traditional undergraduate who can work for free – often someone who isn’t thinking seriously about his or her career just yet.

For Providence College School of Continuing Education (SCE) students, this is far from the case. Our adult learners take on internships because they see the value in earning college credit and exploring where they would like to take their careers once they graduate. Think of it as a trial run, a way to build new skills or to try on a new career.

Added benefits? Internships allow you and the employer to get to know each other. Plus, an internship can enhance your resume.

We caught up with Diana Gemma, an SCE student who participated in an internship after being out of the workforce for more than 10 years. Read her inspiring story below.

(To learn more about internships for college credit at Providence College, click here.)

Tell us about your internship and why you chose that organization.
My internship came about when Tom Kellogg, owner of Parsons Kellogg (PK)​, a promotional products distributor, approached me when he found out I was a student at PC. He told me his company has had great success with PC students in the past and they would love to have me intern with them.

After 10 years of being a stay at home mom and 20 plus years prior to that being self-employed, I felt I needed to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I had never worked in an office type setting before and felt I had nothing to lose, only experience to gain.

While at PK, I have had numerous and varied roles. My first project was to design a company history timeline. I then went on to use my own personal contacts to acquire new clients. I also helped oversee logistics for the company’s move to another location. Today I reviewed a proposal, which I enjoyed getting my hands on.

What are you gaining from the experience – personally and/or professionally?
The overall experience has made me realize that I have more to bring to the table than I originally thought possible. I may not be as quick, in terms of technology, as the two other young PC interns that I am working with, but my life experiences have served me well in decision-making. The interns and I never hesitate to ask each other for help or advice.

Would you encourage others to do an internship? Explain.
I would absolutely encourage other students to do an internship. As a result of my good experience, I am encouraging my teenage boys to find a company in a field they are interested in and intern this summer.

In my opinion, hands-on experience is the best way to learn about yourself and discover what excites you. As an employer, I see an internship as a semester long interview. PK has many PC grad employees as a result of their participation in the internship program. I feel grateful to have had this opportunity.