St. Bonaventure University’s Career and Professional Readiness Center (CPRC) has recognized five students by shining a spotlight on their internship experiences. 

The CPRC acknowledged Simone Bernstein, a senior social entrepreneurship and altruism major; Amy Hohman, a 2013 graduate in community mental health; Angelia Roggie and Alexandra Salerno, senior journalism and mass communication majors; and Kelly Sperrazzo, a graduate student studying business administration, for their internship selections during a luncheon and student panel session on Thursday, Jan. 23.

The purpose of the panel was to help other St. Bonaventure students see what opportunities are available to them. The students discussed their application process, day-to-day tasks and responsibilities, highlights from their experience and gave advice to students searching for internships.

The Internship Spotlight program is designed for students to gain recognition for their internship experience throughout their years at St. Bonaventure. This is the first year of the program.

“We just developed the program this fall, but we hope to make this an annual event and opportunity to recognize a different group of interns on the wall next year,” said Pamela Ferman, career counselor and employer relations coordinator.

The Intern Wall of Fame showcases the students recognized by the CPRC. 

“The Intern Wall of Fame is located across the hall of Reilly Center 219 and displays the large professional photos and biographies of the winners with their internship information,” Ferman said. “We want to showcase the great internships St. Bonaventure students participate in as well as encourage other students by showing them what great opportunities are out there.”

The Wall of Fame interns also received a professional portfolio and a $50 gift card to a store of her choice for professional dress.

Hohman said she interned as a therapist at the Cattaraugus County Department of Community Services. She learned what path she wants to pursue in community mental health.

“Learning in a classroom from a book is so much different from being able to learn hands on,” Hohman said. “When you are doing work, you get to explore what you like, and where you want to take your future and your focus. Internships are a great way to ‘get your foot in the door’ and potentially have a job waiting for you when you graduate.”

Salerno interned at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) as a media relations summer associate. She said it’s beneficial for students to search for internship programs.

“There is more structure when working in an internship program,” Salerno said. “In a program, you’re networking with other students who have similar interests and there are more beneficial opportunities you can take after you leave the program.”

Roggie, who interned at the White House as a speechwriter, offered advice to students who are nervous about not landing their dream internship.

Roggie admitted that she is not a fan of politics, “but when I got to the White house they told me, ‘This isn’t politics, this is government,’ so I suggest doing something you normally wouldn’t do because you might find something that you really enjoy.”

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure University cultivates graduates who are confident and creative communicators, collaborative leaders and team members, and innovative problem solvers who are respectful of themselves, others, and the diverse world around them. We are establishing pathways to internships, graduate schools and careers in the context of our renowned liberal arts tradition. Our students are becoming extraordinary.