Galloway, N.J. — Internships build connections and skills for college students, but the experiences can be so much more than a line on a resume.

“I feel like I was a whole different person before I started this internship. I learned so much that will help me in my future,” said Khushi Shah, of Galloway, a junior majoring in Finance who spent the semester interning with Simon & Schuster.

Shah, and students Collin Rieser and Ian Adjangba discussed their experiences at the Annual School of Business Internship Partner Appreciation Breakfast on April 29.

“One of the challenges I had to face was confidence,” said Rieser, a Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management major from Southampton, of his internship as front desk supervisor for Hotel Hershey in Pennsylvania. “For me I never had much confidence in a leadership role or in general. I knew getting that position that they saw something in me that I had still yet to see. I was paired with another employee, and she really helped with my confidence issues. In just one week, I felt like I had worked there for years.”

The event celebrated the internship partners who provided opportunities for Business students during the past year to learn in a hands-on environment.

“Having the opportunity to bring theory into practice is so important for our students. There is no better way to learn than to get directly involved in the area in which you have been learning about,” said Marissa Levy, interim provost, in thanking the partners in attendance. “Having a hands-on and experiential opportunity significantly enhances the connection to the classroom.”

Kelly Talis, senior manager of Talent Acquisition for Spencer’s and Spirit Halloween, said the students aren’t the only ones who benefit from internships.

“Interns generate excitement within the organization. They are the future for us, and we lean on them for ideas,” Talis said, adding that the company hires dozens of Stockton interns each year.

President Joe Bertolino praised partnerships like this.

“These connections matter. The relationships matter. Many years ago … people didn’t talk about internships as much. Today, it is virtually impossible to get through any academic career successfully without having a solid internship, a solid professional opportunity,” Bertolino said. “Thank you to our partners for all of your support.”

Most of Stockton’s business internships are paid. Several students who completed unpaid internships at nonprofit agencies were awarded $500 stipends by the Business School, including: Benjamin Bibeault, Gianna Caporale, Alyson Doyle, Riya Goyal, Alexei Krotoff, Monique Marius, Kiara Nieves, Chelsea Paszek, Anta Thiam Gueye and Janet Yee.

Students offered advice for their peers considering internships.

“I learned it’s good to put yourself out there and network,” said Adjangba, a Finance major from Howell who interned with the School District of Philadelphia.

“Just do it. The experience will lead you to a potential career or opportunity,” Riess said.

-Story by Stacey Clapp

-Photos by Lizzie Nealis