UNIVERSITY NEWS
U.S. News & World Report lauds U of M internship program The University of Memphis has one of the top 10 most successful internship programs of any college or university in the nation, according to the “Short List,” published by U.S. News & World Report. Fifty-two percent of U of M students held internships prior to getting their undergraduate degrees. This compares to a national average of 36.9 percent for the class of 2011, the year the data was compiled. U.S. News surveyed more than 1,800 colleges and universities to compile the list, with 330 of those surveyed providing internship data. Students have taken part in internships at places as diverse as International Paper, Smith & Nephew, the Memphis Grizzlies and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “You go to an internship like a sponge and just soak everything up,” said Trenton Busby (BSEd ’10), who was offered “a job on the spot” with the San Antonio Spurs after he interned with the Grizzlies while he was a U of M student. “It is all about building relationships internally and externally.” “The Smith & Nephew experience taught me the practical work skills that you can’t find in a classroom,” said Monohar Potluri, biomedical engineering graduate student. “Combining that with my graduate degree gives me the skills I need to succeed in my future endeavors.” In fall 2012, there were 2,350 U of M undergraduate students holding internships, according to Dr. Dixie Crase, director of Academic Internships at the University. “The U.S. News recognition of the University Academic Internship Program is confirmation of the significance of high-quality internship experiences for many of our students,” Crase said. “An internship is increasingly seen as an avenue to employment possibilities with opportunities for networking as well as the implementation of classroom learning in the world of work. The University values the W W W. M E M P H I S . E D U
Fifty-two percent of U of M graduates held internships prior to graduation, making the University’s internship program one of the top 10 in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report.
productive partnerships established within the Memphis community through internships. Community partners contribute to the preparation of young professionals who help build the future of Memphis.” University President Shirley Raines said the U of M is grateful to the numerous businesses, schools, community agencies, hospitals, law firms, public service offices, nonprofit organizations and other employers who provide internships for U of M students. “We have long recognized the value of internships to a student’s education,” said
Dr. Raines. “Internships give students a good look at what their careers may be like after college, and research shows that students with internships on their resumes have higher job placement.” The U.S. News “Short List” is available at www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/ the-short-list-college/articles/2012/11/20/10national-universities-that-produce-the-mostinterns. For information on the internship program, contact Dixie Crase at 901/678-3102 or drcrase@memphis.edu. SP R I NG 2013
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