Summer Internships
Students pursue interests, gain experience through internships
By Andy Orem '13
Here at Hanover College more than 60 students take on internships. This number, down from previous years because of the economic downturn, includes both paid and unpaid positions. Internships present students with unique challenges and opportunities, as well as give students a chance to travel to many different places around the world. From Switzerland to just up the road in Indianapolis, Ind., students get a chance to make a difference and put their skills and Hanover education to use.
Senior Akami Marquis (Burlington, Ky.) put her passion for helping people to use when she helped set up a bakery in Lima, Peru. This international studies major had the idea to go to South America, and with the help of a grant from Hanover's Center for Church Leadership, along with a year of fund-raising, she made the trip.
Marquis worked for the non-government organization, Nino Luz, to help women in a developing nation. "It was initially a plan to help women in the area become more self-reliant and build their self esteem," said Marquis. The five women hired by Marquis now run the bakery. "Hanover helped give me the tools to bring together my idea. I've learned to appreciate things more. I have a new sense of community and a 'how can I help others' attitude."
Marquis said that her work is not over yet and may make a career as a community or event organizer in developing nations such as Brazil, India, and the Middle East. Eventually, from her experience as an intern, Marquis wants to open up a women's center, "some place where they can get help if they need it. A safe place for women."
Elementary education major, Mary Ruble (Valparaiso, Ind.), has made a difference close to home. Over the summer, the junior had the opportunity to work for Damar, a residential facility and school located in Indianapolis, for children with autism. With her internship made possible by the Career Center here on campus, Ruble got real life work experience.
"I made personalized learning materials for children with severe autism and helped teachers with whatever they needed," said Ruble. "Working at Damar helped me realize that I am a very patient person and I care a lot for the children that I work with. I learned my heart is really in this field." Ruble's internship taught her that working with children with special needs is her career choice and she hopes to work for Damar in the future.
Hanover students have not only helped in the medical world, but in the political world, as well. Junior Sarah Goth (Newburgh, Ind.) held an internship for the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland. Goth spent her time doing internet-based research on women's political participation and its importance, especially in countries new to democracy.
"My classes in women's political representation really helped out," Goth, the international studies major, said, "They (the IPU) were impressed with American work ethic. I think any Hanover student would do well, someone who works hard all the time will do (well)."
Goth hopes to live and work in Geneva with the IPU with a focus on women's international issues.
Andy Orem is a freshman from Princeton, Ind. He served as editor-in-chief of his high school newspaper, the Princeton Community Tiger Tales.
