September is Workforce Development Month, and Colorado Mesa University understands the vital role that internships play in developing young leaders to succeed in full-time roles after graduation. Internships are generally required for a student’s degree; they provide an invaluable number of learning opportunities for both the student and employer.  

Erika Jackson, PhD, Department Head of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Professor of History, has experienced the value that internships can provide to Mavericks and provides some advice on how to succeed in an internship experience.

She advises students to “treat this [internship] as a job opportunity.”

She’s not wrong; studies have shown that over half of interns are converted to full-time employees after their internship. Tessa Binam, a CMU alumna, is a great example of an intern who went on to full-time employment. Binam interned at Colorado Health Network as a part of her student practicum through the Social Work Program and then went on to accept a full-time position as a Prevention Coordinator.  

Thanks to CMU’s Alumni and Career Services (ACS), Binam was able to receive support in perfecting her resume and completing other tasks necessary for her application. Ultimately, the support from professors and ACS alike helped her secure an internship opportunity that she was passionate about. 

“Having that support there of someone who knew what they were doing was really beneficial,” said Binam.  

“Having that support there of someone who knew what they were doing was really beneficial.” – CMU alumna Tessa Binam  

Another example of internship success is Ficher Peach, a current CMU student majoring in finance and management with a minor in accounting. Peach grew up on the Front Range but decided to move to Grand Junction because of the affordable education offered at CMU. 

Peach interned for DWC CPAs and Advisors in Downtown Grand Junction after a recruiter from the organization visited one of his classes in the Davis School of Business. The DWC recruiter encouraged students to attend a mixer they were hosting, a casual event designed to connect students with DWC employees. 

While Peach has known from a young age that he wanted to pursue a career involving numbers, following in his mother’s footsteps, this internship has only confirmed his interest. He encourages all Mavericks to “be open to opportunities that present themselves.” After all, you never know what lies behind each “yes!” 

Whether it’s earning class credit, or pursuing opportunities that pique students’ interests, CMU is here to develop a strong workforce for years to come, thanks to the support from faculty, staff and university leaders. 

Written by Abby Melnikoff
Visit www.coloradomesa.edu