Interning with the Finance & Accounting Office at the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers while finishing my business administration degree was one of the most valuable and rewarding experiences of my life. I was able to take many of the skills and concepts that I learned in the classroom and utilize them in a real-world business setting. I have progressed to the point where I am able to work independently on nearly all of the projects and assignments that I am tasked with completing, including handling our accounts payables, logistics billings, and many other accounting related matters. My hard work, positive attitude, and dedication have paid off; I have been offered a permanent position upon graduation in May! My internship experience has been wonderful in that it opened many doors for me and helped to get me on track for a bright future.

Amanda L. Kwaczala
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District

Erin J. Kabel
American Axle and Manufacturing, Intern
Wilson Greatbatch, Ltd. Intern

Completing an internship is one of the most important options a junior or senior should consider prior to graduation. I didn't really know what area of business I wanted to pursue until I completed my intern assignments. I interned in the human resource department for two different organizations: Language Development Program and ClientLogic. One assignment was for an education institution and the other in a computer service organization. With the exposure to this experience, it helped me decide what kind of company I wanted to direct my job seeking efforts toward. I strongly feel that my internship experiences helped me obtain a career path and brought me the job experience that can't be taught in the classroom.

Linda Tredinnick
Language Development Program, Intern
Client Logic, Intern

The experience I gained by interning with Junior Achievement of WNY was the most valuable opportunity I had while attending Buffalo State. One of my major internship assignments was to coordinate a national JA project, "Groundhog Job Shadow 2000". This project provided me the opportunity to refine valuable marketing techniques and communication skills.. This event was a great success with over 1,000 students participating and was a wonderful learning experience for me. I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to take part in this experience though in the Business Department Internship Program and Junior Achievement. Upon completing the internship, I was offered full-time employment as a Program Assistant with Junior Achievement of WNY, Inc.

Tammy Queeno
Junior Achievement of WNY, Inc. Intern

My four sports management business internships have allowed me to make classroom theory come alive. I have been able to apply what I've learned almost immediately at my internship sites. I have learned things about the business world that cannot be taught in the classroom. Without the internship program, I would not be working in my career of choice already. I truly believe every college student should be required to complete at least one internship before graduation.

Adam Wiener
Buffalo Sabres Hockey, Intern
Buffalo Wings Roller Hockey, Intern
Buffalo Blizzard Soccer, Intern
Connecticut Wolves Soccer, Intern

My participation in the Business Department Internship Program has been of great value to me. As a Business Education major, I was not sure which direction to take my degree: training or education. I thought Human Resources would be an avenue I would like to pursue. After the assignment, I came to the conclusion that HR was not for me. I decided to obtain a second internship with a computer training company. The most attractive part of that internship was the ability to attend classes at the site. Prospective employers were always impressed with the amount of experience I obtained while still earning my undergraduate degree. I found the Business Department Internship Program to be a valuable and useful experience which helped me focus on my career path.

Ramona R. SantaMaria
Children's Hospital of Buffalo, Intern
New Horizon Computer Learning Center, Intern

The Business Department Internship Program was one of the most valuable experiences that I had during college. It gave me the chance to compare my knowledge and skills to the needs of prospective employers. I was given a lot of responsibilities and feel that I am now a better candidate for a job. I would recommend that students take one or more internships before graduation.

Michael J. Kaizer
National Fuel Gas, Intern

Working as an intern for Independent Health, I acquired on-the-job experience that was not attainable through the classroom. I was able to take advantage of what I have learned and integrate that to my work. They alleviated many of my fears, and I had the opportunity to become familiar with the business world. My internship was not only a connection, it opened the door for a future career.

Rebecca L. Hayes
Independent Health, Intern

During my senior year at Buffalo State, I took part in an internship with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This was the best learning experience I had. It enabled me to explore my strengths and weaknesses, as well as provide some light as to possible career choices. Now that I am closer to graduation, I feel that I will be able to adjust to the professional work environment and will also offer valuable experience to my future employer.

Christopher L. Rivera
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Intern

My internship experience was well worth it, considering that I was offered a job during my internship period. I learned, and am still learning, a great deal on the job. Completing an internship really gets your foot in the door. This saved me all the hassle of trying to find a job upon graduation and competing with all the other hundreds of grads! My best advice would be to act positively and confidently about yourself and show that you are worth keeping after the internship period terminates!

Jodi Lussier
Curbell Plastics, Intern