“Springternships” Offer Short but Meaningful Resume-Boosting Experiences

KENNESAW, Ga. (Feb 26, 2020) — Dr. Teresa Raczek, Interim Chair of the Department of Geography and Anthropology and Associate Professor of Anthropology, heard from some students that transportation issues and the cost of gas were preventing them from taking on internships.

Knowing the importance of experiential learning to a student’s education and future job prospects, Dr. Raczek developed an innovative way for students to have hands-on career-focused experiences that the Department is calling “Springternships.” These mini internships are held over six days during spring break, and carpooling is arranged for students who don’t have transportation. Students work eight-hour days for a short but intense burst of resume-boosting experiences.

For one of the Springternships, Dr. Raczek partnered with the Antonio J. Waring Archaeological Lab at the University of West Georgia, the state repository for archaeological artifacts. Ten students will be trained in 3-D scanning, artifact digitization, organizing collections, databasing, environmental monitoring and several other curation-related tasks. Each student will rotate through the tasks in order to get hands-on experience with artifacts, equipment and software. Since the Waring Lab is located in Carrollton, Georgia, UWG is offering accommodations for just $30 per night and reduced prices for meal plans.

Global Growers, an Atlanta based non-profit that works with refugees to help them get started farming or growing community gardens, will provide another Springternship experience. Five students interested in sustainability or global migration will work together in the field and office to get the growing season started.

This program is an example of the commitment that the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at KSU has to experiential learning as part of the Dean’s Passport to Success program. Passport to Success focuses on undergraduate leadership and innovation through internships and experiential learning.

According to Shawn Long, M.P.A., Ph.D., Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Professor of Communication, “As the College moves towards becoming the most impactful College of Humanities and Social Sciences in the country, innovative experiences like Springternships enable our students to take advantage of unique opportunities that will prepare them for post-graduation life.  I applaud Dr. Raczek for her leadership in providing this opportunity for our students.”

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