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�첥��Ƶ Cortland Community College recognized National Intern Day on July 31 by paying tribute to the students who are taking their learning beyond the classroom, and the faculty and employers that make the valuable real-world experiences possible. 

“Internships in general are excellent for getting exposure to a field that we otherwise do not have access to,” said Cody VanHubert, an engineering science major who is interning this summer at the Cornell Nanoscale Facility. “I am aiding the staff at CNF within the cleanroom. For one hour a day, I restock the cleanroom, refill the chemicals in the machines, and generally tidy the photolithography spaces. For the rest of the day, I am free to learn and use the equipment. I receive training on many of the tools used in nanofabrication. It is extremely relevant to the field I want to get in to, and it gives me opportunities to use math and science (specifically chemistry) that I have learned at TC3 in a real world environment.”

“As a former TC3 student, I understand the importance of internships. They have helped shape my life,” said Alexandra Mikowski, executive director of Access to Independence of Cortland County. She now relies on interns to help AIC operate, giving her the perspective from both an intern and an employer. “Interns are involved in almost every aspect of our small non-profit. They are critical, bringing fresh perspective and new ideas. For students, they can put their learning into practice and test out theories they learned in the classroom. They network, build relationships and soft skills.”

TC3 students complete internships throughout the region, in a variety of fields. At Precision Filters in Ithaca, a global provider of high-tech instruments, interns assist with the testing of production items, analyze data, and help build and test prototype circuits to prove new design feasibility. “We have had great experiences with interns from TC3 over the years and are always impressed with how eager and well prepared they have been,” said Kevin Cornacchio, President of Precision Filters. “These qualities are key to the meaningful work they have enjoyed, and their ability to contribute to our �첥��Ƶ.”

For many students, an internship can prove incredibly valuable in confirming their career choice. “Throughout the internship, my confidence and clinical skills improved significantly,” said one nursing student who interned in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). “I performed full head-to-toe assessments, managed phototherapy, tube feeds, and suctioning, and learned to interpret ventilator settings. I also benefited from working alongside knowledgeable preceptors who facilitated learning opportunities. Overall, this immersive experience solidified my passion for the NICU and neonatal nursing.”

Internships are an excellent way for students to gain valuable hands-on job experience. Thanks to great partners in the community and faculty committed to providing the best for their students, TC3 students are able to take their learning to new levels.