Professor Kellie Playter, Assistant Professor and Internship Director, School of Business & Economics, shares advice for students looking to grow in their professionalism, secure internships and adjust to a shifting and hybrid workplace after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Q: As the Internship Director, what advice do you usually give to students about business communication and leadership before they go into their internship?  

A: Be prepared before you step your foot out the door. Know your strengths and values. From there, you need to go out and network and communicate effectively. Be able to articulate your goals to others. 90% of student internships at Concordia come from networking. I also advise students to speak with their family, friends, professors and mentors and you will most likely find that internship. 

Q: What skills did you develop early in your life that have assisted you in your career today? 

A: I was originally a communications studies major as an undergraduate. I learned how to write and speak well which benefited me in my various roles. 

Q: What is your favorite part about your job? 

A: My favorite part is the exit interview when someone has a good experience. Especially when students loved the experience and have job offers they received because of the internship. Feeling like I helped with the process is so rewarding. 

Q:  As you study for your Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, what was your favorite thing you learned about organizational leadership that applies to business students like myself? 

A: I love the program I’m in and I feel like God called me to it. Every class has real-life applications for me in my work, and the work of students. An example includes organizational behavior which teaches how we motivate others and how to work effectively as a team. Organizational behavior teaches students very practical strategies. I have had the privilege to teach the class so I can transfer what I have learned to students. Students believe communication is talking. But it includes listening, understanding and responding appropriately. 

Q: You have interviewed and created relationships with several business professionals. What can students do to network and connect with professionals?

A: I started by finding young professionals and connecting with them when I was an undergraduate. I was able to meet different business owners. Here, we have tons of events on campus that students are invited to. Students should attend these events and get to know the people who are part of the events. Push yourself out of your comfort zone. 

Q: At what time in their academic career should students start networking?

A: Start networking freshman year. Although your motivations can change, having more connections will benefit you in gaining more resources. Your needs may change but the more you network and stay motivated, the more your aspirations will become more specific. Your connections could know someone who can meet your needs. 

Q: How should students approach and talk to employers? 

A: The best way to introduce yourself is to not come in with the mindset of “I need a job.” Instead, come in telling people who you are and your goals. Ask the business professionals what they do and what they are looking for. Be there to get to know them.

Q: What types of communication skills do you think are the most crucial to young professionals with remote internships and jobs? 

A:  Be very organized and motivated. You have to stay on top of your work and you have to find ways to stay focused with outside distractions. Other communication skills include asking questions and joining events to chat and engage with business professionals. 

Q: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, statistics show that remote jobs have increased by 40% in the last year. Do you think that remote work has changed business communication within companies? 

A: Remote work has absolutely changed business communication within companies. For example, my dad’s company used to have every meeting in person. Now only two meetings every month are in person. People have realized how convenient remote work is and they are saving money on gas to drive and office space, and companies save time as well. We were forced to go remote but now people see that remote can be a nice balance. 

With the help of professors like Playter, Concordia students have secured internships at many top-shelf companies. “School of Business and Economics students have completed internships with companies such as Moss Adams LLP, State Farm Insurance, LexisNexis, Ernst & Young, CreatorUp Inc. and more,” said Playter. “One of our internship students that graduated last year was Daniel Maleski who interned for both RavenTech Consulting, where he was a Carbon Analyst and he worked with members of the EPA, and Marsh & McLennan Agencies, where he worked in sales and operations and now is working full-time as a Benefit Service Associate.”

Playter added, “In college, you want to balance finding out who you are and what's important to you, having fun and thinking about the future. Don’t forget what your goals are and know that your goals can change. If you are thinking far ahead, you will do great in the professional field.”

For more information and advice on the internship process inside of the School of Business and Economics, contact kellie.playter@cui.edu. For information on the School of Business and Economics, visit the office on the second floor of Grimm Hall North and contact Dean George Wright at george.wright@cui.edu.

 

Tags: business, Q&A

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