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Brittany Hayles

Major: Business Management

Minor: Computer Information Systems (CIS)

Class: Sophomore

Internship: Rolls Royce

Hayles didn’t expect to work for Rolls Royce this summer; she had wanted to intern in the fashion industry. Then she saw Rolls Royce come up on a search engine for internships, and it was in her desired area of New York.

As a sophomore, she thought that she would not get this opportunity. According to Hayles, preference is usually given to upperclassmen so that once they graduate, they can begin working there.

“I was surprised to get a call for an interview. In a way, I didn’t chose the internship. It chose me,” Hayles said.

Hayles will be a purchasing intern. Her work will involve buying supplies primarily for the engines that the company builds. Her department will get a budget outlining how much they can spend on programs, engines and anything else.

“Someone who is a good purchasing intern tries to figure out the best way to spend that money more efficiently,” Hayles said.

As for advice, Hayles says, “Be aware of what’s out there. An internship is an internship. You are going to learn, no matter what.”

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Christopher Roberts

Major: Accounting

Minor: Computer Information Systems (CIS)

Class: Sophomore in the 3+1 BS/MBA Program

Internship: Ernst & Young (New York City and London offices)

According to Roberts, Ernst & Young is one of the Big Four accounting firms, along with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler and Deloitte. Last summer, Roberts participated in a leadership program for Ernst & Young, which prompted him to apply for this upcoming internship.

“To follow a Big Four accounting path, people go through the leadership program, an internship, and then hopefully, get a job offer,” Roberts said.

Roberts had his interview for the internship while he was at the leadership program. Early last semester, he found out he received the position for the New York City office.

“I’ll be part of what’s called the assurance practice. I will be auditing companies on a team with other employees at Ernst & Young,” Roberts said.

Recently, he applied for their Global Student Experience Program.

“It is kind of a study abroad for interns part of the program already,” Roberts said.

Roberts wrote an essay about how studying abroad will help his career as an accountant. After the essay, he was selected as a finalist. Roberts was one of the 100 applicants out of 1,000 chosen for a phone interview. Then, he was selected to work at the London office for four weeks this summer. He will be doing the same type of work as the New York City office, just abroad.

According to Roberts, it’s expected for students to work for one of the Big Four accounting companies, but he said it depends on personal preference, too. Instead of corporate accounting, someone could work for smaller firms in the local area.

“But, I have always wanted to work in a big city,” Roberts added. “I’m excited about it.”

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Jonathan Hammer

Major: English

Class: Junior

Internship: Seagreen Records

Seagreen Records is a local record label and booking agency that finds likeable bands and helps the artists record albums, EPs or cassettes. The company also distributes the music and books shows for the bands.

Hammer’s job will mainly consist of working with the legal matters of the CD printing process and distribution, booking shows and running those shows.

Hammer chose this internship because it is similar to the work he does for WQAQ, where he serves as general manager. He has booked many shows for the radio station and has also performed in concerts with his band. Hammer’s experiences so far have prompted him to go into the music business after college.

“This is what I want to do. The music business is huge and I love music,” Hammer said.

Hammer had to do some investigating and use his connections to secure this internship.

“There is not really any outlet for music business on campus,” Hammer said. “I could not find internships easily.”

The hands-on experience, such as contract negotiations, will also help Hammer promote his own band.

“At this point in my life, personal experience is much more worthwhile than the money,” Hammer said.

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Abigail Cook

Major: Double major in Political Science and History

Minor: Double minor in French and Women’s Studies

Class Standing: Sophomore

Internship: Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence

Based in Concord, New Hampshire, the coalition aims to promote legislation that will benefit victims of domestic and sexual violence. They also want to provide services to help these victims.

For her internship, Cook will be doing advocacy work. According to Cook, her internship is more of a political science and women’s studies type of internship.

“I want women and men who are attacked to understand that if you are walking down the street and somebody makes a comment at you, touches you, or whistles at you, that is sexual assault,” Cook said. “Nobody chose to be a certain sex or good looking and it cannot be held against them.”

She will be going to the State House and presenting to committees to advocate legislation which will provide services for the victims.

“The coalition has already made great strides in assault victim legislature and I cannot wait to help them prepare for the next advocating season,” Cook said.

Cook also had the option of working at Planned Parenthood. However, the advocacy internship was more flexible and closer to where Cook lives.

However, both internships hit home because they had a focus towards women.

“I’m a little bit of a feminist,” Cook said. “Once our society eliminates this culture of antagonizing women for their bodies, I believe gender equity in the workplace, politics and economics are soon to follow.”

Photos by Megan Maher and Patrick Halloran