The University Union held its first of 10 business internship information sessions Tuesday in the Orchard Suite II from 2 to 3 p.m. The lecture, hosted by Director of the College of Business Bonnie Burnell and Career Counselor Chrystye Peper, drew the attention of approximately 10 students.

Peper said these kinds of sessions are an efficient way to relay beneficial information for business students pursing an internship.

“I think it’s really important for them to become aware with connections and opportunities in the future,” Peper said. “It’s a very non-threatening way for students to really check out that environment.”

Conducted in two separate 30-minute sessions, the lecture provided students with information regarding operation management, finance, marketing and human resources.

Burnell not only stressed the significance of a business internship, but he also reviewed the program’s application process and requirements during the first portion of a session.

“We want to see you working in a position that is challenging enough,” Burnell said.

During the second part of the session, Peper went over the composition of a resume.

Students received a folder with various handouts and booklets consisting of information regarding internship and career opportunities, resumes and internship applications.

Burnell said that that the internship program is optional for students who are not in operation management or graduating, however, she encouraged students to pursue an internship, as it provides more experience and training than a regular job would.

“You put more into it, and get more out of it,” she said.

She said the program is three units per semester and a student must have completed 15 units of upper division business courses to be qualified for the program. They also must obtain a recommendation application from a business faculty member.

One student found this session beneficial, because he discovered crucial information that he had not known prior to attending the session.

“I was disappointed to find out that I won’t be able to take place in the program until next summer, because I don’t have 15 units,” Chris Fowler, junior general management business administration major, said. “But it (the session) included everything I wanted to know.”

Evelyn Bigelyaizen can be reached at [email protected].