The Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University provides unique opportunities for students to develop their leadership and professional skills.
On January 24, the college's BB&T Student Leadership Center hosted an internship panel discussion, during which three employers and three students discussed the value of the internship experience. More than 100 students attended the event, which was held the evening before the university's internship fair.
Employer panelists were Blue Ridge Electric SVP and Chief Administrative Officer Julie O'Dell-Michie; Lowe's Companies University Relations Recruiter Matt Hord; and Speedway HR Advisor Penny Clarke.
Student panelists were international business major and supply chain management and Spanish minor Reena Patel; finance and banking major Luke Otto; and industrial and organizational psychology-human resource management graduate student Kathryn Smith.
A question and answer session gave insight on both the intern and employer perspectives and valuable advice for students deciding if an internship is right for them.
An informal networking event followed the panel discussion in Peacock Hall.
About the BB&T Student Leadership Center
The BB&T Student Leadership Center provides opportunities for business students to build career skills through professional and leadership development training. The center provides career services with personalized coaching and support to business students as they prepare for a career beyond Appalachian. The center serves as a link between students and employment recruiters and alumni, and it provides programs and services to assist students as they develop professionally inside and outside of the classroom. Services offered include mentoring, leadership case competitions, career counseling, resume development, internship placement assistance, job search strategies, mock interviewing and salary negotiation training. Through services provided by the center, 92 percent of 2014-15 Walker College of Business graduates successfully reached their first professional destination.
January 24 Internship Panel Attendees
