Students gain career insights via summer internships

This summer, dozens of Eastern students completed internships, co-ops, and fellowships in fields ranging from marketing and insurance to nursing and news broadcasting, gaining hands-on experience and industry know-how while preparing for future careers. 

“Internships and co-op experiences provide students with opportunities to develop skills that are difficult to fully replicate in the classroom,” explained Christopher Ambrosio, director of Career Services. “Beyond industry-specific knowledge, students learn workplace culture, professionalism, accountability, and how to connect their skills and experiences to the needs of an employer.” 

Jordan Demeusy – Alps Beverages 

Jordan Demeusy, a senior business administration major, worked as a digital marketing intern at Alps Beverages, a popular adult beverage company based in Manhattan, New York. 

In the role, Demeusy supported digital marketing efforts for two Alps brands.   

“I got to see the process behind campaigns, from coming up with an idea to figuring out how it could be executed in the market,” she said. “I was surprised by how many of my classes connected to my work at Alps. I was able to see those concepts applied to real brands.” 

She also commented on the benefits of working for a smaller brand over a major company.  

“Since Alps is a smaller company, I was able to be involved in a lot of different areas rather than focusing on just one task, which gave me a much better understanding of everything that goes into marketing a brand compared to learning about the process in a classroom.” 

Demeusy credited business administration professors Gregory Kane and Jehoon Jeon in preparing her for her internship.  

“Their classes prepared me with the knowledge and experience I needed to land my internship position, and their guidance and leadership skills gave me the confidence I need to step out of my comfort zone and take a big leap,” she said. 

Sarah Whelan – Hartford Hospital Emergency Department 

“When the trauma was announced overhead, nurses, providers, respiratory therapists, and pharmacy staff immediately came together in the room,” said Sarah Whelan, a senior nursing major who interned at the emergency department in Hartford Hospital.  

Whelan described observing a trauma response in the hospital’s “Red Pod,” where its most critically ill and injured patients receive care.  

“Everyone moved with such a purpose and worked together like a well-oiled machine to provide the patient with the care they need,” she said. 

“Seeing the team come together so seamlessly made me want to become the kind of nurse who can contribute to a team in that same way. … Someone who can remain calm, communicate effectively, and make a meaningful difference in a patient’s care when it matters most.” 

During her internship, Whelan observed, assisted, and shadowed nurses in each of the ED’s pods. She assisted with care, observed administration of medicine, and  gained a broad understanding of the department. 

“I gained a much better understanding of the role nurses play in the emergency department and the importance of communication, teamwork, and adaptability in providing patient care,” Whelan said.  

Kevin Daley – NBCUniversal 

“Many of my colleagues that I met and worked with helped me grow as a person and a professional,” said Kevin Daley, a senior business administration major who served as a sales intern at NBCUniversal. 

Daley spent the summer shadowing sales representatives, creating digital media plans, and working closely

with sales and marketing teams at NBCU’s Connecticut operations, including NBC Connecticut and Telemundo Connecticut. 

“Many of the skills that I learned in the classroom, such as working with Microsoft Office, helped me come into my internship with strengths that would help me succeed,” he said. 

During the internship, Daley gained professional experience and memorable opportunities. 

“One memory is when I attended a CT LIVE shoot at a bowling alley,” Daley explained. “I had the opportunity to be in the segment, and it aired on live TV.”  

Caitlin Duda – Lawrence + Memorial Hospital 

Caitlin Duda, a senior nursing major, participated in a similar program as a student nurse intern at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. During her internship, Duda spent several weeks shadowing nurses in several departments to get a well-rounded view of hospital operations.  

She also observed and gained experience in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU, learning more about the specialized care given to newborns with a variety of medical conditions. 

“I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited to carry these experiences with me as I enter my senior year of nursing school,” Duda said. 

Gianni Mirabello – Small Business Resource Center 

While many students complete internships at private companies, Eastern also provides internship opportunities through its academic departments, administrative offices, and community initiatives. 

Gianni Mirabello, a junior finance major, served as the

first undergraduate intern at Eastern’s Small Business Resource Center (SBRC). 

The collaborative initiative between Eastern, the Town of Windham, and Liberty Bank provides free support to small business owners and entrepreneurs with the goal of fostering inclusive economic development and strengthening the local business ecosystem. 

“I learned first-hand some of the ins and outs of running a small business, and the challenges business owners face in a changing economy,” he said.  

Mirabello, an aspiring certified financial planner and business owner, already has entrepreneurial experience. He founded a basketball skills development business at age 18. 

At the SBRC, his work included coordinating events, conducting small business-centered research, supporting marketing initiatives, and administrative tasks. One initiative he believes will leave a lasting impact was creating the Economic Equity Academy, an upcoming program empowering women to succeed in business. 

Miles Lovell, graduate intern at the SBRC, said that Mirabello “played an important role in supporting the SBRC, including helping plan several upcoming events and initiatives for the fall semester, promoting the Center within the community, and bringing greater student involvement to the SBRC.” 

Julia Knowles – Reaching Beyond the Classroom 

Julia Knowles, a senior business administration major, worked as a marketing and branding intern at Imagine Reaching Beyond the Classroom, a Niantic-based educational services provider dedicated to creating inclusive learning environments for students. 

Knowles led initiatives related to the organization’s visual identity, digital presence, and program

design. She said a large part of her internship was redesigning the organization’s website. 

“Seeing all the moving parts come together to create a smooth, accessible experience for users -, all while staying true to our aesthetic -, was so rewarding,” she said. “It really gave me an appreciation for how much thoughtful design shapes the way people experience a brand.” 

The internship provided an opportunity to apply classroom concepts in a professional setting while gaining industry-specific knowledge. 

“Brand identity was something I used every single day,” she said. “To redesign the logo and rebuild the website, I had to really get what image RBC stands for and figure out how to translate those core values into visual design.”  

How Career Services helps 

Eastern's Office of Career Services supports students and alumni with career development. The office provides networking opportunities, resume-writing workshops, career tutoring, and help in finding internship and career opportunities. 

Christopher Ambrosio, director of Career Services, explained the importance of self-reflection during the job search.  

“In today’s job market, it’s essential for students to understand their skills, effectively communicate them in application materials, and bring their experiences to life during interviews and networking opportunities.” 

He continued: “Each step requires thoughtful preparation so employers can clearly see the value and unique strengths a student brings to the organization.” 

Learn more about Career Services through their website: https://www.easternct.edu/career/