Internships

Many Carthage business students work as interns at nearby companies during J-Term or summer break. These field placements give students career insights, a professional network, and valuable experience in a real work environment.

Kristen Jessup, '10

Major: Business and Marketing
Internship: Midwest Airlines

Kristen Jessup, of Hartland, Wis., spent the summer before her senior year at Carthage interning at Midwest Airlines in Milwaukee. “I am working throughout the whole company at Midwest,” she said. “I am lucky enough to be the only intern at the company, which exposes me to various departments and types of work.”

So far, she has worked in the company’s public relations department handling requests from other businesses seeking donations from Midwest for their events; the training department, creating test modules for customer service employees; and the marketing department, preparing for company events.

“I also spent time researching and comparing the various frequent flyer programs of various airlines serving comparable flight routes as that of Midwest,” she said. “I helped to operate the ‘Midwest Landing’ tent at Summerfest, where we promoted the brand. Our tent was a great success as we consistently greeted a very long line of visitors during the fest. This was great experience for me to understand how the company directly impacts and interacts with their consumer base. … On Friday, I will fly to New York from Milwaukee to complete a customer service audit. Audits are completed on a routine basis within the company, and help to promote ‘the best care in the air.’”

Kristen said it’s important for her to gain experience in the workforce, since she is graduating from Carthage next spring.

“With this experience, I will be more familiar with various details to pay attention to when I begin my job search. Also, this well-rounded experience will hopefully aid in obtaining my career goals.”

After graduation, she’d like to work as an event planner, and says her internship has taught her a lot. “I have learned everything from the basics of the office culture, to the specifics and goings-on of the airline business. … Working in the airline business is much different, and much more interesting than merely being a passenger!”