April 8, 2021
In turn with Callie Collins
In turn is a series that highlights the student interns and internship opportunities found within the College of Business (COB). For more information, contact Melissa Parks at parksr19@ecu.edu.
COB Junior Callie Collins of Cary, North Carolina is avoiding the basic approach to her college education. She’s getting involved and taking advantage of the opportunities that ECU and the College of Business are providing her. Collins is a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority and the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society. Collins also is a recipient of the COB Alumni Book Scholarship. And, when she graduates, she’ll have a double major in marketing and supply chain management.
Collins is currently in her second year as a marketing intern with ECU’s Career Services, and she recently started another internship position with Syneos Health. She will join the biopharmaceutical company’s branding team.
“I chose to have these internships because they are the best way to gain real-world experience,” said Collins. “There are so many different aspects of marketing. My experience has helped me sort through what I like doing, what I don’t like and where I’m excelling.”
“Doing an internship dramatically improved my chances of getting a job after graduation,” Collins added.
How did the COB prepare you to be the chosen candidate?
The college has prepared me in numerous ways. During my freshman year, we had to create a resume and get it approved by the COB. I have been told that I have one of the best, formatted resumes out there. All of my professors have emphasized the importance of an internship, and they even sent us super helpful job openings.
What has the Career Services internship meant to you?
The Career Services’ internship has prepared me for more than I could ever imagine. Working with staff who are helping students is so motivating and empowering. I’m gaining great knowledge from being around them every day. I was shocked to get this internship after my freshman year. In my two years of working with ECU Career Services, I have put myself in the ideal position after graduation. The connections I have made are lifelong, and I would not be where I am today without this experience.
The more internships and real-world experience, the better.
How are you better prepared for your career with this internship under your belt?
I am more prepared in every way possible. I am working around career counselors every day. I’m getting resume advice, interview tips, and help on my cover letter. Thanks to these experiences, I now know what marketing field I would like to go into, which will be super helpful when searching for jobs.
Why would you recommend a business student take advantage of an internship opportunity?
I don’t know why anyone would not want to do an internship.
Although classes do prepare you for life after college, an internship is a whole different story. You can grow so much and obtain knowledge in a short time. There is no harm in applying and interviewing with a company. The more interview experience, the better. Even if you do not get the position, you still learned something from the interview process.