On the verge of graduation, Gorella was looking for a way to set himself apart as he entered the job market. An internship as part of the School of Business Internship Program did just that.
The program, which began in 2012, is an academic internship providing students with supervised hands-on learning opportunities in the real world. Gorella interned with the Headwaters Fund, a local economic development organization. His task centered on identifying business in the county that lacked a succession plan.
“A lot of successful Humboldt County businesses have been running for 30-40 years but have no exit strategy because the owner is so invested in the brand and daily operations,” Gorella said. He served on a panel of experts who met with these businesses to help strategize plans to keep the businesses strong after the owner retires.
Gorella found the experience vital as he prepared to graduate. “The program gave me something to offer an employer and an opportunity to learn in my field. But most important, it gave me a chance to build my self confidence before entering the workforce.”
Gorella graduated from Humboldt State in Spring 2013 and now works for Fresno State University as a Summer Conference and Marketing Coordinator. He credits the internship program for equipping him with the tools and skills he needed to start his career on the right path.
“This program gave me the opportunity to walk into a job as a strong player with the experience I acquired.”
Undergraduate business students are mentored by both an HSU professor and an intern supervisor on the job. The Internship Program is offered as BA482 every spring semester and includes a stipend for students along with the experiences.
The program’s funding from a $400,000 gift from the Smullin Foundation will offer support 150 Humboldt State Business Students with these paid internships over five years.