2008 Winter - University Of Southern Indiana

Andy JeffriesJeffries called on knowledge andskills developed through classroomexperience to complete the study ofthe Alhambra.“I felt very prepared to do what wasneeded because the things you learn inhistory courses lend themselves to theactual work of doing and writing history,”he said.“You need research skills and theability to talk to people. You need tocarry yourself in a professional manner.There were a lot of phone calls, e-mails,and face-to-face meetings.”As for academic skills, Jeffriesemphasized the need to be critical inreading and evaluating the sources.His futureBased on his summer experience,Jeffries likes the idea of a job in research.He also may consider graduate schoolor a future in teaching.The Co-opStudentMelissa Kern, seniormajoring in business administrationwith an emphasis in managementand minoring in public relationsand advertisingHometownHuntingburg, IndianaHer employerPublic Affairs DepartmentToyota Motor Manufacturing IndianaPrinceton, IndianaHer co-op experienceFrom a recycling event for thirdgraders to a photo shoot for the cover ofFortune, Melissa Kern has put her businessadministration and public relationsknowledge into practice. She is completingthe second of three rotations asa co-op student at Toyota MotorManufacturing Indiana (TMMI).Her job encompasses event planning,TMMI’s student tour program,overview presentations, communications,and philanthropy. She plannedEarth Aware Camp, an event with afocus on recycling, for more than 420Gibson County third-graders, and alsowas involved in Toyota’s project to cleanup two community parks in observanceof National Public Lands Day. She hashad the opportunity to organize photoshoots, one of which resulted in a frontcover of Fortune magazine (March 19 issue).Melissa KernKern was excited that she was givenchallenging projects in her co-op experience.“I rarely am found behind the deskor my computer. A majority of my workis done throughout the community orgreeting visitors touring our facility,”she said.“I feel that what I have learned fromthis experience is a great deal of knowledgethat could never be taught in anyclassroom setting.”She has had a chance to see theToyota production system up close andgained experience in problem solving,effective communication, planningphilanthropic activities, and developingbusiness relationships.Her futureKern’s career goal is to land a positionin either business or public relationswith a Fortune 500 Company. She alsomay decide to further her education byearning an M.B.A. degree.ments include Parker, Pott Collegeof Science and Engineering; JanetJohnson, assistant director of CareerServices and Placement, College ofBusiness; Pam Doerter, career coordinator,College of Liberal Arts. A jobsearch is in progress to employ a careercoordinator for the open position workingwith the Bower-SuhrheinrichCollege of Education and the Collegeof Nursing and Health Professions.Parker said, “It’s important to getsome kind of career-related experiencebefore graduation. The hiring marketfor new graduates is very good, but it’sstill competitive. Students with thesekinds of experience will find themselvesat the top of the list.”For information aboutsponsoring an internshipCareer Services and Placement812/464-1865Room 074, Orr Centerwww.usi.edu/careersv/index.ASPUniversity of Southern Indiana15 December 2007