Curricula changes emphasize internships

Entering information systems, management, and marketing students are now required to complete a professional internship before they graduate. As COBA gathered input before making recent changes to B.B.A. majors, one dominant theme was the importance of professional internships, which prepare more well-rounded students and help them find full-time jobs that are a good fit.

As director of professional development and internships for COBA, Jasmine McCabe-Gossett (‘10) said the increased emphasis on internships will help make students better equipped to handle real-world practices that they will face when they begin working full-time. “Students have the distinct opportunity to apply what can feel like abstract theories and case studies to the real world. Internships are insulated and allow students to practice in an environment designed for them to ask questions and fail, whereas, post-graduate opportunities can be far less forgiving.”

According to a recent NACE study, potential employers are looking for these qualities (in order): problem-solving (critical thinking); teamwork/ collaboration; professionalism/work ethic; verbal

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