The Value of Internships
In today’s job market, a college degree is essential to secure most careers. Nearly as important as a quality bachelor’s degree is a strong internship. Most companies are hoping to hire people with both the academic knowledge that comes with a degree and the real-world experience that only an internship can bring.
At Northwest University, we understand the importance of securing this real-world experience, which is why the majority of our programs require a practicum before graduation. In fact, over 70% of our students intern.
One NU student, Mackenzie Byrne, pursued an internship at Costco (just one of the many Fortune 500 companies located in the Seattle area). You can read about her experience below.
"This summer, I am interning at the Costco Wholesale Corporate office in Issaquah, Washington. My accounting and finance professor, Tom Sill, helped connect me with folks at Costco, a company that I’ve long admired. Through this internship I’m hoping to gain experience working in a large corporate setting, much different than my previous internship at a local consulting firm.
Since starting my internship, I’ve noticed that many employees take great pride in working for Costco, and they enjoy coming to work each day. Additionally, Costco places a high importance on treating their employees and customers well, and doing things the right and responsible way. Costco is unique because they are a company that values honesty, and their commitment to running their business in an ethical way has led to vast success.
My internship has helped me to grow on a personal, professional, and spiritual level. I have grown through learning how to do a variety of treasury and banking tasks, including processing corporate deposits and working on a variety of projects for the Treasury Department. My supervisor has given me many opportunities to apply newly learned skills, often letting me take on tasks independently. This has strengthened my competencies and confidence. Spiritually, this internship has helped me to grow by reiterating the personal need to trust God and his provision in each new experience that I have.
After graduating, my goal is to work in accounting or finance for a company in the Bellevue or Seattle area, so I know the skills I’m gaining now will be important! I look forward to the journey and continual learning ahead."
Through our network of connected professors and our Vocational and Occupation Center, NU is committed to making your dream internship a possibility.