SUNY Canton views internships as an extension of its career-based educational programs.

The college currently has students placed in 52 presidential internships on campus. Two additional students work off-campus with area agencies, including the St. Louis County Center for History and Culture. Lawrence of Canton. The college has expanded its robust internship program so students can gain work experience in their chosen fields while still in college.

All internships are administered by the college’s Office of Career Services. Students typically receive $1,500 per semester for 100 hours of work, according to Assistant Director of Career Services Kathryn L. Kennedy.

“Internship experiences are critical to developing technical and career-readiness skills,” Kennedy said. “This includes communication, teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving, in addition to work ethic and professionalism.”

Kennedy said that in addition to gaining hands-on experience, internships give students a chance to explore a field before committing to a career. They also allow students to begin networking and build relationships with mentors to help open doors for future employment opportunities.

Harrisville’s Connor Dickinson’s internship with the SUNY Canton Kangaroos head athletic trainer came as a completely natural extension of his college education. Dickinson started in the two-year Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, earned her PTA license, and is continuing her studies in the four-year Health and Fitness Promotion program.

“I kind of fell in love with the health and fitness business,” Dickinson said. “This internship helped me both financially and developed my skills.”

He said he benefited from interacting with patients and meeting new people and student-athletes. “I also learned a lot of things that I should have learned later in school,” he said. “We definitely got ahead of the game.”

Dickinson is a senior and has been accepted into Nazareth University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Isabella (Bella) Joy of Wilmington interned with two different programs on campus, both with a focus on assisting other students. The Forensic Criminology major began by conducting research related to the recruitment and retention of the college’s EMS team. He is currently the vice president of the student-run team and a certified EMT.

“I’ve always been a very quiet person,” Joy said. “My internships allowed me to get more involved.”

She now interns in the Office of Admissions, where she helps Jump Start students access campus resources, including tutoring, study sessions and other support services.

“My upbringing was to help others when they are in need,” she said. “That’s the part I find most rewarding.”

Joy is pursuing both a career in higher education as a residence director and future employment with FEMA.

Now in its sixth semester, the SUNY Canton Presidential Internship Program was launched in the spring semester of 2022 by SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. The program expanded with support from SUNY Incremental Funds last year. Other professional opportunities at the college include capstone courses, practicums, and clinical studies in specific programs.

“Internships can serve as one of the most important experiences in our students’ education,” Szafran said. “At SUNY Canton, they serve as a financial aid strategy, a way to apply what you’ve learned, and a means to gain valuable experience. This approach also highlights how our academic programs lead directly to careers.”