Spring 2023 ELIP Wrap-Up

Experiential Learning Internship Program: Spring 2023 Wrap-Up

Friday, May 12, 2023

by Annelise Norman

For many UGA students, internships are the most meaningful mode of experiential learning with direct implications for securing employment after graduation. Gaining experience in a field and effectively test-driving a future career make student internships huge opportunities for transformation and development. In addition to the for-credit internship courses offered to many majors and on-campus internship opportunities, the Office of Experiential Learning has developed the Experiential Learning Internship Program as a non-credit avenue for satisfying the experiential learning requirement through an internship with an employer that UGA doesn’t already have a relationship with for experiential learning activities.

During the Spring 2023 semester, 12 students participated in the EL Internship Program (ELIP). Senior Manager of Business Development and ELIP coordinator Amy Sweet reflected on this unique opportunity for students to earn their EL credit:

Each semester I am amazed to learn about the internships students secure for the EL Internship Program. Students find incredible opportunities across sectors, they can make a real impact – whether as an assistant in a medical office or software engineering at an Air Force Base, developing social media marketing campaigns or performing data analysis for the auto industry. Students find these internships using a multitude of resources, including UGA’s Career Center, on Handshake, or independent networking. One of the things I love about my job is seeing firsthand how students bridge what they learn in the classroom and then apply it in a professional setting.

Generally, ELIP participants gain valuable hands-on experience, connect their academic foundations to their experiences in the workplace, and develop effective time management, communication, and creative problem-solving skills. Students in these internships strive to develop such competencies in order to become competitive job seekers once they earn their degrees; they are effectively graduating with experience. But don’t just take our word for it – here’s what some of our Spring 2024 ELIP cohort had to say about their internship experiences:

Will Domescik

Major: Accounting

Internship Employer: Aprio, LLP

"I was able to work on 30 different clients throughout the experience and learned a ton about what it means to be an auditor. The work experience and culture at Aprio was second to none. The people at the firm that I worked with were great at teaching the interns about different projects and never hesitated to help answer a question. The office was state-of-the-art and provided a nurturing environment."

Jenna Choi

Major: Accounting

Internship Employer: Carr, Riggs & Ingram

"My experience at Carr, Riggs & Ingram has been amazing. I am currently in the real estate team, primarily focusing on partnership tax returns. I have learned so much during this internship and it really has allowed me to understand accounting in a new light."

Sophie Holley

Major: Biology

Internship Employer: Mercy Health Center Dental Clinic

"At Mercy Health Center, I have learned how to perform sterilization of dental equipment, assist on basic procedures, become familiar with dental tools and terminology, and chart during procedures. With little previous hands-on experience, I struggled in the beginning, as I quickly learned dentistry is its own language. However, with teamwork, my drive to learn, and my ability to apply constructive criticism, I have been able to grow my skills tremendously. I have had the honor of helping treat patients that are normally unable to readily access dental care."

Anonymous Student

Major: Economics

Internship Employer: InComm Payments

"My internship with InComm Payments was a valuable experience that allowed me to learn and grow in many ways. One of the most significant benefits of my internship was the level of responsibility I was given. I was not just there to observe but to actively contribute to the company's success.  As an intern, I was given many opportunities to participate in various projects. This hands-on experience allowed me to develop important skills in project management, teamwork, and communication."

Anonymous Student

Major: Biology

Internship Employer: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

"Every shift I work as a Patient Care Technician at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta presents me with new learning experiences. By being pushed out of my comfort zone and learning how to operate in such a high acuity environment, I have been given the opportunity to practice confidence and empathy when caring for patients. I know the skills that have been refined in me through my job at CHOA will be carried into my future healthcare endeavors, and I am grateful for the privilege to work here!"

With the spring semester drawing to a close, we would like to thank all of the businesses and organizations who partnered with us to provide internship opportunities for students to participate in the Experiential Learning Internship Program this semester:

To learn more or get involved with ELIP, visit our ELIP page or contact Amy Sweet (amye.sweet@uga.edu).