The Center for Rural Development welcomed four summer interns, from left, Cristin Duncan, Elizabeth Goode, Kristen Hoskins and Emily Lane.
Whether you are a college student planning your career or a college graduate looking for your first job, having hands-on job experience can give you the edge in the eyes of a prospective employer.
In planning for their future careers, three area college students and one recent University of Kentucky graduate received on-the-job training and practical work experience this summer in internships with The Center for Rural Development in Somerset.
The four interns worked side-by-side with The Center’s professional staff to build their skills and advance their careers:
Kristen Hoskins of Somerset, a senior music industry major at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond. She is interested in pursuing a career in events management and hopes to open her own events company in Somerset once she gets more experience in the field. She interned with The Center’s events staff under the guidance of Laura Glover, director of sales and events.
“When thinking about where I wanted to have an internship, I knew I wanted to work for an arts center or community center,” Hoskins said. “The Center for Rural Development was the perfect choice because of the diversity of what The Center can offer the community.”
Elizabeth Goode of Somerset, a senior and member of the Bonner Leader Program at Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia. She returned this summer to continue her work with Forward in the Fifth, an affiliate of The Center, and The Center’s summer youth leadership programs under the guidance of Jim Tackett, executive director of Forward in the Fifth, and Lauren Hayes, youth programs coordinator, respectively. Goode plans to become a teacher.
“I have been able to experience the world of education from a different perspective,” Goode said. “By working at The Center, I will be better prepared to be an effective teacher, because I know how much work goes into educating students and preparing them for the real world.”
Cristin Duncan of Russell Springs, a biology student and member of the Bonner Leader Program at Lindsey Wilson College. She plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career as a physician’s assistant. She worked with The Center’s Homeland Security Training programs and portions its summer youth leadership programs under the guidance of Jessica Melton, director of Homeland Security Training programs, and Hayes, respectively.
“I wanted to pursue an internship at The Center because of the valuable experience I would gain from working there,” Duncan said. “I have developed my professional skills by putting myself in a professional working atmosphere.”
Emily Lane of Somerset, a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Kentucky. Lane earned a bachelor of arts in arts administration with an emphasis in art studio at the conclusion of the spring 2011 semester. Lane worked in The Center’s marketing department under the guidance of Michael Cornett, director of marketing and public relations.
“This internship at The Center has not only allowed me to work in my hometown but it has also given me experience vital for advancing my career,” said Lane, a 2005 graduate of The Center’s Rogers Scholars youth leadership program.
Lane also has interned with Lexington’s premier cultural development, advocacy, and fundraising organization—LexArts—and with the Lexington Art League, Central Kentucky’s oldest and largest visual arts organization. During these internships, she worked as a graphic designer and consultant, gallery attendant, exhibit installation, special events assistant, and curator assistant. She is currently the web designer for the 137th International Social Theory, Politics, and the Arts Conference.
For more information about The Center, call 606-677-6000.
