AVONDALE, Arizona – Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) offers hundreds of internships to students eager to gain valuable, real-world experience while contributing to community businesses, in a “win-win” arrangement for both.
One such success story is EMCC student Brandon Urness who will soon have a “close-up and personal” view of government, thanks to an internship as an aide to U.S. Representative, Trent Franks, and to City of Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. At the same time, these offices will have an eager, energetic new staffer willing to pitch in and learn by doing.
During the internship, Urness expects to assist in research, respond to constituent issues, help with general office tasks, and to participate in special projects as needed. In short, to embrace every opportunity for engaging his skills and expanding his knowledge.
Urness, who plans to complete his bachelor’s degree and then attend law school after he transfers from EMCC, has been an intern before, in a stint with the Arizona Supreme Court.
He believes internships offer unique experiences that can shape the direction of our lives. And on a practical note, says Urness, internships are marketable, especially in an economy where competition is intense. An internship can build confidence, a work history and a professional resume that can make a difference to potential employers.
Urness says it is important to use every conceivable opportunity to learn and experience as much as possible. “It’s this knowledge and experience that makes us into who we are and who we will become,” he said.
Knowledge is important to Urness, who says he chose to attend EMCC because he wanted to make something of himself. At EMCC, he has had the opportunity to explore career pathways and the internships, and to work full time while getting a good education at a reasonable cost – important factors that have allowed him to save and plan for the future, he says.
He credits hard work, a sense of purpose and enthusiasm for helping him land the internships. He encourages other students to take initiative and make a commitment to make positive things happen in their own lives. “Don’t waste any of your time – now is the time to get involved, to get experience, to learn everything you can,” he said.
He also advises having a mentor to help along the way. “There are people out there who want to see you reach your goals,” he said. “They will help you, but you need to show them you are active, serious, and capable,” he added. Urness was also took advantage of becoming involved with the Engage Estrella program, a mentorship program at the college, where he was awarded a scholarship for his achievements and commitment.
Urness receives scholarship from EMCC president Dr. Ernie Lara
Urness believes it’s essential to always keep moving toward your dream. In his case, that means a successful career. He also wants to give back to the community that has made everything possible for him. He says no matter where his work takes him, his future will include public service. “I believe a community depends on the active engagement of its people,” he said.
Urness says he’s proud to call EMCC his home. “It has helped me achieve my dreams and transform my life,” he said. “EMCC has a great faculty that has always been very supportive whenever I needed help.”
The Career and Transfer Center at EMCC provides many free and helpful services to its students the help them prepare beyond their studies at EMCC. “Brandon is a perfect example of a student who took the initiative to seek out opportunities the college offers, and is using them to strengthen his career path,” said Landis Elliot, Internship Coordinator. “These experiences provide such an indispensable advantage in the longrun.”
EMCC connects business and community members with college students to provide workplace-learning opportunities. If you are interested in recruiting college students for employment or finding an intern, call 623-935-8949 or visit www.estrellamountain.edu/students/career-services/employers.