Hazy, crazy, working days of summer

Jobs, internships, volunteer opportunities make staying in State College for the summer worthwhile for some

Life in State College and at University Park campus does not stop when Spring Semester ends. Many students remain in town to hold an internship, volunteer, take classes or work.

The atmosphere changes just a bit, said Eric Gaylor (junior-chemical engineering), who has spent two summers in State College.

"It's my favorite time of year up here, just because there are not too many people -- it's relaxed," he said.

Internships:

Students may opt to stay in Centre County to do an internship for a variety of reasons, said Nancy Kurtz, internship coordinator at the College of Health and Human Development.

"If they have a lease on an apartment," Kurtz said, "it just works out better for them to (intern) here."

Some majors in the College of Health Development and Family Studies require internships for graduation for specific options, she said, adding a two-credit class prepares by helping them assess their future goals as well as locate an internship.

Self-assessment is key to locating the internship, which will lead to the career the student desires.

"I've never had a student that didn't find an internship," she said. "I think there are more opportunities out there than we have students at this point."

Locally, The Meadows Psychiatric, Youth Service Bureau, Second Mile, the Centre County Youth Services Bureau, among other organizations, accept University internships.

- Nancy Kurtz, internship coordinator at the College of Health and Human Development

For other internship information students can check The Career Development and Placement Services, 413 Boucke, which offers resources and directories, for students to explore internship opportunities both locally and nationwide, said Susan Beals, an employee at Career Services.

"There's a lot for Pennsylvania, but not specifically in this area," she said.

However, there are also notebooks that list companies and organizations, according to college major and summer camp opportunities.

"The same companies offer them each year," Beals said.

Although it is hard to pinpoint what major has the most opportunity for internships, there are many listings for business and communications, Beals said.

Deadlines continue into April, she said.

However, some majors do not offer students many opportunities in Centre County.

Robin Stevens, internship coordinator for the Smeal College of Business, said there are few paying internships in Centre County, and she strongly encourages business students to take an internship outside of the county so that students have the opportunity to gain new experiences and work in a different environment.

"There is a whole lot more involved than the job itself," she said.

Business students can submit their applications to the University's internship World Wide Web site (http://www.smeal.psu.edu/intern), she said, as well as give 30 copies of their transcript and 30 copies of their application to the internship office, she said.

Students who submit applications should check the Web site every week for company listings, then specifically submit an application for that company.

Volunteer Opportunities and Classes:

Lifeguarding is a popular summer job for college students.

"Lifeguard jobs are, I think, pretty easy to come by," said Lynn Schlow, health and safety director for the Centre Community chapter of the American Red Cross.

There are three ways students can get their certification, Schlow said.

The Red Cross offers an aquatic weekend specifically designed for students who want to get their certification. There are two separate weekends in April when the course is offered.

The class for certification is a 26-hour class including CPR certification, first aid and all the instruction necessary to become a lifeguard such as skill tests and rescue technique, Schlow said.

Students can get certification through a credit-course offered through the University or through courses offered through the Centre Region Parks and Recreation office, she added.

Enrollment in the class is small, with about 20 students per class, she said.

However, students should remember lifeguard jobs are not just fun in the sun.

"People think (lifeguarding) is being outside and sitting in the sun," Schlow said, "It requires a certain amount of maturity."

In addition to classes some students chose to volunteer in the area.

There are many volunteer opportunities available at Centre Community Hospital, said Suzanne DeTurek, director of volunteer services for the hospital.

Volunteers work in 26 different areas ranging from medical records, the emergency room, patient floors and the snack bar, DeTurek said. Currently, the hospital has 545 volunteers, she said.

"The community is really good around here, both the student community and the resident population of Centre County," DeTurek said.

Many students volunteer at the hospital despite transportation, which for some is a problem, she said, adding that the hospital is not on a Centre Area Transportation Authority bus line. However, there is a shuttle students can take from campus to the hospital.

The experience is invaluable for students in health professions because many graduate schools require volunteer hospital hours, DeTurek said. Training sessions are required and volunteers are usually needed for specific hours. However, there is some flexibility for class schedules.

Jobs:

For some businesses, the opportunities for summer jobs decrease.

One of the factors that influences hiring is the amount of business, said Kelly Grimes, owner and manager of the Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers at 1610 N. Atherton St. and 226 W. College Ave.

The other factor is the amount of current employees who want to increase their hours from 20 hours per week to 30 or more, Grimes said.

- Kelly Grimes, owner and manager of the Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers

Cindy Wilson, a manager for McLanahan Student Store, 414 E. College Ave., also said the demand for hours increases during the summer, despite the decrease of student workers.

Although the store hires fewer students in the summer, the opportunity for employment still remains, Wilson said.

"It's a turnover all the time here, so we keep telling people to come in and check with us," she said.

For some the job hunt has not yet begun.

Carla Leite (senior-administration of justice) said she is planning to stay for the summer and locate a job. Her reason for staying the summer is simple.

"I have to graduate in August," she said.