Home > Acceleration > An Internship for the Real World

An Internship for the Real World

Internships are a great way to test out an idea and see if you are called to pursue it on a long-term basis.

you can

By Kelly Negvesky

When you take a job, it's a little risky. If it turns sour, there isn't a whole lot you can do about it. But an internship is different. Many times students are afraid to commit their whole life to something that they are not sure they will enjoy. As one CollegePlus! grad found out, internships are a great way to test out an idea and see if they are called to pursue it on a long-term basis.

Hilary Troester, 23, is a CollegePlus! grad who worked as an apprentice in the Camp Apprentice Ministry Program (CAMP) at Miracle Mountain Ranch (MMR) in Spring Creek, Pennsylvania. She is now on staff full time while completing her degree.

Hilary knew she wanted to go into some form of ministry and an apprenticeship with MMR allowed her the opportunity to try the career before she made a commitment to it. “I had a friend a few years older than me accept an apprenticeship at Miracle Mountain Ranch. I saw her experiences I knew I wanted to one day work in that ministry.”

CAMP’s goal is to develop Christ-like character, integrity and maturity in people, preparing them for positions of responsible spiritual influence and leadership. At the same time, this program also provides practical training and experience in a variety of skill areas within the Christian camping ministry.

Preparing for her apprenticeship was done by completing a required reading list, interviewing with staff and, of course, paperwork. “I also had to write out my personal testimony,” said Hilary.

In her first year of the CAMP program Hilary was not working toward her degree; however, it wasn’t long into the program that she knew her heart was in this ministry and she wanted to make a career out her work at MMR.

“Because MMR is a training facility all Ranch Staff is required to have a four year degree.” Hilary told me, “I wanted to be on staff and my time for school was limited as well as my finances.”

That was how Spencer joined up with CollegePlus! she found the flexibility of schedule allowed her to keep her position at MMR and gain the college credits she needs for her degree. She is pleased with the price tag as well.

Her desire to stay on staff at the ranch while she completed her degree had one unfortunate side effect. It did not allow her to gain portfolio credit for her apprenticeship work. “If I attended a private university they would accept ‘Ranch Credits’ but the school I am getting my degree from does not.” She is not daunted by this, “The joy of being where I want to be while I complete my degree makes up for it.”

“I decided to go for my BA in Communications. It sounded like the most fun and it fit well with the work I do in the office here at the Ranch.”

Work and school loads are often tricky and Hilary agreed, “I think the hardest part was finding the balance between the two. I have found it hard to dig into school and not let my work at the ranch fall to the wayside, or vice versa.” She believes the challenge has only made her stronger.

Hilary has completed 84 credits towards her degree and will be enrolling at Thomas Edison State College in the spring. She is pleased that she will be completing her degree while investing in the ministry she loves.

Shawn Cohen

Kelly Negvesky lives in Orlando, loves her husband of 13 years and educates their 3 children at home. She recently graduated from CollegePlus! and earned her BA in Humanities from Thomas Edison State College.

Don't stop here!

Want to land your dream job? It all starts with an internship!

So you want an internship? Here are the details on how to get one and what to do once you have it.

Learn about an awesome missions trip to Argentina and look at pictures from last year's CollegePlus! trip to Peru. It will be amazing!



0 comments so far - Leave a comment below

Note: Comments are manually approved by CollegePlus! before they appear. A valid email address is required, but will not be published with your comment.

Name:
Email:
Website: (optional)
Comment:
Captcha: What is 10 + 2?
 
Play button