Seizing The Moment: How an Undergraduate Internship Launched a Career
By: Kelsey Baker
Cassidy Bartkowiak, a Michigan State University PR alumna, took full advantage of the opportunities she had as a student, turning what started as a required undergraduate internship into the beginning of her professional career.
For many students, college internships are simply a steppingstone into the working world, but for Bartkowiak, her internship became the bridge to her first full-time position. MSU offers public relations majors a strong foundation for success. In addition to the PR coursework, students are encouraged to put their skills to use through a required 250-hour field experience. Bartkowiak leaned into that expectation, and it ended up leading her to an outcome she never could have imagined.
During her search for an internship, Bartkowiak focused on nonprofits, small local organizations, and roles that make a positive impact on the community. That approach led her to the perfect fit at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Michigan.
“Interning at a smaller organization means you wear many hats, and that’s something I really enjoyed,” said Bartkowiak. “Every day brought something different. I was able to dive deeply into their mission and truly understand every piece of what makes the Ronald McDonald House operate.”
On-campus resources paved the way for Bartkowiak and after a year of hands-on experience as a student intern, the organization offered her a full-time position. Now, Bartkowiak serves as the communications assistant for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Michigan. In this role, she manages social media content, coordinates volunteer roles and aids in event planning.
As a professional, Bartkowiak says she is grateful for her time as an intern. Going into her internship, she had little expectations but notes that her time spent at Ronald McDonald House as an undergraduate built her confidence as a professional.
“I think it is great that the PR program requires field experience, so students get the chance to learn from professionals in the workforce,” said Bartkowiak. “Having the experience sets students apart after college by providing real-life projects and experiences to their portfolios and resumes.”
Moving forward, Bartkowiak continues to learn as a professional. She encourages current students to take the initiative and embrace new opportunities during their undergraduate internships.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions or step outside your comfort zone,” she said. “That’s how you grow – and how you get noticed.”
Bartkowiak’s story shows that with dedication and drive, an undergraduate opportunity can become the foundation for a meaningful career. Read more about her undergraduate internship with Ronald McDonald House Charities on The Brief.