The internship excellence program continues to provide students with valuable opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world professional experience across industries including accounting, hospitality, marketing, sports management, clean energy, and business operations. In addition to internships, students benefited from workshops, LinkedIn networking support, individual resume and interview support and targeted degree-specific career fairs in areas such as hospitality and accounting. These opportunities helped students build professional confidence, strengthen communication and leadership skills, and develop meaningful industry connections in a welcoming and supportive environment.

A major theme throughout this year’s reflections was the development of confidence and professional identity. Students described becoming more comfortable speaking in meetings, taking initiative, solving problems, and adapting to workplace expectations through workshops such as the Confidence Collective.One student shared that the internship “helped me become more confident in talking with managers and coworkers,” while another reflected that the experience “pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me develop skills that will be useful in many business roles.” Overall, students credited the College of Business curriculum and internship experiences with helping prepare them for today’s competitive job market and future career success.

What students say about their internship experience:

“The business department set me up to manage deadlines, work in a team, and pay close attention to detail.” — Mara Biglieri, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) public accounting internship

“My coursework has also helped me improve my professionalism, presentation skills, and understanding of organizational goals.” — Jessica Zavala, CSUMB Athletics marketing and social media internship

“My courses still helped a lot because they gave me a foundation in marketing, management, operations, and economics.” — Alec Gamino, AE Victory Racing motorsports media and social media internship

“This internship gave me practical experience that helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and a real-world business operation.” — Eric Magallon, The Mystery Spot supervisory internship

“This internship experience also helped me understand the importance of confidence and adaptability.” — Jessica Zavala, CSUMB Athletics marketing and social media internship

“Working in an office environment helped me become more confident in talking with managers and coworkers.” — Glendy Torres, GJ American Eagle Inc. finance and accounting internship

“I have noticed a shift in my confidence as the internship has gone on.” — Claire Baynes, Portola Hotel & Spa marketing internship

“This challenge became one of the most valuable things I learned in this internship because it pushed me out of my comfort zone.” — Morgan Purvey, Camp Transformation Center operations and customer service internship

“I became much more comfortable taking initiative, solving problems, and communicating expectations clearly.” — Eric Magallon, The Mystery Spot supervisory internship

Visit the Internship Excellence Program webage to learn more.