Internships and Independent Studies
We encourage business and economics majors to take advantage of these independent learning opportunities. Employers consider internships in making their hiring decisions. Some graduate schools, particularly in business administration, also consider internships in admittance decisions and in awarding teaching assistantships.

The department has sponsored the summer Student Intern/Entrepreneur Partnership Program since 1989. This program places students in small companies in the Appalachian region and in non-profit organizations that serve small companies in the region. The summer program requires ten weeks of 40-hour a week work, a daily journal, and an academic paper and oral presentation in the fall. Students are paid for their work and receive one business credit. If you are interested in the summer program, contact Ed McCormack or Martie Kazura in February or March.

You also may develop your own internship opportunity in your hometown or other location. If you are interested in developing an internship, talk with Ed McCormack or Martie Kazura about the process.

Independent studies allow you to study topics that are not part of the regular curriculum. Independent studies require that you work closely with a faculty member in the area in which the independent study is to be done.

Summer research projects in economics are funded through the Joel Dean Fund. If you are interested, talk with Cliff Sowell, Caryn Vazzana, or Scott Steele.

Student Labor Opportunities
Berea College’s Labor Program gives you the added opportunity to gain significant work experience during your years at Berea. Students interested in gaining experience in management should consider labor positions with Boone Tavern, Food Service, Human Resources, and Residential Life. Accounting and finance students can find opportunities in the College’s Business and Administration, Financial Affairs and Payroll offices. Students interested in marketing should look at labor positions in Campus Activities, the College Bookstore, Student Crafts Marketing, and Public Relations. Other departments not listed above may also have business-related positions.

Students who are planning on graduate school should consider the opportunities available through labor positions within the Economics and Business Department. There are five- and ten-hour positions as teaching associates who assist professors and provide tutoring in the accounting and economics labs.