Internships Become Growing Part of a SUNY Canton Education

SUNY Canton eyes internships as an extension of its career-driven educational programs.

The college currently has students placed in 52 on-campus Presidential Internships. Two additional students are working off-campus with area agencies, including the St. Lawrence County Center for History and Culture in Canton. The college expanded its robust internship program so students could gain experience working in their chosen fields while still in college.

All internships are administered by the college’s Office of Career Services. Students typically receive $1,500 a semester for 100 hours of work, according to Assistant Director of Career Services Kathryn L. Kennedy.

“Internship experiences are essential for developing technical and career readiness skills,” Kennedy said. “This includes communication, teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving, in addition to work ethic and professionalism.”

Kennedy said in addition to gaining practical experience, internships give students the chance to explore a field before committing to a career. They also allow students to begin networking and building relationships with mentors to help open doors for future job opportunities.

Connor Dickinson of Harrisville’s internship with the SUNY Canton Kangaroos head athletic trainer came as a completely natural extension of his college studies. Dickinson started in the two-year Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, earned his PTA license and is continuing his studies in the four-year Health and Fitness Promotion program.

“I kind of fell in love with the health and fitness field,” Dickinson said. “This internship has helped me both financially and has helped me grow my skills.”

He said he benefitted from patient interactions and getting to meet new people and student-athletes. “I've also learned a lot of things that I would have had to learn later on in school,” he said. “I've definitely gotten ahead of the game.”

Dickinson is a senior-level student and has been accepted into Nazareth University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Isabella (Bella) Joy of Wilmington has interned with two different programs on campus, both with an emphasis on assisting other students. The Forensic Criminology major began by conducting research related to recruitment and retention for the college’s EMS squad. She’s currently the vice president of the student-run squad and a certified EMT.

“I was always a very quiet person,” Joy said. “My internships allowed me to become more involved.”

She now interns with the Admissions Office where she assists Jump Start students access on-campus resources, including tutoring, study sessions, and other support services.

“My education has been about helping others when they are in need,” she said. “That’s the part I find the most rewarding.”

Joy is eyeing both a career in higher education as a residence hall director and future employment with FEMA.

Now in its sixth semester, the SUNY Canton Presidential Internship program began in the Spring Semester of 2022 by SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. The program expanded with support from SUNY Incremental Funds last year. Other professional opportunities at the college include capstone courses, practicums and clinicals in specific programs.

“Internships can serve as one of the most important experiences in our students’ educations,” Szafran said. “At SUNY Canton, they serve as a financial aid strategy, a way to apply what you’ve learned, and a means to gain valuable experience. This approach also highlights how our academic programs lead directly to careers.”