“I like staying in touch with students and seeing them grow their careers,” Bud shared. That is why he decided to start the Center for Digital Engagement internship. “People would always ask me to recommend interns who could work outside a classroom environment.”
For 13 years, Bud has been running his class “practicum” style, with students having the chance to work with real organizations. You probably know this if you’ve ever taken any of his classes outside the clinic. Finally, the summer internship came about. “The idea of the clinic is to give students a place where they can work with real companies, but also receive mentoring,” Bud explained. “It’s not perfect, we don’t always succeed, but the success rate is high.”
So, I asked Bud, “What are you looking for in future candidates of the clinic?” His response was very simple. He wants someone with drive, intelligence, and the willingness to learn. Working with startups is something that requires a lot of “fail faster” moments, and he wants to make sure the interns can handle it! “Relevant experience is important…but the willingness to learn is what I often find to be the determinant.”
Are you a student and wondering whether or not the clinic is right for you? Just have a chat with Bud…I promise he’ll talk you into it like he did me!