Centre students support local community, gain internship experience this summer

Centre students are gaining valuable career experience across the country and around the world this summer, making connections in diverse career fields ranging from data analytics and finance to psychology, environmental sciences, and politics. 

While many students are completing their internships in large urban centers, including New York, Boston, Atlanta and Washington D.C., a number are staying local and interning with organizations closer to campus. 

Not only are they learning more about what interests them, but they’re also making a tangible difference in the local Danville community. 

Health and medical internships 

From hospitals and dentist offices to physical therapy clinics, a group of Centre students are learning what a career in the medical field entails. 

Students participating in the Centre Unites with Ephraim program are learning more about a variety of medical specialties thanks to the partnership with Ephraim McDowell Health. Through the program, students shadow physicians and other healthcare workers in radiology, cardiology, the emergency room and more.

“Being able to experience patient care first-hand in the clinics and hospital has been eye-opening,” said Christopher Ferguson, class of 2029. “I’ve been able to see the importance of having trusting, open relationships between healthcare workers and patients. 

“I’ve learned that a large part of making someone feel better comes not just from prescribing medication but exists in a space of listening and laughing.”

 It’s particularly interesting for students like Annabelle Tarter, class of 2028, who is still exploring her career options. 

“Through the various specialties I’m observing, I have a better understanding to help me further decide where my passions lie in medicine,” she said. “Overall, I have really enjoyed this internship and would strongly recommend it to students interested in the medical field.”

Other students are exploring other aspects of the medical field as well, interning at Boyd Family Dentistry, Danville Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy and Select Medical Specialty Hospital’s Central Kentucky branch. 

Civic, government and law internships

Additional students are getting involved with the local government, interning at Danville and Boyle County’s Planning and Zoning Commission, County Attorney’s Office, and Chamber of Commerce.

The anthropology and sociology classes Chloe Fedderson, class of 2027, has taken at Centre has led to her internship with the Danville-Boyle County Planning and Zoning Commission. 

“This internship has been a great opportunity because it aligns directly with the career I want to pursue. I’m gaining real-world experience,” Fedderson said. “My favorite part has been interacting with the Danville community and hearing residents’ ideas, needs and concerns.”

She will continue building on her experience once the academic year starts as a John C. Young Scholar, a program that supports Centre seniors as they pursue independent research or creative work. She looks forward to conducting further research on urban planning and zoning and continuing a transitional housing project for unhoused locals   — an initiative that began in the Centre classroom. 

“This internship has been a perfect fit,” Fedderson said. “I worked with my advisor to make sure I could take on a variety of projects throughout the community this summer and this upcoming school year, giving me hands-on experience in the field.”

Allison Gossett, class of 2027, is working across the street with the Boyle County Attorney’s Office.

In this internship, she’s gaining an inside look at the courtroom, observing court sessions and how prosecutors handle offenses like speeding, domestic violence or possession of marijuana.

She’s seeing the justice system at work and the integral role it plays in the local community.

“I’m mainly observing, but I think from this internship, I’m learning a lot about life,” Gossett said. 

Community engagement internships

Working with local arts, culture and religious organizations, Centre students are connecting with more aspects of the local community through their summer internship experiences. 

MJ Surtin, class of 2028, is working this summer at the Art Center of the Bluegrass and the National Glass Museum, which displays many glass masterpieces by former Centre professor Stephen Rolfe Powell ’74, among others. Surtin is teaching children multiple artistic mediums and learning the ropes of operating a nonprofit arts center.

“This has prepared me in numerous ways for any career path I wish to pursue,” Surtin said. “I have made lifelong connections and unforgettable memories. I am so grateful to Centre for connecting me with this community.”

Cole Roberson, class of 2028, is also connecting with area residents as the pastor’s intern at Centenary Methodist Church in Danville.

Through the Fostering Leadership for Communities of Faith grant awarded by the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education, and made possible by the Council of Independent Colleges from Lilly Endowment Inc., Roberson is supporting the congregation in their spiritual journeys and church leadership in administrative duties.

His experiences include hospital visits, home visits with ailing parishioners, helping with counseling meetings and supporting church services.

Finance and banking internships

Several students are interning with local organizations to learn about wealth management, banking and financial operations. 

From working directly with customers to researching stocks and bond options, these students are learning about the variety of career paths available to them in the financial sector.

Prince Undirwade, class of 2028, is learning all about financial policy this summer as the Banking Operations and Risk Management Intern at Farmers National Bank. 

He’s working with leadership to complete risk assessments in target areas and explore the use of AI in different reports. Undirwade is also finding ways for the bank to improve its policy compliance and operations by auditing different areas of the organization.

Another student is diving into personal finance and helping local residents make the most out of their money. 

Harris Phelps, class of 2027, is interning with McDaniel Wealth Management PLLC, researching investment strategies and learning how financial advisors build long-term plans for client investments.

“My favorite part about my internship has been getting to know my coworkers beneath the surface level and solving problems that need to be figured out,” Phelps said.