The MFS Cooperative Workplace Education Program gives participants an internship experience like no other. This year, seven rising juniors and seniors completed the four-week summer program, receiving a combination of career training and professional networking experience in their chosen workplaces.
The Co-op Program provides students with a supportive framework as they enter the business world for the first time. An introductory workshop showcases information about professionalism, interviewing skills, and teamwork dynamics. In addition, an MFS advisor checks in weekly with each student and his or her workplace supervisor to gauge progress and overall satisfaction.
Director of Auxiliary Programs Martha Cameron finds that these unique elements lead to major takeaways for each participant. “All of a sudden, they see the world through a different lens and realize, ‘This is what my parents or guardians do when they go to work every day.’ So it helps them to understand how they apply what they’re learning in school and why that makes a difference in the end when you want to get a job.”
All seven students had unique responsibilities and projects, and all completed their internships with new skills and experiences to carry into the future.
Matthew Kowalski ‘19
Organization: Bayada Home Healthcare, Philadelphia, Pa.
Industry: Marketing, graphic design
Experiences:
- Utilized Hubspot website to receive certifications in Email Marketing and Inbound Marketing
- Used design software to create eBook about congestive heart failure
- Completed Content Marketing class and created software analysis document
Michael Pansius ‘19
Organization: Aegis Property Group, Philadelphia, Pa.
Industry: Real estate advisory/project management
Experiences:
- Photographed and filmed footage of construction sites, including the Audubon Society Discovery Center and the Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Edited videos showcasing each project site
- Attended group committee meetings
Dylan Zhou ‘19
Organization: Friedenthal Financial, Voorhees
Industry: Investment advisory
Experiences:
- Gathered and analyzed data on Social Security using Tolerisk risk-assessment software
- Sat in on conference call and consultation
- Used Bloomberg Terminal to track stock trading and code in Excel
Jordan Frazier ‘19
Organization: ARI/Holman, Mount Laurel
Industry: Automotive fleet management
Experiences:
- Compiled research on benefits offered at luxury auto dealerships across the U.S.
- Collaborated with Holman Toyota dealership and Holman Parts regional headquarters
- Participated in company service project for Cathedral Kitchen
Justin Patel ‘20
Organization: Atlantic Aviation, Philadelphia, Pa.
Industry: Aircraft fueling and maintenance
Experiences:
- Helped handle departures for the Phillies and FC Bayern at Philadelphia International Airport
- Served as lineman (including fueling, hangaring, tie-downs, and parking)
- Assisted operations manager with clerical work
Monit Patel ‘20
Organization: Tabula Rasa, Moorestown
Industry: Healthcare
Experiences:
- Met with pharmacy technicians and completed research/proofreading
- Assisted IT branch with troubleshooting and problem solving
- Learned about patient medication/prescription process
Katia Hehn ‘20
Organization: Voith & Mactavish Architects, Philadelphia, Pa.
Industry: Architecture preservation and planning
Experiences:
- Helped survey construction sites at Academy of Music, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Villanova
- Used AutoCad and SketchUp design software for drafting projects
- Learned about interior design using miniature models