Senior Cara Sinicropi is a prime example of how an internship can turn into a full-time career.
It all started the summer after her junior year when she landed a creative services internship with Entercom Upstate, a radio broadcasting company in Greenville, South Carolina. The English major spent her summer writing copy, creating infographics and editing blog content for the network.
Back at HPU in a senior portfolio course taught by Dr. Jenn Brandt, director of Women’s and Gender Studies and assistant professor of English, Sinicropi crafted a tight resume, targeted cover letters and developed a unique elevator pitch to sell herself even more to potential employers.
Sinicropi continued to work with Entercom during breaks from school and, because of her dedication and drive, was soon offered a full-time position as a sales assistant. After she graduates in December, Sinicropi will launch her professional career at Entercom, where she’ll create marketing packages and develop creative and innovative ideas.
She was even able to negotiate for a higher salary using communication skills she gained during Brandt’s seminar, a class solely focused on career and professional development for English majors.
“I spoke with my current employer about how a potential other job was willing to offer more than my current pay, and in order to keep me on, they agreed to raise my salary, which was fantastic,” says Sinicropi.
With multiple job offers on the table, Sinicropi’s career-focused outcome speaks to the many opportunities English majors have after graduation – it’s no wonder why salary.com ranks an English degree as the number one college degree for ROI.
“Our courses in the English department stress the importance of textual analysis, clear and purposeful writing, and creative expression, making us one of the most versatile and marketable fields of study,” says Brandt. “Our students’ expertise will serve them immediately upon graduation, but perhaps more importantly, will give them the ability to adapt and grow to a changing job market and global economy, preparing them for future jobs that don’t yet exist today.”
Now, finishing up her degrees in international relations and English, she is prepared to take on the real world thanks to her values-based education at HPU.
“My classes at HPU taught me how to articulate better, how to write with eloquence, and how to represent myself in the best manner possible. My professors offered me unrelenting support and continually motivated me to do my best, while always making their time and advice available.
“Entercom is a creative environment that is constantly innovating new ways to assist their clients, and is an environment that is truly passionate about their employees,” says Sinicropi. “It’s an amazing company, and it’s one I’m very proud to launch my career at.”