The English department co-sponsored an internship event in cooperation with the University Career Center on Thursday afternoon in Caldwell Lounge.

“What we’re trying to do is get students involved in the internship program,” Susan Katz, internship coordinator for the English department, said.

According to Katz, CHASS and the UCC intended for the event to inform students about internships and the kind of experience available outside of college.

“This event is aimed at educating the how, why and where of an internship,” Sara Cocini, a career counselor for humanities and social sciences at the UCC, said. “What students need to know is that [an internship] is a vital piece of their education.”

The UCC staff at the event focused on informing students about ePack — “N.C. State’s program that links employers to students,” Leslie Bowman, a graduate student in counseling and a graduate intern at the UCC, said. “There are tons of jobs and internships for CHASS majors. [ePack] can search for employers and jobs and internships by major.”

Bowman noted students are unaware of the opportunities ePack has to offer.

“I’ve had a couple students come up here — communication majors and English majors — who had no idea who is hiring,” she said, “ePack is like a head start getting their career started after college.”

Joe Lorenzi, a recruiter from John Deere, was present at the event and speaking to students about internship opportunities at his company.

“Not only do we manufacture, but we market and sell,” he said.

He said he is looking for communication majors to work in advertising, graphic arts and marketing.

John Deere also hires technical writers from the social sciences.

“We write manuals in a large number of languages for all our products,” he said.

Brittany Berry, a senior in English, is working as an intern and was present to share her experience with other students.

She said before interning through CHASS, she had no experience.

“It’s not scary. I thought it was [going to] be very intimidating,” she said. “It’s not difficult — Dr. Katz is willing to work with anyone.”

Berry writes, edits and does research for N.C. Magazine, a monthly business publication.

“I will have a great resume when I graduate,” she said. “It’s a great way to get your foot in the door.”

Berry said she balances school while working as an intern.

“They are very flexible and understand the intern is a full-time student and are willing to work around school hours,” she said. “It’s an amazing opportunity and if you can fit the class into your scheduleâ it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Katz encouraged students to take advantage of the UCC.

“The University Career Center is here to serve all students and we encourage them to visit our Web site, visit our office and visit our events,” he said.