Students can land high paying internships through the Digital Summer Clinic, sponsored by Eastern Michigan University and Ann Arbor SPARK

A person's hands on a laptop and a cellphone with digital icons overlaying the image.

YPSILANTI— For the eighth consecutive year, the Eastern Michigan University Center for Digital Engagement, with the support of Ann Arbor SPARK, is offering 48 paid internship positions through the Digital Summer Clinic. The internships provide valuable experience in digital marketing and tech, guidance in creating a professional portfolio and weekly opportunities to connect with mentors and industry professionals.

“This program is truly one-of-a-kind. Interns will meet mentors, peers, and business thought leaders who they will be able to network with for years to come,” said Jorel McCree, program mentor and partner relationship manager at Pinterest. “In addition, interns grow in confidence, public speaking, and understanding the value/skillset they can offer to an entry-level role, which will help them navigate their career.”

The internship is 10 hours per week with pay of $17.00 per hour. Applications are welcome from college students and recent graduates. Clinic interns have varying backgrounds and majors, including marketing, computer science, data science, business, communication, public relations and media arts, among others. Those interested can apply by April 30 through the Digital Summer Clinic website.

The Digital Summer Clinic will run for nine weeks, from June 13 to Aug. 12. The internship includes both remote and in-person components. Interns work in teams of two with their companies on a wide variety of projects, ranging from developing websites and apps to content creation, social media, and advertising. The companies where interns work are clients of Ann Arbor SPARK’s high-tech incubator.

“We’ve managed to attract mentors from companies like Google, Pinterest, Duo Security, and Zingerman’s who are dedicated to helping interns from every kind of background succeed,” said Bud Gibson, professor and director of EMU Center for Digital Engagement and the Digital Summer Clinic. “Many of our mentors worked their way through school, wondered how to get into professional roles, and ultimately found their way forward. They are all problem solvers dedicated to helping interns find success.”

Seventy-five percent of interns that participate in the internship program move on to jobs in the Southeastern Michigan high-tech economy with firms such as General Motors, iProspect, Career Now Brands, Google, and more.

“The internship grew my skill set and helped me network. One necessary skill that tends to get overlooked is effective communication,” said Nicholas Woods, previous program intern and currently account strategist at Google. “Throughout the internship effective communication is something that you would practice every day. Some days you are presenting to your class, other days you are discussing digital marketing strategy with the CEO of the company you're paired with. Having that ability to pivot and be exposed to so many professionals can help anyone with their career, no matter the field.”

For more information on the Digital Summer Clinic, or to apply for an internship position, visit the Digital Summer Clinic website.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 16,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.

March 30, 2022

Written by:
Victoria Scott

Media Contact:
Melissa Thrasher
mthrashe@emich.edu
734-487-4401