University of Cincinnati
07/30/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/30/2026 22:49
Learning by doing: internships, co-ops provide invaluable experience as students find their career path
Learning by doing: internships, co-ops provide invaluable experience as students find their career path
5 minute read July 30, 2026 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on Reddit Print Story Like
Sarah Grace McCollough meets with a student to discuss their resume and plans for an internship.
More students at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College are pursuing summer internships and co-ops to go beyond the classroom, explore potential careers, and step into a professional environment where real-world experiences help provide a new perspective. As students develop new skills, gain confidence, and explore potential career paths, internships and co-ops become an integral part of their education journey.
At UC Blue Ash College, students participating in internships and co-ops can enroll in MLTI 2020, a course led by Assistant Director for Career Services, Sarah Grace McCollough. "The UCBA Co-Op/Internship course challenges students to be intentionally reflective of their professional experiences. The reflective assignments, such as creating SMART goals, supervisor meetings, and professional growth help guide students through their entire professional role. I've found that students leave the course with strong proficiency in articulation, particularly being able to speak about their experience and skills gained while in their internship/co-op."
McCollough adds that 30 students completed internship or co-op experiences during the 2025-2026 academic year, with most earning excellent ratings by their supervisor, demonstrating the strong impact of expanding experiential learning opportunities.
Ava Cordrey greets a caller at the front desk of Niekamp Law.
As the nation celebrates National Internship Day on July 30, we talked with a few UC Blue Ash students about their internships and how the experience is helping them pursue their goals.
For De'Voe Sherman, that experience is taking place through the Public Allies of Greater Cincinnati apprenticeship program, where he is placed with Community Shares of Greater Cincinnati. Working alongside nonprofit professionals, Sherman contributes to social media development, content creation, community outreach, and event planning while helping increase awareness of Community Shares and its network of member organizations. In addition to his work at the organization, Sherman participates in weekly leadership development training focused on topics including social justice, equity, nonprofit leadership, and professional development.
De'Voe's advice to future students looking into internships is "To take a leap of faith and go after those roles. Encouragement matters and is a huge support system for students."
While Sherman's internship centers on nonprofit leadership and community engagement, another UC Blue Ash student is gaining experience in a specialized legal environment.
Ava Cordrey is spending this summer with an internship as a legal assistant and paralegal intern at Niekamp Law in Blue Ash. She recently graduated from UC Blue Ash with an associate degree in business management technology and will pursue her bachelor's degree in communication at UC's Uptown campus. She says the career services office at UC Blue Ash has helped her identify career options as well as her summer internship.
When I first started at UC Blue Ash, I was very unsure about what I wanted to do. Over time I figured out what I wanted to do and found this internship through the UC Blue Ash Career Fair, and I am so glad I did.
Ava Cordrey
Working alongside attorneys and legal professionals, Cordrey is building a stronger understanding of the legal profession while exploring the skills needed to succeed in the field.
As part of MLTI 2020, Sherman and Cordrey developed SMART goals that align with both their current responsibilities and their long-term career aspirations. Sherman is using the course to strengthen his professional communication skills by seeking regular feedback from his supervisor and building confidence in both written and verbal communication. He also aims to increase Community Shares' social media engagement by creating strategic content that raises awareness of the organization's mission and its network of member nonprofits.
Similarly, Cordrey identified goals that support the responsibilities she encounters each day. She is focused on strengthening workplace technology skills such as Microsoft Excel, while also expanding her knowledge of specific laws and legal procedures. Together, these goals provide a framework for continuous learning and help prepare both interns for future career opportunities in their respective fields.
Although Sherman and Cordrey are pursuing different careers in different industries, their experiences share a common thread: internships provide meaningful opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings while building the skills and confidence needed for future success. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and professional development, both students have gained valuable insight into their chosen career paths. As UC Blue Ash celebrates National Internship Day, their stories highlight the lasting impact experiential learning can have in preparing students for the workforce and empowering them to take the next step in their careers.
Featured image: De'Voe Sherman and CEO Duane Gordon stand in front of the Community Shares of Greater Cincinnati sign during a visit to the nonprofit's office.
About UC Blue Ash College
UC Blue Ash College is a regional college of the University of Cincinnati. It combines the resources and academic excellence of UC with low tuition, personal attention and a welcoming campus community that is nationally recognized for advancing student success. The college is located on a scenic 135-acre wooded campus in the heart of Blue Ash, Ohio. To learn more, visit us online, call 513-558-9495, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X and Instagram.
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University of Cincinnati published this content on July 30, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 31, 2026 at 04:49 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]