Quotes Corner: Helping Students Find The Internship of Their Dreams
By: Gina Cioffi, UCF Quotes’ Director of Events
Twice a year, the University of Central Florida's campus comes alive with a palpable sense of excitement as students, employers and event organizers prepare for Intern Pursuit. This event hosted by Quotes, the Advertising/ Public Relations Club (a student chapter of FPRA) has evolved into a highly-anticipated cornerstone in Orlando. It continues to provide an essential platform for students seeking internship opportunities and employers in search of emerging talent in the fields of communication, media and film. As the orchestrator of this event, I have the unique privilege of witnessing its growth, a narrative that unfolds over three months of diligent preparation and meticulous planning.
The process of bringing Intern Pursuit to life commences at the start of each academic semester through communication with prospective exhibitors and registered employers, creation of graphics for event promotion and so much more! A notable aspect to prepare students are our three preparatory events leading up to the big day. Rockin’ Resume, a workshop, with Professor Gary LaPage as he guides students on how to craft an impactful resume to showcase to employers at the event. Intern Pursuit Boot Camp boasts a panel of employers and alumni on the do’s and don'ts, such as: how to dress, creating an elevator pitch, etc. Lastly, Resume Roundtable cultivates a unique one-on-one resume review experience with industry professionals from a variety of expertises in order for students to make updates in the days leading up to meeting organizations tabling the event!
The most recent Fall Intern Pursuit, held on October 16 marked a significant milestone as an unprecedented 272 students attended, underscoring the event's growing prominence and showcasing the increasing demand for opportunities in Central Florida's competitive job market.
This semester, we were fortunate to benefit from the expertise of a new board member, Nicole Fortoul, who serves as our Vice President of Special Projects. Nicole assumed a pivotal role in the success of this event, notably securing five featured internships – a record-breaking achievement! Her commitment and determination showcase the event's overarching mission: to bridge the gap between classroom learnings and real-world experiences.
What truly sets Intern Pursuit apart is its unwavering commitment to inclusivity. The fair and all preparatory workshops extend an open invitation to UCF students of all majors, thereby reflecting the diverse interests and talents that define our student body. Equipped with carefully crafted resumes, students converge at The Pegasus Ballroom on our main campus, eager to engage in meaningful networking opportunities with prospective employers. This inclusive approach has allowed students from various backgrounds to secure internships that serve as the gateway to realizing their professional aspirations.
One development during this year's Intern Pursuit was the initiation of a groundbreaking partnership with the school's film department and the Women In Film Club. This collaboration introduced an additional dimension to the event, significantly broadening the spectrum of opportunities and catering to the specific needs of the Nicholson School of Communications.
In my role as the lead planner for this event, my involvement began 18 months ago. From the start, my priority has been to gather insights from participants and stakeholders to ensure that Intern Pursuit maintains its status as the gold standard of internship fairs. To ensure this, we implemented anonymous feedback surveys, which have yielded invaluable insights instrumental in refining the guest experience. This feedback has created enhancements aimed at elevating the attendee experience, optimizing employer-student interactions and diversifying the range of available internships.
This event truly could not happen without a team of dedicated students volunteering their time! It truly is a group effort, and I’d like to thank our faculty advisor, Lindsay Hudock, for her unwavering support which has greatly aided in the success and growth of the event for the past decade. Not only is she the glue that holds our club together, (lovingly nicknamed “The Chaos Coordinator” by our team) she is also a personal role model. Lindsay has been especially inspiring to me and helpful through my college experience. As the professor to host my first in-person class following the pandemic, she showcased true passion and has been a model of a hardworking woman in the industry that I strive to embody!
Additionally, Intern Pursuit holds a special place in my heart, as it was the very event that marked the commencement of my academic journey. During my sophomore year, Intern Pursuit played a pivotal role in facilitating my connection with my inaugural internship in Orlando. This event unlocked doors to practical experience and charted the course for my professional trajectory. Today, as a student in the Rosen College of Hospitality, specializing in Event Management, I find myself in the role of the event's main point of contact, organizing an event that now pays forward the opportunities that started my professional experiences. This experience has been a meaningful full-circle moment that encapsulates the overarching spirit of Intern Pursuit: to empower students to reach for their aspirations.
Intern Pursuit transcends its classification as it is a dynamic platform that cultivates connections, fuels ambitions and propels careers. From its meticulous groundwork that commences months in advance to the innovative partnerships that expand its horizons, Intern Pursuit is a testament to the indomitable spirit of UCF and the unwavering dedication of its student body. As we continue to evolve and grow, we remain steadfast in our commitment to provide a transformative platform that leaves a lasting impact on the lives of students, just as it has profoundly affected mine. It is not merely an internship fair; it is a transformative journey for countless individuals, and I eagerly await the future it will shape for local organizations and aspiring students in the years to come!
If you’re interested in learning more about #IPUCF, please visit https://quotesucf.com/ and for any questions, feel free to reach out to quotesevents@gmail.com!
