Monmouth University School of Education students are gaining valuable experience this semester interning at colleges and universities in New Jersey. Students in the master’s program in student affairs and college counseling have internship positions at Brookdale Community College, Georgian Court University, Rutgers University, Ocean County College, and Monmouth University.
Graduate student Christine Pitts (Brick, NJ) is interning at the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) office at Brookdale Community College under the supervision of Monmouth University alumna Karen O’Neill, who is student development associate for Brookdale’s EOF program. O’Neill received a master’s degree from Monmouth University in Student Affairs and College Counseling in 2012.
Pitts’ job responsibilities include performing student outreach and recruitment, assisting with advising of incoming and continuing students, overseeing financial aid applications, and participating in the coordination and implementation of the annual Student Success Conference as well as other special events that support student development.
“I feel extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to intern at Brookdale’s EOF program,” said Pitts. “The staff has gone above and beyond to make this the best learning experience possible. As a first generation student, who has been participating in EOF throughout my collegiate time, I feel very fortunate to have the chance to pay it forward. I have learned more about student affairs and higher education in these past three months through my classes and internship than I ever imagined.”
Students have also interned through summer professional association exchange programs at Cornell University, John Carroll University, and American University. Internship placements range from admissions to academic advising, career development, student activities, or residence life. Additional professional experience through an externship program with nearby universities for continuous field placement is also available.
The program in student affairs and college counseling focuses on the preparation of student affairs professionals and college counselors through coursework in counseling, college student development theory, and leadership in administration, all with a special emphasis on social justice and diversity.
For more information on the program, visit www.monmouth.edu/graduate/educational-counseling-msed/school-counseling/ or contact Dr. Pietro Sasso, assistant professor of Student Affairs and College Counseling, at psasso@monmouth.edu.