Picture Yourself Here: Kennedy Klimczak

Within the first few weeks of her internship at the Comstock Community Center, 23-year-old Kennedy Klimczak was offered a job to continue her employment as the organization's billing coordinator. Klimczak's internship not only provided a career but also college credit toward the completion of her accounting degree from Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

The April 2024 graduate says the college has been instrumental in developing her skills. "I could not have done the things I do in my position without all of the knowledge that I've learned while at Kalamazoo Valley," Klimczak explained. "There are so many resources and people who've helped me succeed."

A total of 14 programs of study require an internship for credit and seven offer an internship as an elective. Students may begin the internship process if they have completed at least 75 percent of the coursework in their degree/certificate program. "Internships are designed to provide students the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom in a work environment," said Monica Koning, Kalamazoo Valley Community College internship coordinator. "It allows students to work in their field of study while focusing on specific learning objectives."

The internship program coordinates on-the-job learning experiences for students seeking an internship for credit. Internships may be paid or unpaid. For students working in a job related to their program of study, the job might be approved as an internship experience. The program also offers career exploration opportunities in hands-on settings. "My internship definitely helped me realize what aspect of accounting I wanted to work in," explained Klimczak. "There are so many different areas of accounting, like taxes, auditing and billing. I realized that I really loved the billing side of it."

When the Comstock Community Center's previous billing coordinator left, hosting an internship provided an opportunity to develop and recruit new talent.

"Kennedy is absolutely amazing," said Mary Gustas, Comstock Community Center executive director. "When she started as an intern, she helped us with a program that we didn't have direction on. She did such a great job - that's why we offered her the new position after only a couple of weeks into her internship. I'm really pleased with the interns coming from Kalamazoo Valley."

Klimczak said that her employer is supportive of her educational goals as she plans on completing her bachelor's degree in accounting with Davenport University through the 3 + 1 program in collaboration with Kalamazoo Valley's University Center.

Through the University Center at the college's Texas Township Campus, courses are offered in a variety of modalities from multiple university partners. In many cases, a third year of study at Kalamazoo Valley's tuition rates is possible.