Business Internships & Class Projects

A hands-on experience is at the core of the business program at Goshen College. The internship program is designated to integrate and apply theoretical learning with a real-world application, while our class projects give students the opportunity to work on projects outside of the classroom environment.

Java Junction

Java Junction is a student-managed coffee bar on the campus of Goshen College.  All employees are students and the managers are selected by the business department through an application process. Managers enroll in BUS 360, Java Junction Operations, and receive academic credit for managing all aspects of the business; operations, human resources, marketing, purchasing, and accounting.  Students are supervised by a business department faculty member and receive a grade for their work based on the success of the business as well as their own individual contributions to the management team. Java Junction provides an atmosphere that allows students, faculty, staff, and the Goshen community to enjoy quality food and beverages, live music, and fellowship.

Real-World Experience in the Field

Business students at Goshen College have an excellent opportunity to incorporate classroom and textbook theories into a “real world” setting. Students learn first-hand how to use their academic skills.

For the Student:

• If the internship takes place during the Fall or Spring semesters, the student is required to complete 120 hrs. of work at their place of internship. If the internship takes place during the Summer semester, the requirement is 240 hrs. of work.
• Students will gain an invaluable experience in their field.
• Several internship positions are paid, providing the student with some additional income.
• Students are able to establish networks in the business community and their performance can lead to long-term employment with the same company after graduation.

For the Employer:

• Employers receive a well-educated, student to assist them in the practical application of the latest business strategies and techniques.
• Employers gain the opportunity to test, and possibly hire new talent.
• Our students and the Internship Program will help the employer achieve a sustainable competitive advantage.

Who is hiring our interns?

Our students are applying their knowledge and skills to organizations of all kinds. Some recent examples are:

• Everence
• Ernst & Young
• Miller Poultry
• Zebra Technologies
• RSM
• Veada Industries
• Rieth-Riley Construction Company
• Crowe LLP
• ATC Trailers
• Supreme Corporation

If you would like to partner with the business department for internships, please contact Alysha Liljeqvist (alyshal@goshen.edu) or Andrew Hartzler (andrewrh@goshen.edu).

Class Projects

Students have the opportunity to work on projects outside of the classroom environment. Under the supervision of faculty members, students have completed market research projects, written business plans, and designed websites for local businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

The business department faculty bring real-world business experience to the classroom. In addition to academic backgrounds in business, the faculty have significant experience working in the business world. Some faculty members have started their own businesses, others have worked internationally, and all bring the business world into the classroom. Having opportunities to integrate classroom learning with real business experiences is a critical part of business education.

• Principles of Marketing (RED) nation-wide competition

Sustainability Management Internships

Internship opportunities in sustainability management are numerous and diverse. Here are recent examples:

• 1. • Corporate sustainability intern for a large food packaging company: supporting and completing technical sustainability projects that demonstrate economic, environmental, and social value of the company’s products and solutions.
     • Office of Sustainability intern for the mayor’s office of a large metro area: assisting office staff working on achieving the city’s 2020 Sustainability Goals and establishing sustainability as a core business value of the city.
     • Sustainable building internship for a premier sustainable building consulting firm: assisting with the Third-Party Certification process (LEED, Energy Star, NGBS) through documentation and calculations and communication with the building project managers.

Sustainability Management Special Projects

Special projects, incorporated into classes, can resemble many of the internships that are available but may be done on a smaller scale over a shorter period of time. These special projects are already a key learning component of business classes. Past examples include:

• 1. • Cost-benefit and return on investment analysis of sustainability initiatives for a truck dealership
     • Economic viability of investing in equipment to transform county landfill waste into renewable energy
     • Market research for a local residential construction company interested in building green homes
     • Creation of sales presentations for commercial food composters as an alternative to removing food waste for small foodservice kitchens for schools and camp