Freed-Hardeman College of Business students experience real world with summer internships 

Freed-Hardeman University senior Sydney Phillips credits her internship with Murray State University’s athletic department for introducing her to new career possibilities and reinforcing her classroom experiences. 
Phillips was among 27 business students who were celebrated for successfully completing summer internships during the Beyond BK Recognition Dinner hosted by the FHU College of Business Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Beyond BK stands for Beyond Brown-Kopel, which is the name of the building that houses the business college. Beyond BK is a school initiative that focuses students on career exploration and gaining real-world professional experience in their fields early in their college careers. 
Amy Sewell, an instructor in the College of Business, said internships are essentially interviews that last all summer.
“These students did not just take summer jobs. They completed career interviews. Some discovered career options they had never considered, and many received return offers for future internships or full-time jobs after they graduate,” Sewell said. “The experience provides a competitive advantage when they are seeking a post-graduation job.”
Phillips, a sports administration and business analytics major, also said her time at Murray State helped her grow professionally and narrow down her career focus.  
“I was learning something every day,” Phillips said. “Having this opportunity, I learned the things I loved to do and was very passionate about. I’m looking into those fields and looking into potential career opportunities after I graduate in May.”
Additional students who spoke about their summer internship experience include Ana Holland, who interned at Delfield; Ryan Merritt, who interned at H A Beasley & Company; Keegan Maguffee, who interned at Interactive Training Systems; Courtney Middleton, who interned at JPMorgan Chase; and Sydney Holland, who was an intern at Ernst & Young.
The following is a list of students were also recognized and where they completed their internships: Rylee Baker, C2 Consultants; Erika Bennett, Insight CPAs; Hayden Cook, Smithson Speed and Engineering; Jacksen Eddy, Market Street Partners; Elijah Ellis, FHU Bookstore; Tabitha Exum, Summit Credit Union; Hailey Harrington, PricewaterhouseCoopers; Garrett Herndon, Sportable Scoreboards; Blair James, Christa Goodrich CPA; Hayden Jarrell, Enterprise Solutions; Lydia May, Adtran; Bethany McGee, Progress Bank; Kylee Mckee, Stonegate Senior Living; Greg McMillan, PricewaterhouseCoopers; Mason Minor, TriStar Bank; Owen Osburn, Edward Jones; Sara Ragan, The Dollywood Company; Hannah Grace Robinson, Baird; Brooke Schotter, Henderson Fire Department; Matthan Smith, Just Love Coffee; and Michelle Stone, Vector Wealth Strategies.
Matt Vega, dean of the FHU College of Business, said the college has renewed its commitment to connect students with internship opportunities and career connections. He was excited to hear about the students’ internship experiences and the positive impact it will have on their futures.
The event was sponsored by HCA Healthcare; Northwestern Mutual; Bramblett Group; H A Beasley & Company, Certified Public Accountants; McClelland Law Firm; and Smith & Lambert Certified Public Accountants.
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.