Writing a business plan for a custom builder, setting up a radio station in Alaska for SEND, marketing for a Yankees farm team, graphic designing for a producer of Christian literature, serving customers at an insurance agency, understanding corporate culture at Campbell's and the retail environment at WalMart and Acme-- 32 PBU interns are busy at work this summer.
One of the best aspects of the dual degree program in Bible and Business at PBU is the internship program. Students work for a semester (or summer) in a paid or unpaid position at a business or nonprofit agency and learn what it is like in the 9-5 workplace. "Your work ethic is your testimony," stated a Christian owner of an insurance agency supervising one of our interns. "Listen, talk less, and realize you are here to learn," said another at the New Jersey State Police. "Dress like a professional. When an intern from another university wore flip flops and shorts the first day on the job,I was wondering if they had any training at all" said the head of a mission organization.
PBU students in the business program are prepared. They begin their intern search at the Career Fair on campus in November, then hone their job search skills and business etiquette at the SIFE-sponsored job preparation seminar, R.I.D.E. (Resume, Interview, Dress and Etiquette on-campus seminar). They learn that the best employees have the "you view" -- "What can I do for you on the job as my employer. I am here to serve." That means working hard, taking direction, and learning with an open mind. And wearing closed-toe shoes.
