Cal Poly Humboldt graduate Kessia Hegwood gained more than hands-on experience when she took an internship through a College of Professional Studies program last year -- she landed a job.

”I've heard so many stories about people straight out of college being waitresses, and I was very scared about finding a job,” Hegwood said. “I interned with Plus One Health Management Inc. while finishing my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and currently work for them as an exercise specialist in Dublin. My boss told me that my previous internship with the company was a big factor in me getting hired.”

The program has grown from 20 internships a few years ago to 360 opportunities for students this year.

Humboldt kinesiology major Alex Pili said he learned something new every day during his time at Accelerate Sports Performance in San Francisco.

”There are no textbooks, just the ability to apply what I've learned in the real world,” Pili said.

Denise Vanden Bos, College of Professional Studies project development director, said the internships are all about helping students move from college into careers.

”Students often come out with really great feedback, good letters of reference, and are sometimes hired by the organization where they interned, which really helps advance their careers,” Vanden Bos said. “They get to actively take what they learn in the classroom, apply it in real workforce scenarios and write on their résumé, 'I worked here.'”

Internships are mostly geared toward juniors, seniors and graduate students, who work 10 to 20 hours a week and receive school credit.

”Everyone I worked with during my internship was extremely encouraging,” Hegwood said. “It was very valuable.”