From clinical rotations in emergency departments to hands-on roles in engineering and nonprofit organizations, students at Case Western Reserve University are gaining invaluable experiences through internships this summer.
In honor of today (July 25) being National Intern Day, we’re shining the spotlight on six students from various fields who are stepping out of their comfort zones and making significant contributions as they build their skill sets.
Read on to discover how internships are shaping these students’ future careers—and contributing to their personal growth.
Ben Buckley
School of Law
South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense Capital Trials Division
Rising second-year law student Ben Buckley is spending his summer making an impact in his home state of South Carolina as a summer law clerk for the South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense Capital Trials Division. He is hoping to lay the groundwork for his future career in criminal defense—his ultimate goal being to become a public defender for those unable to afford private representation.
“The Capital Trials Division are essentially the appointed public defenders for every death penalty case in South Carolina,” Buckley explained.
His responsibilities are varied, encompassing trial preparation and strategy, legal research and drafting capital motions practice, a niche area of legal writing.
In addition, Buckley plays a crucial role in mitigation research, which is presented to juries to lessen a defendant’s status below death, if found guilty.
“We regularly visit our clients in jails throughout South Carolina to assist with mitigation research, so we spend a lot of time with our clients, their families and childhood friends,” he said.
Buckley also works in the Richland County Public Defenders’ Office, assisting with felony trials and gaining additional experience and skills both in and out of the courtroom.
“I’m originally from Charleston, South Carolina, so it’s nice to be near home,” Buckley said. “Because I’m working for a statewide office, my internship takes me all over the place. From interviews to court hearings, I get to work across the state, which has provided a great experience.”
Buckley credits Juliet Kostritsky, his contract law professor during his first year of law school, for providing a solid foundation for his legal education, which he is building on this summer.
“She is an excellent professor,” he said, “and a kind and friendly face to introduce you to the law school.”
Anam Javed
Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
Cleveland Foundation
A rising second-year graduate student at the Mandel School, Anam Javed is confident she’s on the right path. Since enrolling in the Master of Social Work and Master of Nonprofit Organizations dual degree program, she’s enjoyed countless transformative and enriching opportunities, with fieldwork practicum topping the list.
This summer is no exception—she’s working with the Diaper Bank of Greater Cleveland as an intern with the Cleveland Foundation.
“These hands-on experiences have been instrumental in preparing me for future endeavors in the field of social work,” Javed said.
With a mission to end diaper need in Cleveland, Diaper Bank Cleveland aims to provide diapers and essential personal care items to families in need, as a shortage of diapers can often lead to health issues for babies and toddlers. In her role, Javed is working to alleviate this struggle while also raising awareness of the health need for diapers and encouraging community members to become involved through research and advocacy.
The organization also provides feminine hygiene supplies and relevant resources to connect families to long-term support systems in the community.
“I am enthusiastic about working for a nonprofit/government agency,” Javed remarked. “The Cleveland Foundation’s Summer Internship Program presents an ideal platform for me to further develop my expertise, make a meaningful impact and contribute to the betterment of communities.”
Her advice for students who might be looking for a similar opportunity? “Remember your purpose and opportunities will come along!”
“The ethos of the Mandel School is deeply rooted in empowering its students to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” Javed said. “I am grateful for the invaluable experiences and connections the school has given me that have significantly contributed to my development as a social worker.”
Susie Kim
College of Arts and Sciences
Grove Atlantic (New York, New York)
One of the hardest challenges college students face is having to step out of their comfort zones to chase their goals. That was the case for fourth-year English and French major Susie Kim, but, through sheer determination, she landed an internship that allowed her to do just that.
A budding publisher, Kim is spending the summer interning for Grove Atlantic, an independent publishing house based in New York City. She’s tasked with reading manuscripts and writing reader’s reports. Kim also researches comparable titles on the market.
The work is fulfilling—all the more so because Kim was initially discouraged when applying for internships.
“When I started, I was discouraged by the hammer of rejection. I felt like, am I whac-a-mole right now?,” said Kim. “But with the support and encouragement of my wonderful English professors, I continued looking.”
She discovered the publishers of some of her favorite books were under Grove Atlantic—so she checked their job postings.
Kim saw the company was looking for someone interested in publishing who did not yet have formal experience. Her determination eventually paid off in an offer.
“It’s strange to be on the other side of books, to see the behind the scenes process of acquiring and publishing titles,” said Kim. “It’s like being on set for your favorite TV show.”
Her advice to others wanting internships? Be persistent and don’t give up.
“I’m SO grateful that they chose me,” Kim said. “Who cares if you’re thunked! Be a mole! Keep applying for these positions and take hold of opportunities.”
English Chair and Professor Walt Hunter is not surprised by Kim’s success.
“Susie has impressed all of us with her intellectual curiosity and range of interests,” he said. “I’m not surprised that she was chosen for this prestigious internship!”
Oghenekeno (Keno) Oki
Case School of Engineering
Procter & Gamble in Mehoopany, Pennsylvania
It’s a summer of firsts for Oghenekeno (Keno) Oki.
Originally from Nigeria, the third-year biomedical engineering student is spending his first full summer in the United States completing his first professional work experience: a manufacturing internship with Procter & Gamble (P&G) in Mehoopany, Pennsylvania, home to P&G’s largest factory.
“An internship is a whole new ballgame of education,” Oki shared. “You don’t get this level of insight on work-life balance, how to manage time, meal prep or get to work on time in class.”
Beyond these real-life skills, the P&G internship has helped Oki learn more about process engineering, all while building his network, something he’s been working on since he enrolled at CWRU. As a first-year student, he joined the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)—the organization that actually led him to this internship. Now, as the organization’s vice president, Oki encourages students to “network and connect as much as possible” so they can land similar opportunities.
“Because of NBSE I get to connect with a lot more engineers than I thought I’d be able to,” he said. “I was interested in being an engineer because I liked the work, but going to NSBE conferences and seeing how successful people are is amazing and inspiring.”
In a managerial role at P&G since May, Oki has been assigned five projects specific to the company’s Bounty paper towels product. In early July, he hit his midpoint review and presented in front of key leaders to express his “mastery of the machines.” Getting good marks allowed Oki to start more hands-on work, make bigger decisions and ultimately enact some important changes.
“Now I can really get to work on the projects that ensure that my mark is left on P&G,” he said. “I want them to remember how my impact made their jobs easier and increased productivity.”
Andrew Shereshevsky
Case School of Engineering (major)
Weatherhead School of Management (minor)
Afference Inc., Cleveland
When Andrew Shereshevsky had a casual conversation with Dustin Tyler, the Kent H. Smith Professor II of Biomedical Engineering, he had no idea what it would lead to. Now, the rising fourth-year student is completing a fascinating internship that is not only helping him pursue his passion for biomechanics but also giving him a firsthand look at what it takes to run a startup company.
Shereshevsky is working with Afference Inc., an inventive company that builds wearable neural interfaces to enable the digital dexterity of 3D digital content. His journey to the role began in February with an application process that wasn’t the traditional.
“It all happened very organically,” he said. “I didn’t have an internship in mind, and I wasn’t even aware there was an opportunity for one, but when I approached Dr. Tyler and expressed my interest in his area of expertise, he mentioned there was an internship available at Afference. I applied and got the job.”
Tyler is the co-founder of the company known for The Phantom, the only wearable neural interface designed to create tactile sensation in the fingers based on digital interactions. For Sherevesky, a biomedical engineering major with a minor in business management and mechanical design and manufacturing, there couldn’t have been a better fit.
Sherevesky’s internship placement was facilitated by the Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship and funded by the Greater Cleveland Partnership internship program with the Office of Career Services. As part of his internship, he has been exposed to all disciplines responsible for the success of the startup, which can be uncommon while interning at other businesses or organizations.
“I participate in all aspects of the business, like discovery, design, marketing, coding and research,” Shereshevsky said. “I feel like I have a direct impact on the company in my day-to-day work and I love figuring things out.”
His advice to others seeking an internship is simply to start a conversation and express an interest to people in your network.
“The traditional process can be a struggle because it takes so long and sometimes you never hear back,” he said. “It’s important to create your own opportunity and stay connected.”
Shereshevsky, who is developing his own additive manufacturing startup, is looking forward to spending time with his family in New Jersey and visiting Colorado after his internship ends next month.
Emma Wall
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center Emergency Department
Like many nursing students at Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Emma Wall’s college journey began with clinical rotations in her very first semester.
Having that hands-on approach from day one was beneficial to the rising fourth-year student—so much so that she’s sought out additional opportunities. She’s now gaining experience through a nursinginternship at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Centers’ Emergency Department, a role she finds both demanding and enriching.
Wall cares for four to five patients at a time, gaining exposure to various fast-paced subareas, including triage, urgent care, the clinical decision unit and critical care rooms with regular trauma and psychiatric care patients.
“The emergency department is the beginning of most patients’ journeys through the hospital, and it has been very interesting to see how each patient is cared for during their time here,” she said. “You see a little bit of everything and take care of so many patients throughout the day.”
One of the most profound lessons Wall has learned is the importance of prioritization in patient care.
“It is important to be confident in that prioritization in the emergency department,” she said.
The fast-paced and unpredictable nature of the department has honed her ability to make swift decisions, a skill that is vital for an aspiring nurse. However, the internship is not without its challenges.
“The biggest challenge I’ve faced has been working through the process of losing a patient and not knowing what happens to a sick patient once they are admitted to the floor,” she said, noting she’s driven to make an impact on her patients’ lives during critical moments.
Despite these emotional hurdles, Wall’s experience at the hospital has been transformative, reinforcing her decision to move from her hometown of Marshfield, Massachusetts, to Cleveland to pursue her bachelor’s in nursing at Case Western Reserve University.
“This internship experience has solidified my commitment to the nursing profession and highlights how important real-world experience is in shaping competent, compassionate nurses who can adapt quickly from day one of class,” she said.