Internships: Where Learning Meets Experience
In the College of Business at Lubbock Christian University, every student embarks on an internship before graduation. For some, it confirms a career path. For others, it helps narrow future choices. For all, it serves as a proving ground, where classroom lessons meet the unpredictable rhythm of the workplace.
“Internships are an important part of a student’s educational journey,” said Tracy Mack, Dean of the College of Business. “It gives them an opportunity to apply recently learned knowledge, but more importantly to see how much there is still to learn. Internships provide context and perspective to students and are an invaluable part of the educational process.”
That perspective played out in various ways for LCU business majors this past summer. Some students stepped into corporate offices and towering skyscrapers, while others learned in familiar spaces and local businesses closer to home, but each walked away with lessons that stretched beyond textbooks.
Junior accounting major Drew Grellhesl interned at the United Supermarkets corporate office in Lubbock, where her summer revolved around a fixed asset project and daily reporting tasks. Along the way, she was surprised to be trusted with responsibilities that sharpened her confidence and problem-solving skills.
“United is a really unique and special place because it is evident that they go above and beyond for their employees and customers, as well as the community,” Drew said. “One distinctive part of the internship was getting to participate in UCrew service events, like volunteering at the South Plains Food Bank. Experiences like that reminded me that being part of a company isn’t just about the work you do in the office but also about giving back to the community you’re in.”
The professional and service aspects together gave her a sense of confidence. “This internship taught me that I can go into the business world and not only hang with everyone else, but also that I have great things to offer,” Drew said. Her professors were there to encourage her every step of the way. Dr. Laci Richardson first told her about the opportunity, and Drew leaned on her faculty mentors when she doubted herself. She recalls Dr. Josh Sauerwein telling her and her classmates that they were “forces to be reckoned with.” For Drew, that steady belief was just as valuable as the technical lessons she practiced in the office.
For finance senior Jalen Nettles, the experience took him to Houston as an Organizational Financial Wellness Intern with PNC Financial Services Group (PNC Bank). He assisted in developing and delivering financial wellness strategies for PNC’s corporate and institutional banking clients, which included directly advising client employees on tools to strengthen their financial stability. In addition to this work, he also participated in a capstone project—a group assignment that simulated a business-to-business meeting—where his team presented financial wellness products to mock executives, portrayed by PNC market managers from across the country. The project not only showcased his consulting and presentation skills but also gave him valuable experience working as part of a high-performing team.
Jalen described the role as both exciting and affirming. “I had an amazing opportunity to help people and give them financial advice that could change their lives,” he reflected. His path to the internship was shaped by the guidance of the Director of the Office of Student Professional Development Rose (Whitney, ‘94) Johnson, who walked with him through the resume and interview process. “Without Ms. Johnson’s support, encouragement, and prayers, I would not have been as prepared to take the next steps,” Jalen shared. That kind of partnership between students, faculty, and staff, he said, modeled what it means to reflect Christ in the workplace.
Graduate accounting student Connor Pettigrew found himself in Dallas at KPMG, one of the Big Four accounting firms. His responsibilities ranged from reviewing financial reports to preparing client memos. For Connor, one of the most surprising aspects of the internship was realizing that the professionals he worked alongside valued balance and camaraderie as much as technical expertise. By the end of the experience, he secured a full-time role with KPMG after graduation. He credits the close mentorship of his professors with preparing him for that success. “My graduate professors Dr. Richardson and Dr. Sauerwein have been there during every step of my internship, and I am extremely grateful for their wisdom and advice,” Connor said. That combination of professional training and personal guidance gave him the confidence to step into a competitive environment and thrive.
Finance senior Sophia Reyes discovered her professional calling closer to her hometown in Vancouver, Washington, while interning with Johnson Bixby, a financial planning firm. Her summer included working on client services, preparing vendor audits, and even presenting a mock comprehensive financial plan to the CEO. The experience revealed that financial planning aligned with her personal passion for helping families build stability. What made the difference for Sophia was how her professors walked alongside her in the process of securing the internship. Dr. Haley Burton (’15) encouraged her to pursue finance, Dr. Sauerwein helped her refine her resume and interview skills, and Rose Johnson prepared her for the professional standards of the workplace. “Finding an internship for the first time can feel intimidating, but I felt supported every step of the way,” Sophia said. “Their willingness to go above and beyond made me feel truly supported.”
Faculty see this process of discovery as central to the purpose of internships. “Internships are so valuable for our students because they get a glimpse of what it might look like for them in the real world,” said Dr. Laci Richardson, Bill and Mildred Crozier Associate Professor of Accounting. Reflecting on the emphasis that the College of Business places on this real-world preparation, Richardson added, “We value these internships so much at LCU that they are required for our students.” She also noted the growth and maturation that such opportunities provide: “Students have a chance to do the things their professors talk about in class, and there is also so much soft-skill development that takes place during these internships. This is important information because students are discovering what they want to do after graduation—and what they do not want to do,” she explained.
That discernment is because of intentional support, often happening quietly in the background. Ms. Johnson, who also serves as Director of Academic Advising for the College of Business, sees it as her calling to guide students from classroom to career. She works closely with them on resumes, interviews, and placement, but just as importantly, she emphasizes encouragement and prayer along the way.
“It’s a joy to support our students during this important season,” Johnson shared. “Securing an internship can look different for each student. The most important step is connecting with me so we can talk through their story, discover where they want to go, and then explore how to get there. I often hear that our LCU students are exactly what employers are looking for because of the intentional way we guide them through their academic journey.”
What unites these student stories is not simply the technical skills gained, but the way internships shape confidence, integrity, and a sense of calling. Whether in corporate boardrooms, regional offices, or local companies, LCU students are learning that success after graduation requires both professional knowledge and personal character. As Drew reflected, “You could be the smartest in the room, but if you do not have integrity and people can’t trust you, you really have nothing to offer.”
Connect with LCU Interns
Looking to bring the energy and skill of Lubbock Christian University students into your workplace? LCU places interns with organizations each semester and summer, providing opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience while employers benefit from fresh perspectives and strong work ethic.
Contact: Rose Johnson
Director, Academic Advising,
College of Business and Campus Mentor
Rose.Johnson(at)LCU.edu
“Partnering with local businesses and organizations allows us to prepare students for life after graduation, while meeting real needs in the community,” Johnson says.