Internships
College and university students not only receive funding for their education—$3,500 in scholarships—but also earn hourly wages. Best of all, they’ll garner real-world career experience in the Kalamazoo County business community.
The program is open to incoming juniors, seniors and graduate students who will be full-time students in good academic standing with their school during the fall semester of the year in which they’re applying. Students must attend one of the following colleges or universities:
- Kalamazoo College: incoming juniors, seniors and graduate students
- Western Michigan University: incoming juniors, seniors and graduate students
- Kalamazoo Valley Community College: incoming second-year students
- Davenport University (Kalamazoo campus only): incoming juniors and seniors
- Michigan State University: incoming juniors, seniors and graduate students who graduated from a Kalamazoo-area approved high school
- University of Michigan: incoming juniors, seniors and graduate students who graduated from a Kalamazoo-area approved high school
Eligible internships must be geographically located in Kalamazoo County.
How it Works
Students apply for internships directly through participating companies typically from December through February. Employers will work independently to hire interns, using their own established criteria and hiring methods. Based upon availability, each participating company may have up to three internship positions per program year via the Monroe-Brown Foundation. Internships are available until filled, so we encourage students to put their applications in early.
Once an intern is hired, he or she will work for the company for a minimum of 400 hours between May 1st and August 31st. (Typically an intern works full-time for 10 weeks, but the schedule can be customized to suit the needs of individual companies and interns.) Companies must pay interns at least minimum wage.
Upon successful completion of the internship, as directed and decided by the employer, see the following:
– Both the company and the Monroe-Brown Foundation will pay the intern a $500 bonus, for a total of $1,000.
– The Monroe-Brown Foundation will provide one payment of $2,500 at the end of the first successfully completed semester following the internship period.
– For tax purposes, all payments from the Monroe-Brown Foundation must be made directly to the school and applied to the student’s account.
Available Internships
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Commercial Real Estate Research Intern – NAI Wisinski of West Michigan
The Foundry
Company Description:NAI Wisinski of West Michigan was formed in the spring of 2011 when NAI West Michigan merged with The Wisinski Group. This merger brought together two successful, reputable companies to form what is now the largest independently owned commercial real estate firm in West Michigan.
NAI Wisinski is headquartered in downtown Grand Rapids and has a second office in Kalamazoo. The company provides brokerage services in the Industrial, Office, Retail, Multi-Family and Investment sectors. The property management team currently manages 4,000,000 SF of space throughout West Michigan.
Through their relationship with NAI Global, NAI Wisinski has access to over 300 NAI affiliate offices throughout the world. NAI Wisinski of West Michigan: Local Knowledge, Global Reach, Achieve More.
First Internship: Commercial Real Estate Research Intern
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Performs a variety of specialized tasks related to the market research requirements of the brokerage services department in the NAI Wisinski of West Michigan Kalamazoo office.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Market Update Reports
– Prepare quarterly market update reports, including information on vacancies/availabilities and asking rates for the office, industrial and retail markets using MLS data, market observations and interviews with brokers and spheres of influence.Growth & Development Reports
– Compile and distribute articles pertaining to the regional commercial real estate market (e.g., new business, expansions, closures, etc) obtained through local/regional newspapers and publications.
– Compile articles into a weekly newsletter to the local brokerage team and assist with social media posts related to relevant news in the market area.CRM Database
– Build and maintain comparable transaction database via data obtained through outside brokerage offices, MLS sites (e.g., CARWM, SWMRIC, LoopNet, CoStar, etc.), municipal records, Internet sources, etc.
– Maintain and update inventory database via property information obtained through outside brokerage offices, MLS sites (e.g., CARWM, SWMRIC, LoopNet, CoStar, etc.), municipal records, Internet sources, marketing materials, etc.Property Research
– Obtain property information, including, but not limited to, ownership/contact information, building/land specifications, annual taxes, assessed value, zoning, etc., as requested.
– Prepare demographic reports and property mapping via ESRI Business Analyst Online and municipal GIS websites, as requested.
– Create, update and manage local/regional retail corridor maps, including capturing the aerial, researching and identifying retailer locations and labeling the map by canvassing the market and using Google Earth, Adobe Publisher and miscellaneous Internet sources.
– Create specific property aerials for marketing flyers and special projects, including capturing the aerial, researching and identifying neighboring tenants/businesses and labeling the map using Google Earth, Adobe Publisher and miscellaneous Internet sources, as requested.Listing Acquisition:
– Interns may assist in certain parts of the process of determining the market value of a property, which is a necessary step to obtaining a listing contract from a property owner. This will involve gathering and formatting various types of market data.Property Marketing:
– Interns may assist in preparing marketing materials and social media campaigns that will be used to attract buyers or tenants. This will include data analysis, list generation and information gathering (in and outside of the office). Concise formatting and attention to detail are very important for this task.Company Branding:
– Interns may help implement the ongoing company branding campaign. Interns should be capable of building spread sheets, graphs and other data-based analysis forms for the purpose of creating market research reports for the company and its clients. -
Consumers Credit Union – Business Services Intern
Consumers Credit Union
Company Description:For more than 35 years, Consumers has averaged 18 percent annual growth and accumulated more than $1 billion in assets. You can be proud to be part of a company that is ready to serve. Locally owned since 1951, more than 90,000 members across the lower peninsula of Michigan choose us to help them achieve their financial goals and dreams.
Why consider a career with us? Some of our recent notable accolades include:
-14-time Best & Brightest Employer to Work For by the NABR
-West Michigan’s Elite 101 Best Places To Work by the NABR
-Best & Brightest Company to Work For by NABR in Wellness
-Western Michigan University’s Employer of the Year
For more information visit, consumerscu.org/careers!
First Internship: Business Services Intern
Business Services Intern
Consumers Credit Union is looking to hire a passionate Business Services Intern. The Business Services Intern will ensure the orderly flow of business documents through the Credit Union and through the Business Services division. In addition, you will prepare documents related to all types of business entities and business loans and deposits.
What you will do:
• Audit loan documents for complete packages
• Audit booked loans in Phoenix against the documentation
• Ordering Appraisal, Flood, Title or Environmental Due diligence, filing, reviewing, and checking in loan documents
• Assist in any area as directed by your supervisor.
• What you can expect to takeaway from this internship:
1. Overview of Commercial Lending
2. Basic understanding of loan documentation
3. Financial auditing – attention to detailWhat you will bring to the table:
• Ability to organize, implement and utilize checklists related to documentation, departmental operations and members.
• Together with Business Services’ personnel or other credit union personnel successfully document and close business loans in the absence of a branch manager.
• Have a positive attitude and be able to enjoy a team environment while still being able to work independently.
• Ability to learn and implement new technologies.
• Must have initiative, drive, and a strong work ethic.
• Open to feedback and able to adjust and apply new ideas.What you didn’t know about the team:
At Consumers, you’re joining a team that works closely together and counts on one another. You’ll find the people here enjoy an unusual high level of camaraderie.
We are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. -
Consumers Credit Union – IT Software Development Intern
Consumers Credit Union
Company Description:For more than 35 years, Consumers has averaged 18 percent annual growth and accumulated more than $1 billion in assets. You can be proud to be part of a company that is ready to serve. Locally owned since 1951, more than 90,000 members across the lower peninsula of Michigan choose us to help them achieve their financial goals and dreams.
Why consider a career with us? Some of our recent notable accolades include:
-14-time Best & Brightest Employer to Work For by the NABR
-West Michigan’s Elite 101 Best Places To Work by the NABR
-Best & Brightest Company to Work For by NABR in Wellness
-Western Michigan University’s Employer of the Year
For more information visit, consumerscu.org/careers!
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Consumers Credit Union – Marketing Data Analyst Intern
Consumers Credit Union
Company Description:For more than 35 years, Consumers has averaged 18 percent annual growth and accumulated more than $1 billion in assets. You can be proud to be part of a company that is ready to serve. Locally owned since 1951, more than 90,000 members across the lower peninsula of Michigan choose us to help them achieve their financial goals and dreams.
Why consider a career with us? Some of our recent notable accolades include:
-14-time Best & Brightest Employer to Work For by the NABR
-West Michigan’s Elite 101 Best Places To Work by the NABR
-Best & Brightest Company to Work For by NABR in Wellness
-Western Michigan University’s Employer of the Year
For more information visit, consumerscu.org/careers!
First Internship: Marketing Data Analyst Intern
Marketing Data Analyst Intern
Consumers Credit Union is looking to hire a passionate Marketing Data Analyst Intern for the Summer of 2023! This role assists the marketing team through the set up, management and analysis of digital marketing campaigns.
What you will do:
• Data analysis, management and reporting of inputs for marketing channel performance: Assists in identifying, implementing and analyzing the impact of digital marketing opportunities, including the following:
• Assists our agency with setting up, monitoring and reporting on marketing campaign KPIs that include website performance, paid ads and SEO
• Sets up, manages and analyzes campaigns running in Online Banking, including onboarding, ongoing and promotional campaigns
• Reports monthly marketing results to key stakeholders
• Knowledge or willingness to learn all used digital channels (including social media), referral and review software
• Marketing automation assistance: Assists in the development and management of data, workflows and other content marketing inside our marketing automation platform (Hubspot) to best optimize digital performance. Helps to regularly review and test new strategies and make recommendations to improve campaigns.
• Weekly podcast transcriptions, closed captioning, assistance with social media scheduling, setting up, analyzing and reporting on marketing campaign KPIsWhat you will bring to the table:
• An understanding of Google Analytics, PPC, SEO set up and management, as well as know-how to automate, test and report on digital campaigns, including data visualization.
• Bonus to those with experience working with CRMs and workflows, specifically Hubspot.
• A love of data!
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills, especially while managing multiple projects under time constraints.
• Have a positive attitude and be able to enjoy a team environment while still being able to work independently.
• Ability to learn and implement new technologies.
• Must have initiative, drive, and a strong work ethic.
• Open to feedback and able to adjust and apply new ideas.What you didn’t know about the team:
At Consumers, you’re joining a team that works closely together and counts on one another. You’ll find the people here enjoy an unusual high level of camaraderie.
We are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. -
CSM Group
CSM Group
Company Description:As a nationally ranked, safety-focused, and talent-driven organization, CSM Group focuses on delivering project management services through tailored delivery models. Our strength is our ability to match a delivery model to your specific project needs, making the construction process feel easy.
Our expert professionals manage projects nationally in the food and beverage, industrial manufacturing, healthcare, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as education and commercial projects in our local markets.
Through community involvement, sustainable business practices, proactive safety initiatives, and unwavering integrity, we are steadfast advocates for our clients, our employees, and the communities in which we work.
First Internship: Project Field Intern
SUMMARY:
CSM Group offers internship and co-op programs to students (both traditional and non-traditional) designed to provide a meaningful work experience to jump start their career in the construction management industry. We take pride in offering internship opportunities to students at all levels who will be the future of our company.
Our internships are competitive, paid positions throughout the typical summer months. Part-time work opportunities may also be available throughout the school year for those who qualify. Our goal is to provide professional experiences for talented construction and engineering students as a path for a full-time career with us upon graduation.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Project Field Intern provides project management support on one or more projects or specific tasks. The intern provides project management and administrative support on one (or more) projects. The intern will help to perform daily and/or weekly site inspections for safety and quality purposes and writes required daily and/or weekly reports based on inspections. They will assist in scope writing, bid solicitations, pre- construction meetings walkthroughs, and post bid interviews. The intern compiles and distributes progress meeting agendas and minutes. The intern receives, reviews, and distributes submittals, shop drawings, and keeps accurate and updated construction documents.
The Project Field Interns goal is to learn and provide support to the project management team on one or more projects. This support can range from handling specific tasks or supporting in a wide variety of tasks. The Intern provides support in site safety, on-site management, administrative tasks, and meeting prep. The Intern will help perform daily and/or weekly site inspections for safety and quality control and write associated reports. They will maintain and handle daily logs, assist in reviewing and distributing submittals, and help keep accurate and updated construction documents. They will assist in scope writing, bid solicitations, pre-construction meetings, post-bid interviews and assist in maintaining all related documentation. The Intern will assist with fielding Trade Contractors questions and writing RFI’s. They help run safety orientations, update Site Specific Safety Plans, and monitor safety daily. The Intern will participate in project meetings and take meeting minutes. As an Intern it is critical to ask questions, assist where possible, and take responsibility for tasks within the means of your skill set.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Pre-Construction Activities
Assists with developing scope specification documents and organizes all related files for future work use.
Assists with creating and updating project schedules, phasing plans, and site logistics.
Assists with creating project submittal logs.
Assists in review, input, and distribution of bidders’ requests for information (BRFI’s).
Helps solicit bidders for projects.
Participates in pre-bid walkthroughs.
Attends post bid interviews. Assists with document control in post-bid interviews.
Construction Activities
Assist in reviewing submittal documents from Trade Contractors for quality and specification correctness, distributes to Architect, and returns to Trade Contractors once reviewed.
Keeps track of work hours, materials, equipment, and work progress through daily log reports.
Helps review and input RFI’s from Trade Contractors and assigns to Architect for review and return to trade contractor upon review.
Helps compile and submit CCD’s as required.
Participates in progress meetings by assisting in the preparation meeting agendas and taking meeting minutes.
Attends Owner/Architect/Construction Manager progress meetings and takes meeting minutes.
Helps keep updated red line drawing set and project documentation.
Walks site and reviews quality of completed work daily.
Help maintain proper organization of the project within Procore.
Safety Inspections
Assists in ensuring site safety through review of procedure documents such as Safe Plans of Action (SPA).
Addresses critical safety concerns arising in the work field. Communicates with Project Manager on-site and the relating Trade Contractor Foreman.
Helps issue hot work permits and checks that hot work task areas are free of possible flammables and other altercations.
Helps perform safety observation reports (SORs), hygienic construction site reviews, safety inspection checklists.
Performs tool and equipment inspection checks.
Helps ensure abidance to Owner safety rules and regulations.
Participates in reoccurring safety meetings and takes meeting minutes.
When necessary and in conjunction with PM, Safety Specialist, and Trade Contractor helps develop safety corrective action plans.
Assists in writing incident and near-miss reports.
Quality Inspections
Assists in performing hygienic construction site reviews.
Participates in product quality inspections and helps address areas of concern.
Performs material equipment and craftsmanship inspections.
Assists in ensuring abidance to Owner requirements.
Participates in addressing Owner’s concerns and helps implement corrective solutions.
Reviews on-site materials and products match approved materials and products.
Post-Construction Activities
Helps compile all required inspections for building occupancy.
Helps compile required project closeout documentation and assists in maintaining organized documentation storage.
Helps create, distribute, and completing project punch list with Owner, Architect, and Trade Contractors.
Helps schedule, track, and recording of owner trainings.
Helps manage warranty items. -
LVM Capital Management – Financial Planning Intern
LVM Capital Management
Company Description:LVM Capital Management was founded in 1988 by Russ Leonard and Craig Vander Molen as a research intensive investment management firm. In 2001, services were expanded to include financial planning to offer our clients a more holistic wealth management solution. While our capabilities have grown, our mission has remained true to the original philosophy of our founders—to ensure our clients’ ongoing financial success through a combination of unparalleled personal attention, creative planning, and experienced investing. Today, LVM’s financial planners and portfolio management team serve clients in over 20 states from our offices in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Naples, Florida.
We do not sell products. Rather, we utilize a personal advisory approach that is service-based and fee-only. This sets the stage for the optimal wealth management relationship with clients because our interests are aligned. Client confidentiality is paramount and strong communication essential. LVM puts client interests first, from the design of our business model, to the day-to-day details of answering questions and solving problems.
First Internship: Financial Planning Intern
We are accepting applications for our 2022-2023 Financial Planning Internship. This is a year-long position, beginning each April. Junior, Senior, and Graduate students are encouraged to email their cover letter and resume to cprudhomme@lvmcapital.com. Application deadline is February 28, 2022, by 11:59 PM.
The internship also qualifies for the Monroe-Brown Foundation Scholarship, entitling qualified applicants to an additional $3,500 scholarship. Applicants for the LVM internship are encouraged to visit http://monroebrown.org/internships/ for more information on scholarship qualifications.
The LVM Capital Management Financial Planning Internship is a flexible, paid, part-time (15-20 hours/week), year-long position. Students applying for this position are committing to a five-day-per-week schedule during the summer and school year. This internship is specifically designed to provide Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) candidates practical experience in a vibrant financial planning practice. The intern will work in a professional environment under the direct supervision of an experienced financial planner, learning the operations of a registered investment advisor and gaining knowledge and technical experience in preparing comprehensive financial plans. The internship is built on a progression of responsibilities.
First, you will develop competency with MS Sharepoint CRM and the Advent portfolio accounting software by assisting in structured account reviews. You will generate reports and then analyze data to validate documentation, investment allocation, and invoice calculations. You will learn to identify deficiencies and work with portfolio managers to resolve gaps. By reading and identifying key data on custodial statements, you will develop skill in reconciling account differences.
Secondly, you will be introduced to the financial planning process. You will develop competency using financial planning, income tax planning, and customer relationship management software and will assist in collecting, organizing, and presenting personal financial data. Using the software, you will become familiar with the intricacies of creating personal statements of net worth and statements of cash flow.
Thirdly, you will be exposed to the investment management and investment research process through regular attendance of weekly investment committee meetings. Working closely with portfolio managers, you may assist with various investment research projects and provide information on model stock portfolios. You will develop skill and competency using a Bloomberg terminal and other investment research tools to help report on and track changes in our model stocks.
This position requires attention to detail and accuracy in research, analysis, and data gathering. A CFP® candidate is welcomed. Interns completing the full-year (April to April) LVM Capital Management Financial Planning Internship have been very successful in using their acquired skills to transition into their next career opportunity.
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Marketing Intern – Edwards Garmet
Edwards Garmet
Company Description:Edwards Cares
We care about our associates, their families, our customers and our community. We know that our associates are the heartbeat of our company and we foster an environment that is fun, healthy and safe. Edwards is a family-friendly company that values a work-life balance for our associates and have a goal to create long-term relationships by matching talents to the roles that would best benefit the associate and the company.
Our Core Values
- Integrity is our cornerstone
- People matter
- Customer satisfaction is our core
- Results tell the story
- Loyalty is the ultimate reward
Employee Development
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Career growth opportunities
- Catalyst University, Leadership Kalamazoo
- Industry tradeshows and workshops
- Certificate programs
- Learning and development resources
A Thriving Community
- Paid volunteer time for associates
- A close relationship with Big Brothers Big Sisters, United Way, YWCA, Goodwill Industries and many other schools and non-profits in the Kalamazoo community
First Internship: Marketing Internship
Edwards 2023 Monroe-Brown Marketing Internship
Edwards Garment seeks a Marketing Intern for Summer 2023 (May through August). This position
provides a comprehensive overview of marketing a growing uniform apparel brand specializing in
stock and custom apparel. The internship will result in professional development for a college student
concentrating on a career in Marketing or Advertising. Learning experiences include building brand
awareness, content creation and communication. Areas of responsibility include:
Traditional Marketing
1. Work directly with sales team and customers to create marketing flyers and presentations to
increase sales
2. Create and schedule email campaigns to communicate brand messages to customers
3. Assist Director of Marketing with catalog and photoshoot planning and preparation
4. Assist Marketing team with receiving and organizing catalog orders and imprint artwork for
2024 catalog
Digital Marketing
1. Create and edit video assets to promote the company and brand through digital channels
2. Assist in managing brand’s social media channels – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube,
LinkedIn
3. Help grow digital lead campaign by giving input on ad direction, analyzing trends and success of
campaign and managing follow-up of leads
4. Assist with website copywriting, proofing and updating as needed
* Knowledge of current Social Media platforms, Microsoft Office products and Adobe Creative Suite
preferred but not required.
For more information on Edwards, please visit edwardsgarment.com or edwardsx.com. -
Treystar
Treystar
Company Description:Treystar is a relationship-driven Southwest Michigan-based developer and manager of retail and office properties. Focused on real estate investments in Kalamazoo and Portage, our team strives to create the best business spaces for our clients.
Robert Brown started Treystar in 1969 by building large mobile home communities in Kalamazoo County. Thanks to his expertise, hard work, and persistent desire to discover and cultivate opportunity, Treystar grew quickly from these humble roots. Treystar has grown into one of today’s leading real estate development and management companies within the greater Kalamazoo market. In 2023 and the years ahead, we look forward to building spaces that work for our clients and the community we’re proud to call home.
First Internship: Marketing & Leasing Intern
Treystar is looking for an outgoing, energetic person who is eager to learn and grow within our Marketing & Leasing Group. The successful internship candidate will work directly with the Marketing & Leasing Group to:
* Assist in creating an annual Marketing Plan.
* Administer website retail & office updates.
* Update property brochures & lease plans.
* Administer Treystar property portfolio social media posts.
* Assist in creating Treystar quarterly newsletter.
* Assist Treystar Property Services Group w/tenant-client communications.
* Administer retail property portfolio pylon signage program.In addition, the successful candidate will work directly with the Leasing Group to:
* Learn commercial leasing procedures for retail & office transactions.
* Learn prospecting techniques to implement & secure lease deals.
* Learn the Treystar Leasing Process by working directly with leasing teammates.We would like to speak with you if you are interested in this position and have the following qualifications:
* Eager to learn the commercial real estate business.
* Pursuing or hold a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or related fields.
* Effective verbal and written communication skills.
* Work well within a team environment to contribute ideas and strategy. -
Wightman & Associates – Civil Engineering Internship
Wightman & Associates
Company Description:Wightman is a Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Land Surveying consulting firm with multiple offices across West Michigan, two in Northern Indiana and two on the East Side of Michigan. With over 70 years of impact in our local communities, we have a relentless commitment to creating an experience for our clients that goes beyond the job at hand, and this also resonates throughout our organization for every team member too.
First Internship: Civil Engineering Internship
Internships are provided to students actively enrolled in a higher education program to gain professional experience in the Engineering Department at Wightman. The real-world exposure allows for a valuable understanding of technical plan interpretation, construction methods, and engineer/owner/contractor relationships.
Essential Functions:
Assist project engineers and project managers in design
Provide on-site visual inspection of current projects, which may include but are not limited to, recording quantities and progress of construction activities, providing oversight of materials testing
Daily travel to work sites and other project related locations
Interact with contractors, sub-contractors, city staff and residents, fielding questions, and providing information on projects
Review drawings to maintain accurate construction files
Research information to begin project scoping
Create or modify project plans and specificationsRequired Skills & Behaviors:
Demonstration of Wightman’s core values including open and honest communication, respect, integrity and trust
Strong time management, problem solving, attention to detail, written and verbal communication skills, and organizational skills
Must be able to work extended hours; normal hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, but can vary due to construction schedules, including night or weekend work.Organizational Relationships:
Reports directly to Project Manager
Assigned to professional mentor with similar interests or experienceRequired Education/Experience:
Actively enrolled in a college or University Civil Engineering program
1+ years of related experience preferred