What's Happening?
Canisius University's Wehle Business School is highlighting how its internships are providing students with practical, real-world experience, connecting classroom learning to professional careers. Hayden Wolf ’27, an accounting and finance major, is spending
his second summer interning in the Cost & Intercompany Department of Moog Inc.’s Military Aircraft segment. Wolf notes that his accounting and finance coursework, along with Excel training, has been essential to his work at Moog, where he assists with the monthly close cycle and gains insight into managing financial data for government contracts. Similarly, Luke Lalli ’27, an accounting major, is interning at Lumsden McCormick CPA, applying his coursework to client audits. Maddie Fitzgerald ’27, a business economics and political science major, is interning at The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, gaining experience in drafting legal documents for family court proceedings. These internships are praised by Shawn O’Rourke, PhD, dean of the Division of Business, Communications and Health Studies, for preparing students with critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills.
Why It's Important?
These internships are crucial for bridging the gap between academic theory and professional practice, providing Canisius University students with invaluable hands-on experience. For students like Hayden Wolf at Moog Inc., working with government contracts offers a unique insight into the complexities of financial data management in a highly regulated industry, which is vital for the U.S. defense sector. This practical exposure not only reinforces their classroom learning but also helps them develop essential professional skills such as accuracy, organization, and traceability. For employers like Moog Inc. and Lumsden McCormick CPA, these internships serve as a pipeline for identifying and nurturing future talent, ensuring a skilled workforce for critical business functions. The success of these programs contributes to the overall quality of the U.S. workforce, particularly in finance, accounting, and legal fields, by producing graduates who are well-prepared for the demands of their chosen professions.
What's Next?
Canisius University will continue to foster partnerships with companies like Moog Inc., Lumsden McCormick CPA, and The Legal Aid Society of Rochester to provide diverse internship opportunities for its students. Students like Wolf, Lalli, and Fitzgerald will leverage their internship experiences to clarify their career paths, build professional networks, and enhance their resumes for future employment or further education. Wolf's experience at Moog Inc. has reinforced his plans to pursue CPA licensure and a career in public accounting. The university will likely continue to emphasize the importance of experiential learning, integrating feedback from both students and employers to refine its curriculum and internship programs. This ongoing collaboration between academia and industry will ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge demanded by the evolving job market.
Beyond the Headlines
The success of these internships highlights a broader trend in higher education towards experiential learning as a cornerstone of professional development. Beyond technical skills, these experiences cultivate soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, which are highly valued by employers. For companies like Moog Inc., engaging with university interns can also be a form of corporate social responsibility, investing in the next generation of talent while potentially gaining fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. The exposure to government contracts, as experienced by Wolf, also sheds light on the intricate relationship between private industry and public sector demands, particularly in defense. This symbiotic relationship between educational institutions and industry is crucial for maintaining a competitive and skilled workforce in the U.S., addressing talent gaps, and fostering economic growth.
