Start spreading the news as the NYC Fellowship kicks off this summer

• NYC Fellowship allows students to live in Manhattan and gain internships in competitive national companies.
• Fellowship kicks off in summer 2018 with around 15 students after a pilot semester in summer 2017.

Many juniors and seniors across Liberty University’s campus are preparing to make New York City their home as the newest internship opportunity, as the New York City Fellowship officially kicks off in the summer of 2018.

Kathryn Thompson, assistant director of experiential learning, said the program will allow students to intern with competitive companies such as Fox News, Madison Square Garden and many more.

“There’s a huge need for stronger technical production, graphic design, digital media, communication students in the industry and that’s what New York does best,” Thompson said.  “I’m not going after small alternative companies, I’m going after major companies with tons of internship potential.”

Many students have expressed interest in the program, but they must meet certain qualifications in order to be considered. A complete list of qualifications is listed on Liberty’s website, along with the application process and appointment request.

“I need a strong GPA,” Thompson said. “Three point two is the minimum, but we really want to see closer to 3.5, just because of the competitiveness of all the internships in New York.”

Along with academic qualifications, Thompson said there are other factors that will affect her decision during the interview process.

“I need to know that these students are going to be okay in New York,” Thompson said. “A cultural intelligence and an emotional maturity is really crucial. I don’t want to send anyone that doesn’t want to be there, or isn’t prepared for the adventure.”

To better prepare for the fellowship, Liberty sent a group of students to New York City last summer as a pilot program before the official group of interns would begin a year later.

“One of the most important things for me, is identifying that a student has taken the initiative to invest in their own professional development,” Thompson said.  “We need to make sure that this first group that goes is stellar. This first group will set the tone for every other class of fellows that goes after them.”

Thompson said the housing provided on the Upper East Side in Manhattan will allow students to experience the heart of New York City and engage with the competitive culture while still maintaining a residential atmosphere.

“It’s a residential program, so it’s going to be very similar to living in a dorm here,” Thompson said. “We have a bunch of (residential assistant) candidates, but we’re working through some logistics there. Additionally, the company that runs the housing has resident assistants full time.”

Thompson said Liberty could send more than 15 students to New York City. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 72 percent of students that get internships are offered a full-time position.

“If you want to work in New York City, the best way to get there is through an internship,” Thompson said.

After the success of the Washington Fellowship and the anticipated success of the New York City Fellowship program, new internship opportunities are already being researched.

“Our idea is to continue to grow these fellowship programs,” Thompson said. “We would love to have one in Chicago, but none of that has been initiated. Right now, we’re looking at potential sites but our main focus is to get New York off the ground.”