Norander leads career program analysis

A grant may help Communication Studies faculty and students improve internship experiences across the state. Dr. Stephanie Norander, in her roles as Associate Professor Communication Studies and as Executive Director, Communication Across the Curriculum (CAC), has partnered with Carrie Silver, Program Manager of the University Professional Internship Program (UPIP) to win a grant from the North Carolina Career Development Association (NCCDA). Their $900 research grant is for project entitled: “Exploring Student Perspectives and Crafting Best Practices for the University Professional Internship Program at UNC Charlotte.” But, students have already benefited from the grant. Seniors in a capstone Organizational Communication course (COMM 4141) in Fall 2016 were able to help facilitate focus groups, creating peer-to-peer opportunities for sharing experiences. That focus group data from current and past UPIP student participants should help Dr. Norander and her partners make evidence-based decisions about UPIP improvements, then share the UPIP model and best practices with NC institutions. Data analysis is underway now.