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How do Bowling Green State University students gain real-world experience before graduation?

BGSU students are completing internships across Ohio and the country, building valuable skills for their future careers

BGSU students gain hands-on experience through internships and co-ops, applying what they’ve learned in the classroom to professional settings across Ohio and the country at organizations such as Nationwide, Owens Corning, The Hartford, the Cleveland Guardians, Savannah Bananas and more.

These experiences help students develop in-demand skills, expand their professional networks and gain confidence as they prepare for careers after graduation.

As the No. 1 public university in Ohio for career preparation, Bowling Green helps students secure internships and co-ops as soon as a student's first year through comprehensive resources and support provided through the Kuhlin Career Hub, including career fairs, industry partnerships, 1:1 career coaching, prototyping conversations and employer connections.

Where are Bowling Green State University students completing internships?

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“From the time I arrive at the stadium until the day ends, it is usually a long list of things to do. We are there to make sure the players, coaches, trainers – everyone associated with the team – have what they need to be successful. I think all of these different roles and responsibilities have given me an array of skills and helped my personal growth. It’s real-world experience that you can’t get from a textbook."

Carlos Medina
Clubhouse attendant, Cleveland Guardians
Sport management major

Carlos' experience

“Coming into college, my main goal was to get as much hands-on experience as I could with internships. I know all this hands-on experience is what truly sets you up for success. I think Bowling Green does a great job at connecting young professionals to these opportunities through career fairs and networking opportunities. I definitely took advantage of that, and it’s helped me grow so much.”

Luke Spoors
Supply chain sourcing intern, Owens Corning
Supply chain management major

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“I am beyond excited for my internship. Not only is it going to provide me with additional hands-on learning opportunities in the real world, but it’s also with a company with an impressive reputation. Actuarial science is more than a career for me...it’s like constantly working on a puzzle. Being an actuary is a career of continuous learning, and I am so excited I chose BGSU for my education.”

Kojak Valentine
Actuary intern, The Hartford
Actuarial science major

Kojak's experience

“Our shows are really exhausting, but once the last person leaves the plaza, it’s always like, ‘We did it.' BGSU was one of the only schools that had resort and attraction management, then seeing the internships and getting guaranteed experience in the workforce was a huge draw to Bowling Green for me."

Riley Wagner
Fan experience and event operations intern, Savannah Bananas
Resort and attraction management major

Riley's experience

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“My internship at Nationwide has allowed me to explore my career interests, build confidence and develop skills that I will carry with me into future roles. It has also helped me see the value of networking, continuous learning and being open to new opportunities. It is motivating to represent BGSU at a company like Nationwide and to see that students from my university can contribute to large, successful organizations. This experience has made me proud, more confident in my future and excited for the career opportunities ahead."

Brandon Grubbs
Test automation developer intern, Nationwide
Computer science major

“Soccer isn’t forever, which is why I’m going to BGSU, getting my degree and doing this internship. When I was looking for an internship, I really wanted to try something in soccer because I love the game, and the Crew was my No. 1 place that I wanted to go. The Crew is an awesome organization. It would be a dream to work for them, so I’m really thankful to be here.”

Aiden Ptacek
Event operations assistant, Columbus Crew
Sport management major

Aiden's experience

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“When I started nursing school, I was timid and nervous to walk into a room with a simulation mannequin. Now, I can walk into a room with a patient and not be scared to say, ‘Hi, I’m Lindsay, and I’ll be your student nurse today.’ I couldn’t speak more highly of the BGSU nursing program. It is phenomenal. It’s a growing program, but it’s also small enough that I know every single one of my professors and can talk to them and feel like I’m not just another student on a list."

Lindsay Roth
Student extern, Mercy Health Perrysburg Hospital
Nursing major

"BGSU has exceeded all expectations I had for college. I have never once questioned whether I belonged or if I made the right decision. I have the knowledge and skills to succeed in my field, and I am excited to be testing those skills during my internship."

Madison LaBeck
Criminal justice intern, Department of Community Supervision
Criminal justice major

Madison's experience

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What employers say about Bowling Green State University students?

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“What I love about students from Bowling Green is that they come in with a strong technical foundation. They understand the technology and the concepts. They also come in with the right people skills and relationship skills to work effectively in a team environment. Some universities might focus on preparing someone for a specific job. What we found is that students coming from Bowling Green State University are able to be successful in a long-term career.”

Michael Carrel '95
Chief Technology Officer, Nationwide

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"I only take BGSU student teachers, and the main reason for that is because when they come into my classroom, and they're interacting with kids, I know it's not the first time they've had that experience. They've gotten to go to other field placements, and they've learned how to interact with kids before they come in here, and then they can really work on the teaching skills once they get here."

Jaimee McNamara '07, '12
K-2 special education teacher, Sylvania's Highland Elementary

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“Without a doubt, what he’s doing today through his education at BGSU and his internship with the Guardians is prepping him to enter the workforce with a vast knowledge of the industry, as well as real-life experience at the highest level of the sport.”

Brandon Biller '09
Home clubhouse manager, Cleveland Guardians

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"Students and graduates from BGSU bring fresh perspectives, innovative thinking and a strong work ethic into our organization. This partnership helps us invest in the next generation of professionals and ensures we’re building a strong foundation for the future of our industry."

Troy Fritch '11
Director of preconstruction, Rudolph Libbe Group

Career experience, by the numbers

#1 in Ohio for career preparation

BGSU is ranked the No. 1 public university in Ohio for career prep.

Internships start early

Students can begin internships and co-ops as early as their freshman year.

Strong employer connections

BGSU partners with hundreds of employers across Ohio and the country.

National recognition

BGSU is the only university in the Midwest selected for a national career-readiness initiative.

Real-world engineering experience

Engineering students completed 440 co-ops in 2025.

A long history of experiential learning

BGSU established cooperative education programs nearly 60 years ago.

This landing page was designed and developed by BGSU student Christina Amanatides, a visual communication technology major and student web designer in the BGSU Office of Marketing and Communications.

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Media Contact
Michael Bratton | mbratto@bgsu.edu | 419-372-6349

Updated: 07/24/2026 05:54PM