Alumnus Perspective
Marco Trombetta, a former CougarWorks intern in the Collin College Police Department, explained how he was able to give practical application to his classroom knowledge, stating, “I’ve been able to leverage the skills I’ve learned in class to gain career experience.”
Student-Manager Perspective
Fellow CougarWorks intern Carson Holley discussed working with his team in Library Technical Services.
“My manager and mentors understand that I am still in school, and they allow me to
work around my school hours while still giving me valuable experience. They are all
supportive of me, and I don't think I could ask for a better group,” Holley said.
Bonni Capobianco, Holley’s manager and director of Library Technology Services at
the Plano Campus, shared her experience supervising a CougarWorks intern.
“Since Carson has worked in our department for more than a year, we have built a rapport. He knows his job and understands the priorities. He’s eager to learn new skills and willing to help,” Capobianco said.
Student-Mentor Perspective
A major component of the CougarWorks internship program is the mentor-student relationship. Interns are assigned a mentor who will work one-on-one with the interns to facilitate the development of knowledge and abilities. Mentors set their interns up for career success by helping them build their professional skill sets.
Erwin Whitlock, manager of Facility Plant Operations and mentor of CougarWorks intern Jazzmin Sheckles, discussed what he enjoyed most about being a mentor.
“I like being a mentor because it reminds me of when I was first starting my career
and having someone really take me by the hand and show me the ropes,” Whitlock said.
“It is always great to see the smile interns bring every day when they come to the
team and the passion they have to help us out.”
Sheckles described her experience working as an intern.
“It’s helping me learn the basics like problem solving, teamwork, and communication. It’s a big family here, and everyone helps each other to make the job easier,” Sheckles said.
By adding CougarWorks interns to departments, employees have the opportunity to support Collin College’s student-driven mission and empower and guide the next generation of industry professionals.
To learn more about CougarWorks internships, visit www.youtube.com/@collincollege2000/playlists and click on “CougarWorks” to watch a video series about the program.
Written by Bridget Tooley, a CougarWorks intern in the Collin College Communications
Department.
(Main photo) Manager Bonni Capobianco and mentors Sheila Swenholt and Mindy Tomlin pictured with intern Carson Holley.
(First photo) Student intern Marco Trombetta shares information with colleagues.
(Second photo) Student intern Carson Holley in the library.
(Third photo) CougarWorks manager Bonni Capobianco
(Fourth photo) CougarWorks intern Jazzmin Sheckles with her manager Erwin Whitlock.
Photos by Nicholas Young, Collin College photographer.