During a time when many students dedicate their summer vacations to basking in the sun or hitting all of the hottest tourist attractions, one Ohio University student choose to spend his time away from school in a different way.
This summer Juan Echeverry, a senior communication systems management major, took part in an internship program with the JCPenney Corporation. For three months, Echeverry executed various projects at the company's headquarters in Dallas, Texas, whose communication system supports all of JCPenney's 1,200 stores. For his efforts, the OU senior was awarded the JCPenney Most Outstanding Information Technology Intern title, along with a $500 scholarship.
It was quite an experience
defiantly valuable. Echeverry said. Nowhere else would I be able to expand upon what I have learned and build upon it in the real world.
Echeverry originally investigated other internship prospects, but accepted the internship with JCPenney after participating in a live video conference with the manager of the program. Echeverry said 1,000 applicants applied for the program, but only 10 Information Technology interns were chosen. He also added that he was the only intern chosen from Ohio.
The JCPenney internship program was very competitive. I wasn't surprised that Juan was chosen said Andrew Snow, Director of the School of Communication Systems Management. He is an outstanding individual.
One of Echeverry's main achievements was performing the duties of project manager for an assignment. The assignment required his group to find an easier way for users who travel or have limited resources to connect to JCPenney's assets in a less complicated, more cost-efficient manner.
He also took part in a project that required him to create a business plan concerning the business model presentation to JCPenney vendors, which Echeverry had to present to the vice president of the company.
Three weeks before the program was scheduled to end, each intern was nominated and evaluated by their immediate supervisor. For the evaluation, each intern was graded on skills ranging from their work performance to their attendance.
Echeverry said all of the interns were graded against each other, with the idea that the best qualified person would be awarded with the honor of Most Outstanding Information Technology Intern.
The respect from the managers and the other interns was important he said. I was able to realize that I did a job well done
and I benefited the company.
After the program was complete, Echeverry returned to Ohio University, where he is president of the Telecommunication System Management Association, takes part in Senior Class Counsel and is a member of Phi Gamma Nu, a business fraternity.
Juan is concerned about doing things right by the letter; he is such a delightful person
said Florence Riffe, Assistant Dean of the College of Communication. We're really proud of him.
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