This summer and fall, three Aquinas College students – Cameron Moore, Kaitlyn Yonker and Carlota Arzabe Mecchia – are gaining invaluable experiences through the 2024 MCA-CLC Professional Development Program and making significant strides in their professional journeys. Dr. Katharina Häusler-Gross, Aquinas’ Associate Provost for Outreach and Engagement, is serving as the faculty director for the program, overseeing 24 student interns from the participating Michigan colleges and universities: Adrian, Albion, Alma, Aquinas, Calvin, Hope, Kalamazoo, Madonna and Siena Heights.

About the MCA-CLC Professional Development Program

The Michigan Colleges Alliance (MCA) is a collective of 16 top independent colleges and universities in Michigan dedicated to providing a holistic, high-quality and values-guided liberal arts and sciences education.

Representing more than 42,000 students, 410,000 alumni and over 100 academic programs, the alliance aims to broaden college choice and access in Michigan and foster career outcomes for MCA graduates.

As one of MCA’s initiatives, the Cooperative Learning Collaborative (CLC) is a unique collaboration between MCA institutions, employers, non-profit organizations, faculty and students. It facilitates career readiness through real-world work experience, leadership development and professional mentoring, benefiting both students and partner employers.

Cameron Moore: Sales Support Representative Intern at Stryker

Cameron Moore, a dual major in Business Administration and Sports Management with a concentration in Marketing, is interning as a Sales Support Representative at Stryker. His responsibilities include managing orders, coordinating deliveries and ensuring customer satisfaction. Cameron also collaborates with sales regions and internal departments to meet customer needs.

Reflecting on his experience, Cameron says, "The MCA-CLC program has helped me learn from others' experiences in the workplace. Taking the Clifton Strengthsfinder Assessment to discover my top strengths was particularly impactful. It has changed the way I approach my work and education."

Kaitlyn Yonker: Events Intern at Golden Sands Golf Club 

Kaitlyn Yonker, a dual major in Business Administration and Sports Management with a concentration in Marketing, works as an Events Intern at Golden Sands Golf Club. She assists with event organization, manages golf leagues and helps ensure smooth event operations.

"The MCA-CLC program has significantly benefited my professional skills and internship experience," Kaitlyn shares. "I've learned to acknowledge my strengths, use AI effectively and manage work stress, all of which have prepared me for a professional career."

Carlota Arzabe Mecchia: Technology Risk Consultant at Ernst Young

Carlota Arzabe Mecchia, pursuing a double major in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems, is interning as a Technology Risk Consultant at Ernst Young. Her role involves project planning, documenting audit processes, testing results and finalizing client deliverables. She also manages project progress and risks, ensuring stakeholders are informed.

"My internship has been an exceptional learning experience," Carlota notes. "The practical insights from experienced consultants and exposure to client meetings have been invaluable. The MCA-CLC program has provided diverse perspectives and networking opportunities that have greatly contributed to my growth."

Celebrating Aquinas Students' Achievements

Through this unique collaboration, students gain practical insights and diverse perspectives from industry professionals, enhancing their career readiness and skill sets. Additionally, the program fosters meaningful networking opportunities, connecting students with top employers and faculty-guided projects that support their growth and successful transition from academic to professional environments. Dr. Häusler-Gross' guidance of the program exemplifies Aquinas College's unwavering commitment to outstanding career preparation that prioritizes experiential learning opportunities.

We wish our Aquinas Saints and all MCA-CLC participants continued success in their internships and future careers.