Internships setting international students up for success

Internships provide students a glimpse into how they will utilize their degree in a real-world setting. For international students, this can be a crucial part of their educational experience.

Senior Emmanuel Kumi has been involved in multiple internships throughout his time at Minnesota State University Moorhead. The work he’s been a part of has set his path for the future.

Emmanuel is a construction management major and business management minor from Ghana. His department requires field experience for students to put their knowledge to use. He knew this was the best way to become more involved in his schooling.

“In construction management, you need to go out there and get your hands dirty,” he says.

For Emmanuel, the answers all lied in career fairs. He earned his first internship through RJM Construction. He realized that his status as an MSUM student put him ahead of other students.

“MSUM has really influenced my internship opportunities, sometimes the fact I am a student here gives me the upper hand,” he says. “My professors here have many connections.”

With the hard labor Emmanuel has put into his degree, he currently interns for PSI Intertek Construction and is part of the community’s 5-year flood diversion project. He works as a field technician to make sure the project, designed to improve flood protection in the Fargo-Moorhead area, is going smoothly.

Once Emmanuel graduates, he will transition to working full-time on the project until completion.

Emmanuel offers a unique perspective to the job as an international student. Whether it’s bringing people together or understanding he has worked harder to get where he is today, Emmanuel embodies the grit, humility and heart it takes to be a Dragon.

Other international students have their internships to thank for their current careers.

Alumnus Suman Koirala is a lead software developer for Codelation, a business startup development agency. Suman once worked as an international student intern under what is now his current position.

Suman is from Nepal. He earned his degree in computer science in 2019. Codelation stretched his education past the walls of MSUM.

“It [Codelation] was completely different than school,” he says. “The work helped me understand software development in the real world compared to the classroom.”

Having a close team with fulfilling work, he loves the atmosphere the job brings.

“One of the greatest things is that balance and the people,” he says. “The projects that are given challenge you and push you to keep growing while still being interesting.”

Suman and Emmanuel both value the benefits MSUM offers international students, including affordable tuition and a plethora of scholarship opportunities.

The F-M area is also looking for ways to help businesses hire international students. That’s why MSUM has teamed up with the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce to host a night for local businesses to get an informative look at the process. The event, Internships and International Students, will take place from 4 to 6 pm March 22, 2023, in the Comstock Memorial Union (CMU).