Spreading the word to college students about anything - even great companies with exciting opportunities - can be difficult, leaving many companies wondering how they can better cut through the metaphorical (and at some events, literal) noise. The answer? A student ambassador! Student ambassadors help companies build their brand with early career talent in a way that’s authentic and compelling because the message is coming from the target audience. The associated short-term tasks don’t require consistent supervision, making the experience a perfect Micro-Internship. And companies aren’t the only ones who make use of Micro-Interns as student ambassadors. In the case of Hutchinson Community College, Career Services Coordinator Rick Kraus hired Class of 2026 undecided student Lexi Bretz not to highlight a specific company, but to make her peers aware of Parker Dewey Micro-Internships in general.
Learning About Micro-Internships
While Lexi wasn’t initially familiar with the concept of Micro-Internships, like most college students, she was already juggling multiple commitments. That’s why her interest was piqued when she realized that the student ambassador Micro-Internship was flexible and could help her make some extra money.
“I’m very much a people person and I’ve enjoyed taking advantage of opportunities to be involved through college. I honestly didn’t know much about what was needed to be a Parker Dewey ambassador, but I was excited to take the opportunity and see what it was about.”
Lexi’s attitude is reflective of most Micro-Interns’. Because Micro-Internships are so short-term and focused on a specific set of tasks, students tend to apply based on their availability and interest in the project without feeling the need to be familiar with the company. This is why Micro-Internships are such a valuable tool for companies looking to build their brands and access talent who might not otherwise be thinking about their organization.
Spreading the Word
After Lexi was selected, she connected with her supervisor, Rick, who was excited for the ways he knew Lexi’s voice would resonate with her peers.
"Being new to Micro-Internships myself, it was critical that I have a strong ambassador. Lexi was just what the doctor ordered. She was energetic, creative, and enthusiastic about her role. I greatly appreciate all she did to promote Kansas Micro-Internships at Hutchinson Community College." - Rick Kraus, Career Services Coordinator
To get started, Rick gave Lexi a list of ideas, and then helped her pursue the ones she was interested in. One of the first things Lexi decided to do was ask her professors if she could do short, 5-minute presentations about Parker Dewey in her classes. Lexi came to her classes prepared with flyers, and quickly found that her peers appreciated being able to talk to someone who was currently in the midst of the same experience she was promoting.
“I got a lot of good feedback. Students liked that I was doing a Micro-Internship because they got to ask me real questions about my experience… [My supervisor] would let me know how many people were creating accounts after my presentations, and some of the people I didn’t even really know, so it was great to know those presentations had an impact.”
Encouraged by the response, Lexi made a poster to share at lunchtime, and a video promoting Parker Dewey Micro-Internships for social media. She also helped make local employers aware of the benefits of recruiting students via Micro-Internships by presenting to prospective employers at The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce.
“I’d never done anything like present to a chamber before. I didn’t really know what to expect, but getting up and presenting is something I really enjoy, and it was great to make connections.”
Outcomes of the Micro-Internship
Lexi’s hard work promoting Micro-Internships led to more than 100 new accounts created by Hutchinson Community College Career Launchers, and the number of Micro-Internships that have selected HutchCC students or recent graduates has tripled. Along the way, Lexi also realized that she has an affinity for marketing.
“When I was at the chamber, one of the companies asked about my major and really thought it would be marketing, which I thought was interesting. This influenced my decision to take a marketing class next semester and explore that further.”
Since her student ambassador Micro-Internship, Lexi has even secured a second Micro-Internship focused on marketing efforts for a wellness clinic, resulting in fantastic reviews from her supervisor. After her presentation at the chamber, Lexi was also invited to apply for a summer internship at a local healthcare clinic.
“I’m exploring careers in healthcare, but I don’t exactly know what I want to do, so this will help me explore.”
Regardless of what direction Lexi takes in her career, she knows that the skills she built on as a Parker Dewey student ambassador will serve her well, reporting that her Micro-Internship not only helped her improve in every NACE Career Readiness Competency, but also allowed her to gain meaningful experience and perspective.
Advice for Companies
Lexi hopes even more companies will become aware of Micro-Internships and take advantage of the opportunity to engage busy students in meaningful ways.
“Just do it! There’s literally no downside, especially with the Kansas program. You get to meet people you may want to hire in the future. Everyone learns something from this experience. Give it a try!”
Advice for Students
Lexi’s advice to her peers is to be open to new opportunities, even ones they may not have expected to be a fit.
"Through everything I do, including this Micro-Internship, I'm just hoping to get experience. I feel the more you put yourself out there and get involved, the better off you are... If you don't end up liking it, you've learned something about yourself."
Lexi also wanted to emphatically remind students about the importance of checking the Parker Dewey platform regularly, as new projects are posted all the time. After Lexi’s positive experience, she’s an advocate for every college student taking advantage of Micro-Internships!
Companies, our student ambassador project template to easily hire your own student ambassador Micro-Interns at target schools. For partners schools looking to hire one of your own students as a Parker Dewey ambassador, use this resource.
