Nicole Both started the summer as a secretary and ended up running a law firm’s entire computer system.

Both, a senior political science major, started work as a paid intern at the Cosentino Law Firm in DeKalb. She, like several other NIU students, got this opportunity through the NIU program Future, an internship-assistance organization.

She said the internship has been a good experience because it will aid in her future success as a lawyer. Both will continue her internship until the end of this semester and this year will serve as vice-president of Future

Other students, such as Chad DeLuca, a senior computer science major, received both pay and credit for their internships.

DeLuca, who also serves as a webmaster for Future, interned at IBM’s Silicon Valley Lab in San Jose, Calif., and will work for them until December as a programmer and tester for software company products.

“The connections that Future gives to people are priceless,” DeLuca said.

Jenny Fernandes, a senior finance and corporate communications major, did not receive credit or pay for her position as a selling manager intern at Marshall Field’s in Chicago, but she said working in a business setting was a positive experience.

“I learned a lot about being a leader and working with a large team,” she said. “I also learned a lot about working with other people’s strengths and weaknesses.”

Fernandes worked in cosmetics and was responsible for coaching, encouraging and advising team members as a way to help them sell products.

Fernandes was able to attend ”Glamourama,” an annual fashion show hosted by Marshall Field’s where stars such as Patti LaBelle, The Commodores and Sheila E attended.

Mylene Santiano, a senior communication major, worked as a production assistant and an assistant producer at WLS-TV, the ABC7 news station in Chicago. Santiano said she learned about editing, writing, camera operation and the interview process.

The main TV show she worked on was ”190 North” with WLS-TV News Anchor Janet Davies. Santiano also assisted in production with the “2004 Chrysler All-Star Shoot-out,” where celebrities such as Michael Jordan, Greg Maddux and Bobbie Hull played golf for charity.

At 6:30 p.m. Aug. 30 and 31, in Campus Life Building, Suite 100, Future is holding an “Info Night” open to all interested students.

For further information on Future, contact www.sa.niu.edu/future.

Want an internship?

Future [www.sa.niu.edu/future] is just one of several internship resources available to NIU students. The Cooperative Education Office/Internship Program, NIU Internship fairs, and Web sites such as www.careerbuilder.com, www.monster.com and www.internWeb.com are also sources students can use to find internships.