INTERNSHIP INSIGHT: Ellen Carter ’19 – Gorton's Seafood

ENDICOTT COLLEGE PROGRAMS OF STUDY | INTERNSHIPS AND CAREERS

BEVERLY, Mass. – Endicott College is a pioneer in requiring comprehensive internship experiences in every program of study for undergraduate students. Here's a look into women's ice hockey student-athlete and biology/biotechnology major Ellen Carter's '19 (Roseville, Minn.) internship experience at Gorton's Seafood. 

ECGULLS: Describe your overall internship experience.

CARTER: I am a Research and Development intern at Gorton's Seafood in Gloucester, Mass. I work with R&D technicians and food scientists to develop new products for our CPG business (consumer packaged goods). My internship has been a very positive learning experience. The culture at Gorton's promotes teamwork and community engagement, so it has been an easy transition for me learning to navigate the work environment. 

ECGULLS: What have you learned from your internship?

CARTER: I have learned how to bring a new product from a conceptual idea to a tangible product that can run full scale in the plant and will eventually reach retail shelves! To do this, there are multiple stages of formulations, taste testings, plant/factory tests, troubleshooting sessions, and plant start-ups (where our product is made at full-scale for the first time on the line). There are a lot of moving parts that engage departments all over the company and we need to work together to make this process efficient and profitable. I have learned how to succeed with a cross-functional team, which is something that I can apply to my future work (and life) experiences.

ECGULLS: How will this internship help you in your career moving forward?

CARTER: This internship has taught me that I love the food science industry! This will help me make future decisions regarding graduate school after Endicott. There are a lot of opportunities to work with food in a way that combines chemistry, problem-solving, and teamwork. There are food science opportunities all over the country and that is really exciting to think about. 

THE ENDICOTT INTERNSHIP MODEL

A philosophy of "learning by doing" permeates the college curriculum in which students are encouraged to integrate theory and practice in all of their studies.

Through their experiences in internships students will be prepared to:

• Apply, integrate, and evaluate knowledge within a particular academic discipline
• Develop competencies for careers and community service
• Explore career options and gain field experience
• Foster personal growth through increased self-confidence, interpersonal skills, an understanding of self and others, and a heightened awareness of ethical standards
• Improve the ability to learn in a self-directed manner

"The Endicott internship model allows students to have multiple opportunities throughout their college experience to discover their passions, bolster career confidence, and develop a marketable skill set while creating a professional network that will serve them well after graduation," said Endicott's Dean of the Internship and Career Center Eric Hall. "Endicott students leave with the career-readiness competencies and passion needed to excel in today's workforce." 

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(Photo Credit - David Le '10)