Internships: Adaptation and Innovation

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Posted on June 17, 2021 by MCOB Outreach

MCOB Outreach

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The Mitchell College of Business is committed to preparing students for the workforce through its robust internship program. This initiative is supported by partnerships between the college and businesses across the Gulf Coast, providing students with invaluable hands-on experience in their fields before graduation. Through these internships, students refine essential skills, earn college credit, and build connections with a network of successful professionals.

A distinctive feature of the college’s curriculum is the mandatory internship requirement for graduation. Many students leverage these opportunities to secure full-time employment offers from the firms they intern with. After completing their internships, several graduates have gone on to work for major companies, such as Airbus.

One such student, Audrey Mangiaracina, graduated in May 2024 with a degree in Finance and Economics with a concentration in Real Estate. During her undergraduate studies, Mangiaracina completed an internship at Roberts Brothers Inc., a local real estate agency, where she gained practical experience researching property listings, conducting market analyses, meeting with clients, and organizing property showings.

She recalls that one of the most rewarding aspects of her internship was the level of responsibility she was given. “I was treated like a regular real estate agent. I was required to get my license before,” Mangiaracina shared, emphasizing the real-world expectations placed on her throughout the experience.

Mangiaracina’s internship also unfolded during a particularly volatile period in the real estate market. “The market was going crazy,” she said, reflecting on the unpredictable fluctuations. Market volatility can present both challenges and opportunities for real estate professionals, as sudden changes in property values and demand require swift adaptation.

Despite the complexities of the market, Mangiaracina contributed to the team as if she were a full-fledged agent. The daily shadowing and mentorship she received provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the real estate industry.

After completing her undergraduate studies, Mangiaracina plans to further her education by enrolling in the Mitchell College of Business’s Master of Business Administration program. Following that, she intends to continue her current position as a staff accountant while pursuing her passion for real estate on the side.

Businesses and organizations interested in partnering with the Mitchell College of Business to work with college talent can contact Jessica Franks at jfranks@southalabama.edu Find more information at https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/mcob/internships/. 

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