Transylvania University students benefit from a wealth of internship opportunities — from health care to the arts — thanks to Lexington’s vibrant economy and the school’s dedicated faculty and staff.
The Center for Academic and Professional Enrichment plays a key role in guiding students toward these real-world experiences. Tracy Dunn, assistant dean for academic affairs, emphasized how her team connects these Pioneers with alumni and community partners to match them with job openings. “We talk with them about what their interests are and what they hope to get out of the internship,” she said. Dunn also noted that local employers are often eager to take on Transylvania students because of how well prepared they are.
Additionally, the city’s size is ideal for a liberal arts college to offer internships, many within walking distance of campus. “Lexington is full of such diverse employment opportunities,” Dunn said. “Pretty much any field you can imagine is located right here.” This gives Transylvania an edge over small-town institutions, with options including nonprofits, finance, hospitals and the bourbon and equine industries.
Besides practical career benefits, internships provide mentorship and networking. Many are paid, but for unpaid roles at nonprofits, for example, the Class of 1971 established a fund offering stipends to cover costs. Students also can earn academic credit equivalent to a course. About 40% of the Class of 2025 completed an internship, with CAPE aiming to increase that to 80%.
Opportunities extend beyond Lexington. Students have interned internationally, such as at an archaeological dig in Turkey, and domestically in Arizona, Washington, D.C., and New York. Locally, partnerships include the Lexington Legends baseball team and cultural outlets like the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center.
Senior Caroline Oakes interns at the Refuge Clinic, a local nonprofit that provides free health care. After starting as a dental assistant, she’s now a nursing assistant taking vitals, drawing blood and administering vaccines. “I get to actually have a lot of autonomy there,” said Oakes, who plans to enroll in a physician assistant program after graduation. She credits the experience with building connections and insight into medical roles, aided by Transylvania pre-health adviser Robin Prichard.
“I just love how positive everyone is, and I can really tell how much of an impact the clinic makes on all of our patients,” Oakes continued. She said her co-workers foster a great learning environment as well.
Music technology major Sabrina Riggs also found a fitting setting for her internship. The junior’s duties with WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour have included equipment setup, sound checks and thinking on her feet. “Especially for this line of work, it’s mostly problem-solving,” Riggs said.
One time when the sound person was late, she was able to set up the system for the show herself since she was familiar with the mixer from one she uses at Transylvania.
Not only does WoodSongs tie directly to her coursework, offering real-time skills beyond the classroom for credit, but she enjoys the crew’s positive energy. “Because it’s volunteer, you can feel their passion for it.”
Professor Tim Polashek, through his connections with WoodSongs, has helped Pioneers land internships with the program over the years.
Sam Hatfield, a digital arts and media and religion double major, found a great match for his studies interning at Beargrass Christian Church in Louisville. He put together communications like posters and social media graphics and collaborated on fundraising — while taking initiative on certain projects. “I created the procedures for weekly bulletins and trained office staff on how to make them,” said Hatfield, a junior who plans to go into the ministry. His summer job provided a glimpse into the workflows and other operations the career entails.
It was also an example of how his two seemingly different majors can intertwine in true liberal arts fashion. For instance, he could pull deep meaning into a project assignment. “I have an understanding of what the church is and what it does and its role and needs — and then here’s how graphic design and communications can support that project.”
With CAPE’s support — including career counseling, resume help and alumni networking — Transylvania gives students an edge in the workforce. For more details, visit the Career Development website.
“Our goal is to encourage all students to do internships or research,” Dunn said. “It’s a great idea. Especially as competitive as the job market is after graduation.”