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Every day when Marquis Scholar Madeline Stavis ’08 (Bryn Mawr, Pa.) opens her newspaper, she sees applications of her schoolwork in the stories she reads. This summer, she is taking part in the media industry as a corporate communications intern with MWW Group, a public relations firm in New York City.
A history and government & law major, Stavis is among hundreds of Lafayette students who served internships this summer with alumni and other experienced professionals in business, the arts, education, healthcare, law, engineering, the sciences, government, and non-profits. Students learn about careers they may consider entering after college, developing professional networking contacts, and building their resumes.
“I have always been interested in the media, and this is a completely different angle,” says Stavis. “I am working with our corporate communications division with accounts such as the government of Scotland and Polytechnic University. So far I have compiled media lists, created spreadsheets, and researched companies. Through this internship, I now see a new way by which reporters gather their information, and by the end of the internship, I hope to pitch stories to reporters.”
In addition to those responsibilities, Stavis is involved with two large research projects, one on the business development front and the other for the Scottish government.
“They both involve researching companies, sifting through large quantities of information, crystallizing her thinking, and expressing herself clearly and concisely,” says Matt Rose ’93, senior vice president of MWW Group. “Madeline is a hard worker who gets along with everyone on her team. She approaches all projects with a can-do attitude and is often quite resourceful at tracking down information that others miss. She shows initiative and often goes beyond her initial assignment, finding related opportunities with media that we had not previously considered.”
When it comes to a career pursuit, Stavis says she is interested in a broad range of fields, from law to journalism to publishing to history.
“I have always loved European history, and I find government and law fascinating because it is so applicable,” she notes. “I love opening a newspaper and realizing how my schoolwork actually does matter.”
According to Rose, it’s these types of diverse experiences and opportunities that help Lafayette students succeed in the workplace.
“I’m familiar with the education and social experiences Lafayette students bring to the table,” he says. “They’re well-rounded and generally have good basic skills, such as writing and public speaking. I’ve hired several Lafayette graduates over the years, both in full-time and intern positions. For me, they’re known quality candidates.”
Stavis is Gilbert’s co-chair of Lafayette Activities Forum, and secretary of History Club. She is on the executive board of Holla Back and a member of College Democrats. She spent three weeks earlier this summer in Russia and Poland studying people’s memories of World War II and the Holocaust. Next spring, she will study abroad in Rome.
Chosen from among Lafayette’s most promising applicants, Marquis Scholars like Stavis receive a special academic scholarship and distinctive educational experiences and benefits. This includes a three-week, Lafayette-funded course abroad or in the United States during January’s interim session between semesters or the summer break. Marquis Scholars also participate in mentoring programs with Lafayette faculty and cultural activities in major cities and on campus.