Muzo Spotlight: Carrie Roath Ernst [Robert Morris University]
In our latest Muzo Spotlight, we chat to Carrie Routh Ernst about her role as Director of Student Professional Engagement at Robert Morris University in Chicago, and what she thinks about the Muzo way of working...
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do?
My name is Carrie, and I work at Robert Morris as the Director of Student Professional Engagement. There are two parts to my job, the first is the higher level internships, that’s where the students get more a day-to-day experience and these internships are much more immersive, and students will get the chance to learn the real ins-and-outs of an industry, and network.
We also have our integration centre which sees our students act as consultants for clients, and complete projects whether that’s a marketing project or a social media project; there’s also an accountant group that meets to discuss cashflow [for clients] as well. It’s always astounding to see what the students manage to achieve in terms of the calibre of their work.
All this is done under the guidance of a faculty advisor who works with our students to make sure they are putting into practice what they learned in class by applying it to real life scenarios, so that students can produce [or work on] a product that they can walk away and use.
Where does your passion for the job come from?
My passion starts with Higher Education, I’ve been with Robert Morris University since 1995, and I come from an Academic background. I’ve always had a passion for education and learning. I was asked to take this position in January of this year, and it’s another way for me to be involved with the students, and make sure that they are having a great experience. For me, it’s great seeing that lightbulb moment for students where they are at school and can see how working with us, and doing these types of internships are going to help them in their career.
Have there been any career highlights for you?
I would say probably whenever our students graduate, and they walk across the stage after having built a relationship with you for around three years. It’s amazing to see how these people have developed and become mature adults with goals who are just really excited to start life.
What do you look for in a client?
We want somebody who’s going to be involved. The students need to be able to communicate regularly and get answers with regards to the type of project that they have students working on. We ask that the client meets with the students to talk about the project and the company, as well as to keep track of objectives through product development.
How have you enjoyed the working relationship between your students and Muzo so far?
With Muzo, it’s really the enthusiasm that has impressed me the most. Muzo has a lot of passion and drive, but it is definitely that enthusiasm that excites us the most. Muzo have been very supportive of our students.
For more information on Robert Morris University, and how you can get involved with Student Engagement at the ICenter as either a client or student, visit: robertmorris.edu/icenter
WORDS / INTERVIEW: DOM SMITH
