Internship Takes Online Student across Globe

Internship Takes Online Student across Globe

By Dan Silvia, Communications Manager

Interning – it can be a tough existence that often means low pay and menial tasks.

But Cherise Shaddix, a Communications student from Marietta, Georgia, is certainly welcoming her intern title for a two-month stint beginning in early February. It probably doesn’t hurt that the internship is in Greece and an extension of a modeling contract.

“My internship has really been made possible by my wonderful professors here at Bellevue,” Shaddix explained. “I was called away on a modeling contract, and Dr. Kate (Joeckel) will be overseeing me in my business trip to help put together an overseas course focusing on how different cultures communicate.”

The 20-year-old Shaddix has been modeling for about four years and has worked with (fashion designer) Jason Wu, L’Oreal, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks 5th Avenue, and Belk.

“I felt like this was an industry that I would be able to make a difference in,” Shaddix said. “I love to travel, and am comfortable in front of the camera, so that seemed the best opportunity for me. It's something that I'm really passionate about, so it was kind of a no-brainer.”

Shaddix will be living in Athens during her stay in Greece. She hopes to visit the Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos as well. Quick stops in Norway, Munich, and London could also be part of the trip.

An effort to transfer in as much credit as possible was one of the reasons Shaddix chose Bellevue University to continue her studies. She uses a single word to describe her Enrollment Counselor Ashley Wurdeman – “Fantastic.”

A number of people collaborated to help make Shaddix’s internship a reality.

“Cherise and I met through one of my online Communication courses. She brought her unique internship opportunity to my attention and we collaborated with Emily Krueger in International Programs to make the internship happen,” Joeckel said. “The internship will allow Cherise to explore the connection between culture and communication in the dynamic environment of international modeling.”

Shaddix hopes that earning her degree will help facilitate additional travel opportunities and a chance to learn about other cultures.

“I am, at heart, a people person,” she said. “If I can travel the world to understand different cultures, I am a happy girl. I want to use my degree to explore new cultures and how they interact.”