Student Internships

Boelte-Hall offers internships to help Graphic Arts Degree students complete requirements for graduation. We sat down with Ralph Cowman, Administrative Manager, to find out more about the Internship program as he prepares to visit two schools.

How did Boelte-Hall get involved in offering internships?

It was early spring, about 10 years ago. We knew some Boelte-Hall employees were going to be on vacation or otherwise unavailable during that summer, and we wanted to be proactive and make sure we could cover their absences. Some of my contacts at Pittsburg State University mentioned the internship program and it seemed like a cool fit. I knew that University of Central Missouri (then called CMSU) also had an internship program, so I went to talk to both schools about it.

Why did you choose those schools?

We chose Pitt State and UCM because we knew they had excellent Graphic Arts programs along with internship programs, which are part of the requirements to get the Graphic Arts degree.

How do you go about choosing an intern?

First, I want to find someone who is graduating in 12 months who has not yet done an internship, because their work here helps them fulfill their requirements for graduation and this inspires them to stay with us until they’ve completed the internship. We want to be sure the time invested works for both Boelte-Hall and the intern. I look for someone who fits that criteria and who I also think will fit well into the Boelte-Hall environment.

Do you have a specific process for finding the right intern?

I spend two days at UCM and two days at Pitt State, usually within a week of each other so I can get the hiring under way quickly. The first day at each school, interested students chat with me during the career fair at the Boelte-Hall booth and I set up interviews with 10-15 students for the following day. Interviews last all the next day, and by the end of it I’ve usually picked two or three that I think would be good. I contact them and set up a time for them to come tour the plant and interview with me again, along with two or three key Boelte-Hall people.

How do you narrow it down from there?

After all the on-site tours and interviews are completed, Boelte-Hall personnel who have been involved with the interviews get together and come to a decision about who to offer the position. It’s a three week process from first interview to hire.

What are interns hired to do – a specific job or a variety of jobs?

They’re hired to do a variety of jobs: customer service, electronic composition, making plates, large format, all sorts of things. They won’t be bored! We want them to get the complete picture.

Are they involved in other off-site work activities during their internship?

Boelte-Hall personnel judge the Skills USA competition every year, and the interns usually participate in that. And if we have a workshop or lunch-and-learn during the summer, interns have the opportunity to help plan or participate in it as well. The interns just get involved with everything we’re involved in.

Do Boelte-Hall’s interns get paid?

Yes. It’s considered a paid, full time, temporary internship.

How do you determine wages?

Since they’re hired to do a variety of tasks, there’s a specific intern wage we pay for this position.

How long do they typically work at BH?

They start at the end of classes in May and work until classes begin in August. We always spell out at the beginning that there is no implied opportunity for full time, permanent employment. Having said that, interns who fit into the job well will certainly be considered if a position becomes available.

How many interns do you hire?

We make that decision before beginning the process each year. It’s based on Boelte-Hall’s need at the time. It’s at least one, sometimes two, and occasionally three.

Does Boelte-Hall give some kind of test at the end of the internship?

Boelte-Hall doesn’t give a test, but toward the end of the internship, the student’s instructor(s) come to Boelte-Hall to discuss how the student did during their time here. I also conduct an “exit interview” with the student to find out what they learned, if their internship experience was what they expected, what we could do to make it better, etc.

Do you still keep in touch with previous interns?

Absolutely! I encourage them to stay in contact with me in case an opportunity for full time employment comes up.

Are any previous interns still employed at BH?

One intern (see inset) has worked here several years; she was hired permanently several years ago when a position opened up. Many Boelte-Hall interns have gone on to successful positions at other companies here in Kansas City. . . one went to Hallmark, where she’s worked since interning here in 2008.

You mentioned you have one question you always ask at the first interview. What is that question and why do you ask it?

The question is: When you get your Graphic Arts degree, if you could get any job you wanted with that degree, what would it be? Their answer may help in decisions for full time openings down the road.