As the Albany State University Fall 2015 Commencement Ceremony swiftly approaches, graduating seniors like Lakea Chatmon, are making plans for success after graduation. Many have plans to go straight into the workforce, others will further their education by attending graduate school. After receiving a degree in Business Information Systems, Chatmon will attend graduate school at George Washington University in the spring.
 
The Albany, Ga., native says she is one step closer to making her dream of becoming a senior level project manager a reality thanks to the College of Business internship course and her internship experience with the BIG (Blacks In Government) program, based out of Washington D.C. Chatmon shared her internship experience as a virtual web designer for the program and gave insight on her preparation for life after ASU.  
 
What was your internship experience with the BIG program?
 
Chatmon: The Blacks In Government, Carl T. Rowan Chapter, has been a pleasure to work with under the leadership of current Chapter President and ASU alumna, Christian Blackman. I gained hands on experience, utilizing web development skills I learned in the classroom. In August, I had the opportunity to attend BIG’s National Training Institute and met a lot of influential government officials. During the training institute, I attended seminars and gained knowledge in key areas such as networking and the importance of differing behavioral characteristics while working in groups or teams. Overall, the internship experience with BIG through the U.S. Department of State’s Virtual Student Foreign Services has been a tremendous experience, and I am very grateful for the opportunity.
 
How did the BIS program at ASU prepare you for your internship?
 
Chatmon: I was well prepared for my internship because of the BIS program. The skills I learned in classes such as database management systems, systems analysis and design, and even core business courses have really helped prepare me for my internship and for any job I decide to peruse.
 
What are you planning to study in graduate school?
 
Chatmon: I will pursue a Master of Science in Information Systems Technology under the School of Business. The technical and managerial courses that I will taking, will be similar to the BIS program courses here at ASU. In fact, I was able to skip one of the foundation level courses because of my grade in the database management systems, so that was a relief. I’m excited about the next step in my educational journey.
 
How important is it for ASU alums to give back and to help ASU students like you, with job placement after graduation?
 
Chatmon: I have noticed that there are a lot of the job recruiting efforts happening at schools like Howard , Spelman, Morehouse, North Carolina A & T, etc., for large firms like Apple, IBM, Accenture, but Albany State isn’t “on the radar” for some of these companies. It takes alums to reach out and help bridge this gap. Sometimes the “who you know” does matter when you are looking for a job. It helps to have the support of alums like Mr. Norman Walton of IBM rooting for you. It makes it a bit easier to get your foot in the door. I hope that one day I can reach back and help other students with job placement opportunities.
 
What are your ultimate career goals?
 
Chatmon: Ultimately, I hope to gain a Project Management certification and work as a senior level project manager. I would love to work in information security and/or cloud computing.
 
What would you say to encourage other students searching for good internship opportunities?
 
Chatmon: I would say talk to your professors and advisors about where to search for internship opportunities. Chances are, they may know someone at a company of firm and may be able to help you with the interview process. Also, do your own research beforehand to find out what businesses or opportunities interest you.