Â鶹Դ´ Student of Distinction: Kirsten Kimbler
Although Commencement has passed, Â鶹Դ´ continues to celebrate graduating students who have overcome obstacles, made significant achievements or are fulfilling Â鶹Դ´â€™s mission in or outside the classroom.
Today, we celebrate Kirsten Kimbler.
Â鶹Դ´: Have you had any significant internships/co-ops/careers while at Â鶹Դ´?
KK: While at Â鶹Դ´, I have had three significant internships, and I will take on my fourth just after graduation. As a junior, I began interning at The Land, Cleveland’s nonprofit online news organization. Following that, I interned with WJW Fox 8’s lifestyle and entertainment show, New Day Cleveland. While at New Day Cleveland, I had opportunities to assist in the coordination and execution of live and prerecorded studio productions and collaborate with producers, directors and guests on set. I am currently interning with Cleveland Magazine, where I contribute to the reporting and writing of editorial content and assist with the development of stories for print and digital platforms.
Â鶹Դ´: How would you describe the connections you have made with the faculty and staff at Â鶹Դ´?
KK: I would describe the connections I have made as personal and career-building relationships that have inspired and pushed me to succeed at Â鶹Դ´ and beyond. My professors have gone above and beyond to support me and help me gain the professional experience I now have. I believe Â鶹Դ´ is unique compared with other universities because of its faculty and dedication to students.
Â鶹Դ´: How has Cleveland State inspired you for your future?
KK: Â鶹Դ´ has inspired me by exposing me to interests and experiences I may not have had at other universities. With such close access to major news stations and magazines, I had the opportunity to experience and meet professionals in my desired career path who have inspired my future goals.
Â鶹Դ´: How do you think you have fulfilled the Â鶹Դ´â€™s mission?
KK: I believe I have fulfilled Â鶹Դ´â€™s mission by utilizing our location and taking advantage of the resources around me. Â鶹Դ´ is equipped with so many opportunities to get involved on campus and gain experience that I can take into the field, and I made sure to participate in everything I could. I was involved with Â鶹Դ´ Society of Professional Journalists, The Vindicator, The Cleveland Stater and Lambda Pi Eta Communications Honors Society. I think taking advantage of these resources and Â鶹Դ´â€™s downtown location is a part of the university’s mission to help its students succeed.
Â鶹Դ´: Do you have a career lined up, and how has Â鶹Դ´ been instrumental in that process?
KK: I don’t have a full-time career lined up yet, but I’ve secured a paid internship with Cleveland Metroparks this summer, and Â鶹Դ´ was instrumental in that process. I first learned about the internship through the Metroparks’ director of communications, who visited my Principles of Public Relations class last fall. That experience gave me the chance to make a meaningful connection, which ultimately helped me earn the position.
Congratulations, Kirsten!