Suffolk County Comptroller John M. Kennedy, Jr. took to the stage at Suffolk County Community College (SCCC) on February 10 to emphasize the transformative impact of student internships. This workshop, organized by the college’s Faculty Association (FA), marked another critical step in expanding and enhancing the internship program college-wide.
SCCC President Edward T. Bonahue, Ph.D. welcomed the comptroller alongside Associate Dean Sandra K. Sprows, Ph.D., Professor John Capurso, Professor Cynthia Eaton and Professor Michael Forte. The Comptroller was joined by his Administrator, Deidre Wyman; Chief Auditor Timothy Smith; and Gabrielle Alcarraz, a recent Suffolk graduate and current Audit Division intern.
Kennedy is the first elected official to present at one of the College’s professional development workshops. The audience was full of members from a wide range of disciplines including Accounting, Addiction Studies, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Human Services, Information Technology, Interior Design and Radio & Television Production.
During his remarks, Kennedy highlighted how internships provide students with practical, hands-on experience that prepares them for long-term career success. He also offered his support in connecting qualified students with additional Suffolk County departments to further expand opportunities.
Timothy Smith, SCCC’s internship and training coordinator, discussed the value of exposing students to professional environments. Through their internships, students develop workplace etiquette, ethical awareness, and a clearer understanding of professional expectations. Smith noted the significant growth in confidence he observes in students during their time at the Comptroller’s Office.
Courtney Brewer, Professor of Psychology and FA Executive Vice President, addressed the developmental benefits of internships. She explained that participation positively impacts students’ psychological growth by strengthening emotional intelligence, enhancing critical observation skills, and fostering the ability to navigate complex social interactions.
A faculty panel also shared insights on the importance of internships for students, the College, and host organizations. Panelists included Program Coordinator Rachel Schmidt (Criminal Justice), Associate Professor Trudy Christ (Interior Design), Program Director Cate Compton-Almo (Human Services) and William Rule, MS, CASAC-MC (Addiction Studies).
They shared that many students found internships to be “amazing” and “the best part” of their academic experience. Many organizations, they noted, are so impressed with interns’ professionalism and work ethic that students are frequently offered employment following completion of their placements.