Sara LeWinter, Staff Writer

 Want to be on the cutting edge? Get an internship and get ahead in job markets that are getting more and more competetive.
 
 The general bulletin for Appalachian State University states that internships "often serve as the bridge to careers after graduation."  Student interns can earn academic credit, a small salary or both.

 Gray Kurfees, a junior,  said, "My internship broadened my educational experience by giving me a hands-on opportunity.  It gave me job experience that you just can't get sitting in a classroom."

 Kurfees is a public relations major and interns at the Hunger Coalition.  Kurfees got a job offer last week, his first week at his internship.  So how do you get involved?

 Besides talking with your advisor, turn to Bob Webber.  Bob Webber coordinates the Internship Program.  With a computer database that contains information close to 500 companies, Bob Webber works individually with students.  The first step in the program is 1stPlace.  1stPlace is a registration system that allows students to create a resume online.  And it's user friendly.
 
 By clicking on a few choices in the program, a student can then transmit his or her resume to prospective employers via the World Wide Web.
 
 1stPlace also lets a student know what companies are interviewing on-campus.  Even Walt Disney wants Appalachian students.

 Internships allow a company to "test drive" a student for future employment and allow a student to "test their major firsthand," said Webber.

 There are still more options for internships.  The employment office in I.G. Greer posts information on job and volunteer opportunities, not just in the United States, but around the world.

 If you just love the mountains, though, and want to know what you can do to get linked to the needs of the Boone area, get in touch with Appalachian and the Community Together, A.C.T.  A.C.T. offers diverse service learning opportunities with over 30 organizations: including involvement with the homeless, at-risk children and the elderly as well as disaster relief and environmental advocacy.

 Two of these organizations that serve the local community and offer internships are the Hunger Coalition and the Hospitality House.

 The Hunger Coalition says that its mission is to relieve families and individuals who are poverty stricken and hunger  in a compassionate manner.  The program offers help to those with immediate but temporary needs.
 
 Funding comes from foundations and grants both within and outside North Caroina.  Watauga County, the Town of Boone, United Way and the Faith Communities are represented in Watauga County.

 There are three staff members that run this non-profit organization.  Many professionals, including attorneys, bankers and professors from the community volunteer as well.

 12 student internships are available each semester in the organization's pharmacy, food pantry, administration and client services department.  Two-thirds of the food supplies feed children.  Executive Director Ceia Webb said "the 'can do' mentality of every person associated with the Hunger Coalition  helps turn mission statements into accomplishments."

 At the Hospitality House, staff and volunteers "help folks get back on their feet." The director of the organization, Jim Thompson, said that he is devoted to that cause.
 
 With three meals served a day, an established curfew for residents, a signed contract required for residency, resident evaluation periods, chore responsibilities, laundry services and religious service options, the Hospitality House eeducates the homeless on how to become productive citizens again.
 
 Both the University and Boone support the Hospitality House.  Food Services on campus donate leftovers at the end of the day.  Fast food chains and restaurants in the area do the same.  In the past, they have joined efforts with fraternities and sororities to organize benefit events.   Four radio stations and three newspapers in the Boone area do promotional work for the organization.

  Companies interview students for internships early, though. "Make us a part of your project as early as possible," says Webber.  So take action.  Give Webber a call.  Consider all the options and get a jump start on your career.  Enter the workplace early-through an internship.

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