Future focused
UC Clermont internship program helps student find career in communication
When Nathan Gorman stepped on the University of Cincinnati's Uptown campus as a freshman, the McNicholas High School graduate thought he was prepared for college life.
But with a heavier courseload than his roommates — Gorman wanted to become a physical therapist at the time — his first year left him demoralized and unsure of his future. He headed back home to reassess.
While working in retail and living at home, a neighbor — Steve Young, now retired executive director of strategic initiatives at UC Clermont — encouraged Gorman to check out the Batavia, Ohio-based college. After one meeting with an academic adviser, Gorman had a plan and a new direction.
UC Clermont digital media graduate Nathan Gorman at his Career Services internship. Photo/Danny Kidd
“I had always enjoyed working with computers and had a deep love for movies and television, for how things can be expressed through moving images,” Gorman said. “I was fascinated by it and wanted to know how to do it myself. I thought, ‘Let’s give this a shot.’”
Gorman opted for a 2+2 option offered by UC Clermont, which saw him earn his associate degree in digital media from the college in fall 2022, followed by a seamless transition to a bachelor’s degree in communication from UC’s College of Arts and Sciences in December 2023.
Returning to school during the COVID-19 pandemic meant that all but one of Gorman’s classes were online — but he enhanced his education with ample hands-on experiences. In summer 2022, Gorman took part in a design thinking internship through UC Clermont’s Career Services, which partnered eight students with American Modern Insurance and Valley View Nature Preserve to find creative solutions to customer service and navigational signage issues, respectively.
After earning his bachelor’s degree, Gorman reached out to UC Clermont Career Services for help with finding a job. Through the college’s Cronin Career Scholars program, Parker connected Gorman with Gramazin Inc., a Christian mission organization. During the paid internship, Gorman produced and edited videos and worked on social media and brand recognition. With the rest of his time, he worked in digital content creation for Career Services.
Don’t be afraid to try something new even if you don’t think you can necessarily see yourself in that position.
Nathan Gorman UC Clermont digital media graduate and Cronin Career Scholar
The Cronin Career Scholars program collaborates with on-campus and community organizations to create local internships. Students work part time, learn professional skills and apply what they learn in the classroom to the workplace — in real time. It is the first paid internship program of its kind available to UC Clermont students.
“I like the process of creating,” said Gorman. “It’s anxiety inducing but exciting to try to meet deadlines and find that thing that’s perfect. I enjoy the process of creating something new and engaging.”
In May, Gorman accepted a full-time job as a content marketing specialist with Milford, Ohio-based 1-Tom-Plumber. He will collaborate on company content for social media, blogs and YouTube — an opportunity he might have missed if he hadn’t taken a shot.
“Don’t be afraid to try something new even if you don’t think you can necessarily see yourself in that position,” Gorman said. “Even if it’s something you’ve never thought about before. I’m super happy that I did it.”
Learn more about the Cronin Career Scholars co-op program.
Featured image at top: Nathan Gorman on UC Clermont's campus. Photo/Danny Kidd
About UC Clermont
UC Clermont College is in Clermont County on 91 beautifully wooded acres in Batavia Township. The college is an accredited, open-access institution offering more than 60 programs and degrees. UC Clermont is part of the nationally recognized University of Cincinnati. For more information, call 513-556-5400 or visit www.ucclermont.edu.
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