After completing an internship with Newsweek Magazine, a Brigham Young University student was selected for the national 2002-2003 Internship Student of the Year Award by The Cooperative Education and Internship Association.
Elise Christenson from Provo, Utah, attributes winning the award to the faculty and adviser support she enjoyed at BYU while earning her bachelor's degree in communications with an emphasis in print journalism.
"I've been amazed at the support system that I've had at BYU since I've gotten here. My faculty adviser, Tom Griffiths, has not only been a great asset in helping me arrange the internship, but he's also been my friend."
Christenson graduated from BYU in December 2002 with a degree in print journalism. She earned her degree in just two years.
"Elise is one of the best and brightest students I have had in my 28 years at Brigham Young University," said Thomas A. Griffiths, journalism coordinator for BYU's Department of Communications. "During Elise's tenure as reporter at the Daily Universe, 71 percent of her stories were published on the front page."
In addition to providing journalism experience, the time Christenson spent at the Daily Universe gave her an opportunity to work with professionals in the field.
"It was Robb Hicken, the managing director at the Daily Universe, that encouraged me to apply for the internship. Whenever I've needed advice or help, he's always been a great help," Christenson said.
After being at Newsweek just one week, Christenson had her first item, a question and answer piece with Donny Osmond, published in the magazine. Since then, she has been published nearly every week in the magazine.
Christenson started an unpaid internship at Newsweek Magazine in New York City, N.Y., in September 2002. Although the internship was scheduled to end in December of that year, she was invited to continue with a paid internship position for another six months.
"Before I came to Newsweek, I wanted to write for a daily newspaper," Christenson said. "However, since coming to Newsweek, I've really fallen in love with the process of putting together a magazine."
The CEIA will publicly recognize Christenson during the CEIA national conference April 27-29. The CEIA selected her because of her dedication and commitment to her professional career, her achievements during the internship and her involvement on campus and in the community.
Writer: Liesel Enke
