Internships are important, they give you hands-on experience and help you decide if you want to pursue that career.
Lamia Hamie, ’17, said, when she first arrived at Bridgewater State University, she was an average student. However, thanks to the resources and support she received, she was able to flourish and find her path to career success.
“I was never an advanced student, so having the support of my professors, having them push me, was really important,” said Hamie, who earned a degree in physical education.
One of those professors was Daniel Rezendes, BSU assistant athletic director for recreation and wellness.
“I take my role as a mentor to our students very seriously. I try to be a good role model and share the lessons I have learned,” Rezendes said.
One way Rezendes does this, is by helping students secure internships. In Hamie’s case, he helped her obtain an internship with Bryant University where she worked as part of the school’s strength and conditioning team.
For Hamie, the internship validated her intentions to work as a physical therapist.
“Internships are important, they give you hands-on experience and help you decide if you want to pursue that career,” she said.
Rezendes also referred Hamie to Physical Therapy U (PTU), a Bridgewater business owned and operated by alumna Kelly Duggan, ’06.
Duggan hired Hamie to work part-time while she pursued a doctorate from the University of Rhode Island.
Over the years Rezendes has referred many students to Duggan, who often employs them as PTU interns.
Duggan’s role as mentor to BSU students is invaluable, he said.
“Kelly and her PTU family are not only seasoned professionals, but they are also caring mentors to our students,” Rezendes said. “It is so very critical for students to gain hands-on experience. There really is no substitute for watching and learning from seasoned professionals.”
The BSU connection came full circle when Duggan recently hired Hamie to work at PTU as a full-time physical therapist.
Looking back now, Hamie said she can see how Bridgewater State helped direct her toward a clear career path.
“At the time, I’m not sure I realized it, but BSU did provide the tools I needed, I definitely saw this when I went into the grad program and was prepared,” Hamie said.
She encourages other students to get involved and take advantage of the opportunities Bridgewater State provides.
“Find at least one professor you really like, create that bond because you never know what the future might hold,” she said.
Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu