The Northeast Ohio Council on Higher Education (NOCHE) recognized Vincent Shannon, senior business management major, as a finalist for the Intern of the Year award.

​The Expys Awards, presented by NOCHE, recognize interns in Northeast Ohio for their work at their different internships. A panel of judges selected 10 finalists from the hundreds of nominations.

​Going into his internship with with the Professional Golf Association (PGA) Tour, Shannon wanted to leave a good impression on his employers.

​“My motivation and determination are kind of what drives me,” Shannon said. “Be the first one in and the last one out and make sure I’m doing everything right the first time.”

​Shannon had several different jobs at his internship, allowing him to gain experience in social media, hospitality, business management and sales.

He monitored the social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. He also created a 60-day social media plan, culminating in a 10-day countdown to the event on the accounts.

​Shannon assisted the sales manager to help business development as well. Corporations and businesses could purchase tents on the green to entertain clients and business. Shannon helped find leads for companies that may want to purchase these spaces.  

​He said this internship was helpful for him because he hadn’t decided what he wanted to do after graduation. Shannon is an avid golfer, and the PGA tour solidified his desire to work in the golfing industry after graduation.

​Holly Klenk, associate director in the career services office in the College of Business Administration, has seen determination and drive in Shannon.

​“Vince has an incredible amount of initiative,” she said. “He’s very motivated. He also has excellent time management skills. He’s balancing three jobs with school and he has leadership positions on campus.”

​Mandy McNamee, internship coordinator in the career services office of the College of Business Administration, said the same things about Shannon.

​“His determination for success is admirable and he is going to strive for greatness in whatever he does, and this is just one example of that.

​Melissa Nagel, senior communication studies major at Kent State, also has been recognized as a finalist in the Expys.

Contact Ellie Enselein at [email protected].