Career Services Helps Students Turn Internships into Careers

Southwest student Ladarrius Ward (in suit) poses with
Advising and Career Services Specialists Courtney Ward,
Jhonna Gipson and Manager Brenda Williams.

Southwest’s Career Services office is delivering on its mission to connect students with meaningful, paid work experiences that lead to long-term careers, including opportunities within the federal court system.

One recent example is Ladarrius Ward, a Southwest Tennessee student who secured a paid information technology internship with the U.S. District Court through Career Services. Ward’s performance during the internship led directly to employment with the court system, underscoring the value of the college’s hands-on career preparation and employer partnerships.

Career Services worked closely with Ward to prepare his application materials and match his academic interests with an internship aligned to his career goals in information technology. Within weeks of starting his assignment, Ward began making an impact, according to his supervisor.

“Ladarrius is hitting the ground running, and his work ethic and enthusiasm are already starting to pay off,” wrote Clayton Taylor, director of information technology for the United States District Court, in an email to Career Services. “He’s demonstrated a strong willingness to learn and take on new challenges, which aligns perfectly with our goals for this internship program.”

Taylor praised Ward’s adaptability and professionalism.

“I’ve been impressed by his ability to quickly absorb information and apply it in practical ways,” Taylor wrote. “His positive attitude and eagerness to please have made him a pleasure to work with, and I’m confident that he’ll continue to excel.”

Ward’s success builds on a growing track record for Career Services, which assists students with career exploration, résumé development, interview preparation and access to paid internships. Those services are designed not only to support students while they are enrolled, but also to give them a competitive edge as they enter the workforce.

Another success story is former Southwest Tennessee student Cody McDowell, who also secured an internship with the U.S. Courts with support from Career Services. McDowell credited the office with helping him craft a résumé that stood out.

McDowell said the court system “was impressed with the résumé that Career Services helped me put together,” a factor that contributed to his hiring after he completed his paid internship. He now works as an information technology technician with the U.S. Courts.

Taylor said partnerships like the one with Southwest benefit both students and employers.

“As the I.T. director for the courts, I appreciate the support you and the Career Services team have provided in identifying talented students like Ladarrius,” Taylor wrote. “Your efforts have allowed us to tap into a valuable pool of talent, and we’re grateful for your partnership.”

Cortney Ward, advising and career services specialist, commented that leaders say stories like Ward’s and McDowell’s reflect the broader impact of Career Services — transforming classroom learning into real-world experience and opening doors to careers that might otherwise feel out of reach.

For Southwest students, a visit to Career Services can be more than résumé help. It can be the first step toward a profession. Career Services offices are located on the Macon Cove and Union Avenue campuses and are available to students both in person and online. Students seeking résumé assistance, internship opportunities, or career guidance can contact Career Services through the college’s website or visit their campus location to schedule an appointment.