Alison Rasmussen '11

Alison (Tuuk) Rasmussen (’11) knows firsthand the importance of an internship.

As a business major at Calvin, Alison participated in two marketing internships, one with the Villas of Ada and the other with Steelcase. Upon graduation, Alison was offered a full-time position as a Marketing Specialist in the Seating Category at Steelcase.

“How did I get my job? The short story is that I got my job through my internship at Steelcase,” Alison says. “God opened the door very unexpectedly. I didn't apply to the position at Steelcase, but instead got an e-mail from the General Manager of the seating category. He had gotten my name from my internship supervisor. He had also spoken with a Calvin Business professor who used to work at Steelcase and had me in class. I went in for an interview and then was offered the job a few days later.”

Not only did Alison’s Steelcase internship lead to a full-time job, but it also gave her the opportunity to apply and put into practice what she was learning in her business classes. She also appreciated her internship for exposing her to a professional work environment where she could learn more about herself and her unique gifts.

In her current role as Marketing Specialist at Steelcase, Alison has the chance to apply her unique gifts in critical thinking and writing. Part of her position is focused on portfolio management for Steelcase Task Seating, meaning she works on improving and sustaining an existing portfolio of seating. The other part of Alison’s job involves working with a team to develop and execute initiatives that will help Steelcase grow.

Obviously, Alison encourages current Calvin students to get an internship. She also advises students to make the most of their college experience by getting involved and truly engaging in their education.

“I would encourage students to work hard and dig into the material that professors are teaching you about. The more you engage, the more you will enjoy the work you are doing,” says Alison. “I would also urge students to see the value of utilizing the many resources in Calvin's career development office, getting to know your professors, and pushing yourself to make the most of your education.”

Alison definitely made the most of her time at Calvin. In addition to succeeding in the classroom and in her internships, she participated in Calvin Business Forum, co-founded the Calvin College Marketing Association, served as a captain of the women’s cross country team for two years, and attended the Gainey Leadership Retreat in Montana.

“It truly is a gift to go to college,” says Alison. “Make the most of it!”

Written by Meredith Segur, posted March 2012