Rattlers on the Rise: FAMU Transfer Student Builds Confidence, Career Skills Through Bank of America Foundation Internship
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — For Kazon Allen, a Fall 2024 transfer student from Miami Dade College, his summer internship with the Bank of America Foundation Jobs Initiative has been more than just a résumé builder; it’s been a turning point.
Allen, a fourth-year broadcast journalism scholar at Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication, is participating in the 10-week paid internship through July 25, 2025.
The experience, part of the FAMU Career Explorer’s Program, has immersed him in a professional environment where he’s refining key communication and leadership skills.
“This internship has sharpened my ability to work in collaborative spaces and strengthened my confidence when presenting ideas to professionals in a corporate setting,” Allen said. “I’m learning how to communicate with purpose and control, skills that are crucial for any future journalist.”
Allen noted that one of the most eye-opening parts of the internship has been adjusting his writing style to suit a corporate communications setting.
“The same skills you would use for an article in journalism aren’t the same ones you
use here,” he said. “This has taught me to be more careful about what to use and what
not to use. I’m learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable in my writing,
and I’ll carry that mindset into my journalism from now on.”
This shift in perspective has even inspired a potential career path.
Kazon Allen is a fourth-year broadcast journalism scholar. (Photo special to FAMU)
“At first, I wanted to become an entertainment journalist,” Allen shared. “But now, after seeing how my supervisor handles communications in the College of Pharmacy, I’m considering becoming a communications manager. Watching her work has opened my eyes to a whole new career path.”
A proud member of the Eta Gamma Chapter of Tau Sigma National Honor Society, Allen said the internship has been instrumental in helping him integrate into the FAMU community.
“Coming in as a transfer student, it can be easy to feel like you’re behind or disconnected. “But this opportunity gave me a sense of belonging and purpose,” he said. “My supervisor, Dr. Sheffield, connected me with people in the College of Pharmacy, who, right now, are teaching me video editing and tech skills I maybe wouldn’t have learned just staying in J-School.”
Allen emphasized the value of networking and the surprising benefits of interdisciplinary connections.
“This internship helped me meet individuals I wouldn’t normally have access to based on my major. That’s helped me grow professionally in ways I didn’t expect,” he said.
The most rewarding part of the internship, Allen said, has been the positive work environment.
“Once you do a task, it doesn’t feel like work. The people here are nice, respectful, and patient. My boss, Dr. Sheffield, is so compassionate, she knows what I’m going through personally and always gives me words of advice and affirmation,” he said.
Allen’s growth and dedication during his time with the Bank of America Foundation’s Jobs Initiative Internship have not gone unnoticed.
“His forthcoming personality, know-how and professionalism allow him to grab various assignments and see them through to completion with minimal guidance,” said Ola S. Sheffield, Ph.D., college communicator and scientific editor, in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. “Further, his punctuality and presence both serve as a beacon of light for fellow learners across disciplines.”
His advice to other students?
“Don’t get stressed out. Everyone here wants you to succeed.”
Allen then added: “This opportunity is a blessing in disguise, not just because it’s a paid internship, but because of the kind people you meet. I’d definitely say apply.”
Media Contact:
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
