Spring 2021 CPI Supervisor of the Semester Announced

The Career Path Internship Program (CPI) is excited to announce Ryen Johnson and Jeannie Liimakka as the co-winners for the Spring 2021 CPI Supervisors of the Semester award.

Johnson and Liimakka work for the Idaho Transportation Department, and have been providing exceptional hands-on experience for Idaho State University students for the past four years.

“I love teaching and working with students,” Liimakka said. “It is great to see them develop during their internships.”

Over the years, the internships that have taken place with Idaho Transportation Department have ranged from surveying for a bridge replacement project to adapting a deer fence in the region. Student interns gain hands-on experience while building their professional network, and the Idaho Transportation Department gains an extra set of hands.

 “I enjoy being able to make difference in student’s life and professional career,” Johnson said. “Mentorship is a huge part of training and developing skills.”

This semester, the CPI Office received over 80 nominations for the CPI Supervisor of the Semester award. In addition to the grand prizewinners, the CPI Office selected five runners up: Dr. Susan Marion – ISU Biology Department, Lisa McDougall & Jason Werth – Molecular Research Core Facility, Jeff Christensen – ISU Career Center, Dr. Nancy Cheadle – Communication Sciences & Disorders, and Dr. Rene Rodriguez – ISU Chemistry Department.

“After a very difficult year, it is wonderful to see that our students are still getting amazing internships with the help of places like the Idaho Transportation Department,” said Emily Jahsman, ISU Career Center Associate Director. “Internships like the ones that happen at ITD help give our students the skills and confidence to go out and find meaningful work after graduating. We are so thankful for Ryen Johnson, Jeannie Liimakka, and all our wonderful CPI supervisors.”

Operating in its 11th year, the CPI program provides approximately 1,000 paid internship opportunities annually to ISU students. CPI internships provide career-related experiences to help students confirm their academic pursuits, gain valuable work experience, and prepare them for life after graduation. For more information about the CPI program visit isu.edu/career