When Ilya Terebey ’17 applied for a highly sought-after position with the New York Power Authority, he faced stiff competition. But the Management major had a secret weapon: hands-on experience gained through Keuka College’s unique Field Period® program.
As a junior and senior, Ilya completed Field Period internships with the Authority, giving him an edge that set him apart from other candidates.
“There were a lot of applicants,” Ilya recalled. “It was a competitive wage, and the power industry usually gets a lot of applicants. But the hiring manager told me one of the big reasons they hired me was my experience from the previous Field Period internships.”
Field Period is Keuka College’s game-changer. The annual, 140-hour internships – for every student in every major, every year – provide students with immersive, real-world opportunities to explore their careers before graduating. They also allow employers to evaluate potential hires in action.
For Ilya, this firsthand experience was pivotal. Today, he’s a senior labor relations specialist at the New York Power Authority, handling employee bargaining and grievances from an office overlooking the St. Lawrence River at the Authority’s power plant in Massena, N.Y.
He attributes his successful career launch not only to his Field Period opportunities experiences but also to his comprehensive education at Keuka College.
“Keuka College prepared me exceptionally well,” said Ilya, originally from Utica and now residing in Massena. “The professors were phenomenal, and the college brought in industry experts from companies like Eastman Kodak, Xerox, and Paychex. Their insights were invaluable.”
Keuka College’s commitment to student success goes beyond the classroom, with faculty always available for one-on-one support.
“When I was looking at business schools, I wanted something close to home with a smaller, more personal environment,” Ilya explained. “I wanted to engage more, ask questions, and have direct interactions with professors. That’s exactly what Keuka College offered.”
Keuka College’s Field Period program provided Ilya with more than just academic knowledge; it offered life-changing experiences that enhanced his Management degree and overall educational journey. Through hands-on projects, professional immersion, and personal growth, Ilya exemplifies how the Field Period program equips students with the skills and insights needed to make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.
