DFT Communications is pleased to host four interns for the 2012 spring semester. These interns have been made available to DFT through the internship program that SUNY Fredonia offers to the local business community. Michael Leshley, Bill Sanborn, Michael Santoli and Elise Wilkin are all seniors at SUNY Fredonia.
"These interns add a tremendous value to our company and are a valuable resource that SUNY Fredonia provides to the community," stated Dan Siracuse, Marketing & Public Relations Manager at DFT. "Companies that do not utilize this young talent have a lot to gain by doing so."
Michael Leshley, 22, is a Business Administration-Management major with a minor in Economics. He is from Rochester, N.Y. where he graduated from Victor Senior High School in 2008. As an intern, he will be working with the marketing and public relations team. Michael is currently a member of the international business honor society, Delta Mu Delta, and also serves as the secretary of the SUNY Fredonia Business Club. His hobbies include skiing, golfing and spending time with family and friends. Before joining DFT, Michael previously interned with Constellation Brands, Inc. and The Getinge Group, both companies located in Rochester, NY.
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From left: SUNY Fredonia students Bill Sanborn, Elise Wilkin, Michael Leshley and Mike Santoli will intern at DFT Communications for the current semester.
"I am excited to be part of the DFT family and appreciative for the opportunity to work with such a great company," said Mike.
After graduation, Michael plans to obtain an MBA or start his career in business.
Bill Sanborn, 22, will be graduating in May with a Business Administration-Accounting degree. He grew up in Monroe, New York. Bill will be interning directly with the accounting department. He is a member of the Fredonia State Men's Division III Hockey team where he serves as an assistant captain. During his time at SUNY Fredonia, Bill has participated as a member of the Accounting Society and the Economics Club.
Mike Santoli, 21, is a Business Administration-Finance major. He is from Rochester, NY where he lives with his parents and older brother. He graduated From Greece Athena High School in 2008 and chose to attend SUNY Fredonia because of its small school feel and the beautiful campus. Mike has been a marketing intern with DFT since the 2011 fall semester. He is currently the president of the SUNY Fredonia Business Club, social chair of the Financial Management Association, and a member of the School of Business Student Advisory Council. Mike paired up with DFT after doing a consulting project in his strategic management class. When not spending time with family and friends, he enjoys cooking, golfing, and making people laugh.
"I am very excited and appreciative to be working this internship. It feels good to be apart of a team that truly puts their customers and the community first," says Mike. After graduation in May, Mike plans on entering the work force and starting his career as a young business professional.
Elise Wilkin, 22, is working toward her B.S. in Public Accountancy and intends to graduate in December 2012. Elise will be working under Julie Essek as an accounting intern. The Avon, N.Y. native is currently the president of the SUNY Fredonia Accounting Society. Other leadership positions she holds include treasurer of Tau Sigma Honor Society, Golden Key International Honor Society, and the Fredonia Figure Skating Club. In addition, she is a member of the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team and the School of Business Student Advisory Council. She currently maintains a 3.98 GPA. Her post-graduation plans consist of passing the CPA exam and working in the field of public accounting.
"Internships are a valuable experience for both the students and the site supervisors. As a site supervisor I have always felt that although they have learned a lot from us, we have learned a lot from them as well," according to Julie Essek, Accounting Manager at DFT.
