How an internship at Irish Boat Shop turned into a full-time HR career for NCMC alumna Rebekah Paauwe

Rebekah Paauwe was ready for a fresh start — both in her surroundings and her career.

A decade of working in the hospitality industry, first as a server and then as a bartender, had allowed her to comfortably manage her expenses while enjoying travel and leisure activities. Though financially secure, she felt stuck in a career that lacked the fulfillment and momentum she craved.

“I had become cognizant of the transient nature of my job and realized that I lacked a definite career direction,” Paauwe explained.

In 2021, Paauwe, then 28, moved to Petoskey with her husband. She had heard about Michigan Reconnect, a state scholarship program that provides access to tuition-free college for adults without a college degree. It felt like the perfect moment to finally chase her professional dream: building a career in human resources.

Paauwe re-enrolled at North Central in 2021, and after nearly a decade away from college, she graduated in 2024 with an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management in 2024.

“My degree not only enhanced my resume, but it also made me eligible for positions that were previously beyond my reach,” she said.

To help her secure one of those positions, Paauwe reached out to NCMC Career Services and Wendy Kresnak, who facilitated a connection with the former human resources manager at Irish Boat Shop.

“With Wendy’s guidance and assistance, I became aware of a valuable paid internship opportunity at Irish Boat Shop, which rapidly evolved from being a mere resume-building experience to a promising career prospect,” Pauuwe said.

After just five weeks in the program, Irish Boat Shop offered Paauwe a full-time position, tailoring the role specifically to her skill set. Now serving as the company’s first HR Assistant, she provides essential administrative support by maintaining employee records, recruiting new hires, and assisting with the day-to-day operations of the HR department.

Shae Cross, president of Irish Boat Shop, speaks highly of the internship program.

“The partnership with North Central has been phenomenal,” Cross said. “Our interns dive straight into meaningful work from day one. Their productivity is impressive, and their enthusiasm is contagious.”

Reflecting on the impact of her journey at North Central and the opportunities she's embraced, Paauwe offers advice to others seeking to carve out their own path to success.

“By taking initiative and putting yourself forward, you open the door to unforeseen possibilities,” she said. “I can envision a long-term career with this company, and I’m dedicated to making valuable contributions to its success.”

North Central Michigan College’s Career Services provides personalized support to help students and alumni achieve their career goals. To explore opportunities and get expert guidance, schedule an appointment with Career Development Specialist Wendy Kresnak today.

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