Preparing for the real world starts with real experience. As one of the college’s strongest local partners, global insurance provider Unum, is helping students through hands-on internships and mentorship programs that create lasting impact.
Located just a couple blocks from campus, the Unum Scholar program brings students inside the walls of one of Chattanooga’s largest employers. Students gain the tools and confidence they need to thrive in a corporate environment, including cross departmental collaboration and developing professional skills
Walker Rhodes, a 2013 UTC graduate, now manages more than 60 student scholars in the program. Of those, 70% come from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He describes the program as more than just a workplace for students. “It’s a growth environment where mentorship, professional development, collaboration and adaptability are key,” he said. “These experiences help students continually learn, evolve and build a solid foundation for their future careers.”
Marketing major Chrischahna Smith (’25) and business finance major Jason Elias (’26) are two current scholars representing the Rollins College of Business. Both said the internship has shaped their academic and career journeys.
Smith developed her marketing skills through project work such as crafting internal newsletters and participating in job shadows. She gained valuable experience building connections across teams and learned how her skills can be transferable from the classroom, across the company.
Elias found mentorship and shadowing opportunities to be the most impactful part of the experience. He learned how his finance background aligns with business analyst roles, which solidified his interest in corporate analytics. He also said the Scholars program opened conversations about full-time positions within the company.
The students emphasized how valuable it was to have the freedom to explore different departments and connect with professionals across the organization. These experiences allowed them to grow professionally and personally. Each of them feels more attuned to what it means to be business-world ready: showing up consistently, being open to learning, and embracing challenges even when they’re outside of your comfort zone.
Internships like these do more than build a resume; they develop leadership potential. Through this continued partnership, our students at the Rollins College of Business gain not only real-world experience but also the direction, confidence and tools they need to excel after graduation.
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