Bixler focuses on internships

On the far side of campus, in the corner of the Dietz Center there is a man who holds the key to many students’ futures. That man is Kirk Bixler.

Bixler does more than just help students create resumes. On top of being the Director of Career Services, Bixler also serves as Assistant Dean of Students.

Bixler grew up in Huntington, Ind., near Fort Wayne. He completed his undergraduate work at Earlham College in Richmond.

After completing his graduate work at Ball State University he accepted a position as a hall coordinator at Montana State University in Bozeman, Mont. He and his wife spent two years there before moving back to Indiana in August of 2000.

One focus of Bixler’s duties is on internship placement of students during their time here at school.

“That’s a niche Franklin has over other schools,” said Bixler, “I’m never surprised where students end up because we have such excellent students here.”

Students have traveled far and wide on internships through the college including such destinations as Washington D.C.; Ottawa, Canada; and just this past Winter Term one student interned in Trinidad. The students have worked for government officials, sports teams, newspapers and filled numerous other positions.

“The most notorious one,” said Bixler, “we had a woman go up to the Jerry Springer show.”
Beyond going abroad to work, Bixler also places many students in this community, working at Youth Connections, the juvenile detention center, and the Boys and Girls Club. He speaks proudly of that.

“When you look at the manpower of our students in Franklin, they have done tremendous work.”

Even in the changing economy Bixler remains confident in the ability of the college to place students. The problem isn’t the economy; the problem is awareness.

“I wish that more students would take advantage of what we offer.”

Bixler also said he wished that they would come sooner, during their freshman and sophomore year.

Since Bixler has worked for Career Services overall student internships have dramatically risen. In 2001, 323 students were off campus and in internships. By 2006 the number had risen to 656.

“One of the things I appreciate about Franklin is the faculty really encourage their students to go out and get practical experience.”

Bixler lives outside of Franklin with his wife and two children Kathryn and Andrew. His wife teaches at Northwood Elementary.