Each day at Centegra Hospital – McHenry is a new adventure for Carolyn Larson – and that’s just the way she likes it.

The Northern Illinois University senior is an intern in the nursing administration office at the hospital, her final step in earning a bachelor’s degree this spring in public health with an emphasis on health administration.

The Richmond resident and Prairie Ridge High School graduate is one of a growing number of students who intern, according to two recent studies by the National Association of Colleges and Employees. The ventures give graduates a leg up when finding employment and keeping a job.