COURTESY OF THOMAS COLLEGE
For New Limerick native Macy Cram,this summer brought an opportunity she never expected.
Cram, a psychology and biology student at Thomas College, was one of only 11 students nationwide to be selected for the University of Florida Health Cancer Center’s STRONGER program, an immersive 12-week summer internship.
“I honestly did not think I would get into such an advanced program. I am very grateful to have been afforded this opportunity and for those who helped me get here,” said Cram, who spent the summer conducting cancer research under the mentorship of Samantha Ali Ghandour, a PhD student in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Cram credits Thomas College faculty, including Dr. Allison Moloney and Dr. Julia Saloni, for encouraging her to apply and supporting her throughout the process. Cram hopes to combine her interests in biology and psychology in a field like neuropsychology after she graduates in spring 2027.
Cram’s experience reflects a broader approach to student success at Thomas College. Through its Guaranteed Job Program™ and career-focused academic programming, the college emphasizes connecting education with career outcomes. Thomas College reports a 99 percent job placement rate, and while the national average for internship participation is approximately 40 percent, about 80 percent of Thomas students take part in internships.
The college integrates career preparation throughout the student experience. Beginning in their first year, students connect classroom learning with internships, hands-on experiences, and opportunities to develop practical skills that align with employer needs.
Other students like digital media student Bismark Akoto gained hands-on experience this summer through his Bangor Savings Bank internship, and while taking photos at games and practices FIFA World Cup Fan Festival 2026™ on weekends, gaining professional connections from around the world.
Historically, 73 percent of Thomas graduates remain in Maine to live and work after graduation, fueling the state’s workforce and economy. Like 2017 graduate Reilly Kons. As Executive Director of the Brunswick Downtown Association, Kons leads initiatives that strengthen his community while continuing to do meaningful work that excites and inspires him.
As a student, Kons felt supported by the Professional and Career Development staff to find his path. With their support, Kons completed three internships while at Thomas, each helping him build real-world experience and professional confidence.
“At Thomas, I learned how to experiment, adapt, and turn experiences into opportunities,” he says. “That spirit of exploration has become a defining pattern throughout my career so far.”
Some Thomas College graduates receive job offers before they even graduate. For students in Thomas College’s new education residency program, the Thomas Teaching Cooperative, Thomas students are filling k-12 classroom vacancies in the state while completing their studies. Education students spend the final two years of their degree working in paid full-time positions in Maine schools, which provides them with extensive classroom experience and faculty mentorship while helping strengthen Maine’s teacher pipeline.
“Our focus on career preparation, experiential learning, and the Guaranteed Job Program™ ensures students have opportunities to gain real-world experience and develop the skills employers are seeking, helping them transition successfully from college to career,” said Thomas College Provost Jeremy Qualls.