RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS

What is an internship?

Internships allow you to gain career related experience outside of the classroom while exploring your interests, passions, and abilities. A variety of internship options are available including ones taken for academic credit, for pay, and during the fall, spring, or summer semester.
An internship is a monitored work experience that allows a student to engage in academic learning while developing their skills set and learning more about their career path.

Why get an internship?

Gain valuable work experience in your major, which will make you a more attractive candidate for future employment
Earn academic credit
Apply classroom knowledge in a realistic work environment
Build a strong resume
Develop a network of contacts in your chosen career field for future opportunities and references
Test your skills and interest
Solidify your career goals
Earn compensation
Secure a job before graduation
Practical "hands-on" experience
Increased self-awareness or confidence
Enhanced skill development
Potential future employment with internship site
Professional contact/networking
Establish connections between theory & practice
Earn credits toward graduation (varies by major and Institution)
Develop professional knowledge and skills; gain hands-on experience
Further enhance your skill set and develop new skills
Gain an understanding of the qualifications and skills needed to succeed in the profession
Explore a career field of interest and partake in some day-to-day duties.

What to expect from an internship

To be an active participant in your internship and make sure you ask questions! This way you can ensure you are completing tasks correctly and also gives you a chance to learn more about the duties involved in that particular line of work.
To keep a record of your daily activities and things you learn during your internship. This will help when reflecting back on the internship or for assessment of the experience at the end of the semester.
Mentorship and Feedback
To be able to apply what you've learned in the classroom to the real-world work environment.
This should be a professional experience, so you're workload should contain no more than 20% clerical or administrative duties.
Minimum 100-150 hours a semester
Paid or unpaid

Resume

Interview

Arrange and go on interviews with employers
Practice driving to the location and allow time for traffic and parking
Exhibit professional dress and demeanor
Take professional copy of your resume
Take copy of portfolio if applicable/appropriate
Arrive about 10 minutes early
Send cover letter and resume directly to employers
Respond promptly to all employers who call to arrange interviews. Follow up by phone with all employers who do not call you within 2-4 business days

Contacting Sites

Practice pronouncing the contact person's name correctly
Keep a resume copy with you to refer to details about your skills and experience
Select a quiet time and area to place the call so you can sound professional
Practice what you will say and how you will project enthusiasm
Place the Call
Identify yourself and ask for the internship contact person
Repeat you introduction to the contact person and state your interest
Determine if intern applications are still being accepted; if desired position is not available ask about other opportunities

Before the interview

Day of Interview

After the interview

Send a Thank-you note
Follow up with the employer as specified in the timeline to check the status of your application

Cover Letter

Cover Letters serve as an introduction to your resume. This is your opportunity to get the employer excited to learn about you and your resume.
The cover letter allows you to get specific and target the information of your resume to each individual employer.
Your cover letter is not your resume, so make sure they're different. Don't just restate everything that's in your resume, focus on the details that are key for this particular position.
Try to sell yourself. You haven't gotten the job yet, so you need to prove to the company why you are the best employee for them, not why they are the best company for you.

What employers are looking for/what makes a good intern

Establish 2-3 learning objectives; set parameters and goals and discuss them with your supervisor.
Show initiative; ask, don't wait for projects to be given to you. Avoid being underused!
Be proactive. If the work isn't meeting your goals make sure you let your coordinator know. This is supposed to be a beneficial experience so you have a right to be challenged. Speak up if the work is not meeting your goals
Do your best to impress. You should do what you can to exceed expectations. The people you impress now can serve as great references later, and who knows, if you do your best they might just offer you a job to stay.
Demonstrate maturity and exceed your supervisor's expectations.
You are a professional - so be on time, look presentable, and be professional!

Networking

Make the most of meetings and social events. These are great opportunities to learn more about the company you are working for and to also get a realistic feel for what it's like to be an employee there.
Use your Mentor - The mentor is there to help guide you through the company and can be a great resource for answers and to make connections with others. (Plus, they can be a valuable resource later as a reference.)