LEM 200 Internship Orientation Programme Project work

Aims of an internship To learn Get experience Know people Enhance skills Explore opportunities Gain knowledge/insight and confidence Apply classroom knowledge Enhance resume

Objectives of an Internship Orientation Be acquainted with the organization and its operations Have an opportunity to know and obtain information from staff in the industry Familiarise with industrial practices Get to know professional work culture in the organization Explore future job opportunities Acquire skills in communication and writing a project Have the opportunity to bridge the gap between academic life and the working world.

Project: Initial task Step 1 Self-reflection: ambitions, career preference, likes/dislikes Talk to previous interns (students) in the university Explore potential organizations Conduct general research on organizations that interest you

Starting the project Step 2 Select an organization that you would like to do your internship next year (or have a career in after you graduate) Identify the work or department you want to focus your project on Seek the organization’s approval to do your project List the major components of your project

Project tasks Step 3 Preliminary work: Study the organization’s website Describe the organization Look at the organizational structure

Obtaining information Step 4 Interview HRM, manager(s), supervisor(s), personnel & employees Seek “real world” knowledge and learning opportunities: Explore its operations and working environment Attend a meeting Investigate the use of IT Look at internal/external communications Obtain samples of e-mails, letters, memos, manuals, reports, marketing plans, financial reports, etc.

Analysis Step 5 Examine implications for your professional development and future career plans: Skills you have and want to develop Types of work/projects you would like to be involved in Identify strengths and areas you need to address in the future to be successful Identify ideas you have about the organization

Reflections/Questions Step 6 Is this organization ideal for my internship? What kinds of jobs are available for internship? Would the internship help me develop skills & knowledge? Is this the organization/sector I want to work in? Does a career in this sector appeal to me long term? Will a career in this organization/sector help me develop the skills I enjoy using and will it keep me challenged? What other opportunities are there for me? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the organization?

Final project Write up the project and Produce a slide presentation (content of steps 1 to 6) Include Appendices of sample documents, data, charts, graphs, etc.

Steps in Writing the Project Determine the scope of the project Consider your reader/audience Gather the information Analyze the information Organize the report Analyze the material Writing the report Reviewing and redrafting

Information/Material There are 2 types of information: Secondary – info gathered and recorded by others, e.g. reports, websites, pamphlets Primary – info you gather and record yourself (written or created during time of study), e.g. questionnaires, observations, surveys, interviews, raw data, photos, posters

Structure of Project Report Title page Table of contents Abbreviations/Glossary Acknowledgements Abstract Introduction (includes objectives) Body Discussion Recommendations and Conclusion Bibliography/References Appendix

Body Organization/Company Department X Discussion Recommendations Overview/Profile/Background (includes mission and vision) Operations/Functions Department X Introduction Divisions within the department Operations Discussion Comments and issues Lessons learned Challenges faced Recommendations Conclusion