Why an Internship?
Why complete an internship? Employers increasingly want to see experience in the new college grads they hire Employers increasingly see their internship program as the best path for hiring entry-level candidates
Internship vs. job shadowing Internship Is an opportunity to work in the real world Lets you take responsibility for projects Provides training/mentoring by a site supervisor Typically lasts one semester Can be paid or unpaid Student can receive academic credit Job Shadowing 8 – 10 hours of shadowing a professional An opportunity to observe a work environment or site Conduct an informal interview with a professional in the field Student does not receive academic credit
Professional Benefits of an internship Gain valuable understanding of your major field – classroom vs. real world Take your career path for a test driveProfessional networking Improve your skills – general and social
Professional Benefits…cont’d College credit Enhance your resume Provide references
Personal Benefits of an Internship Boost your self confidence Build motivation and work habits Gives you feedback
How do I find an internship? s from Cathy Gowan titled “Internship Opportunities” Optimal Resume – Social Websites Linkedin – Twitter – follow companies that your are interested in working for
How do I find an internship? Internship websites – life/center-student-development-success/jobs- internships/internshipshttp:// life/center-student-development-success/jobs- internships/internships Ask your personal network – family, job connections, etc
I found an awesome internship, now what? If you want to get credit for your internship, Complete the internship paperwork available in the Center or online ( Turn in completed documents to Cathy Gowan in the Center. IMPORTANT: These documents are required for the Registrar to give you credit and for it to show on your transcript. If you don’t want to get credit for your internship, Complete a non-credit internship form ( and bring it to the Center. It will not be shown on your transcript but ALWAYS put it on your resume.
Frequently Asked Questions When is the best time for an internship? How do I get credit for an internship? How many credits can I earn from an internship? Can I do more than one internship? Can I do an internship over the summer? Is an internship required for my major? How far in advance do I start looking for an internship ?
Internship Sites Riverbanks Zoo & Greenville Zoo (biology, zoology, education) Hope Reach (education) Local law offices (family law, arbitration) Denny Corporation (human resources) Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce (marketing) Hatcher Gardens (horticulture) Spartanburg County Library (archives, education) Hub Bub (writing/art) Chapman Cultural Center (museum/history) Greenville County Crime Lab (chemistry) WSPA (television) Wal-Mart (retail management) American Lung Association (event planning)
Important Contact Information Center for Student Development and Success Montgomery 106 Cathy Gowan Director of Internships and Employer Relations Witney Fisher Assistant Dean of Students for Student Development and Success Leslie West Director of Student Success Initiatives