Career Services 2009 Workshop Series Finding an Internship NWTC Career Services November 10, 2009

Career Services 2009 Workshop Series What will be covered… Internship Basics – What is an internship – Why do an internship – When should you do an internship Before you search – Learn about your interests and skills – Explore careers The Internship Search – Researching Organizations – The Application Process Resources

Career Services 2009 Workshop Series What is an Internship? A work-related learning experience for individuals who wish to develop hands on work experience in a certain occupational field. Most internships are temporary assignments that last approximately three months up to a year.

Career Services 2009 Workshop Series Why do an Internship? Build your resume Practical work experience related to your major or career Understanding of how organizations function Networking opportunities – build references Clarify career goals Improve communication skills

Career Services 2009 Workshop Series Internships “Pay” in Multiple Ways 2 out of 3 interns are offered full time positions Employers use internships as a way of connecting with employers Employers prize relevant work experience even if it’s with another employer 70% of interns that are offered a full time position accept the offer Besides the potential job offer, internships can pay in other ways – including actual compensation In most cases, employers welcome interns 5

Career Services 2009 Workshop Series Additional Things to Consider Understand your goals and priorities: What do you want to gain? – Credits from NWTC – Compensation Geographical location – Are you willing to relocate Housing Options – Where will you live? At home? With family or friends? Find affordable apartment?

Career Services 2009 Workshop Series An Effective Internship Search Learn What career fields interest you? Research What organizations are in your field of interest? Apply Choose organizations & opportunities- Apply

Career Services 2009 Workshop Series Resources to Learn about Careers Visit Career Services Take a Career Assessment Research careers Talk to Instructors Network

Career Services 2009 Workshop Series Compile a List of Organizations Directories Phone books Websites Wisconsin Tech Connect Instructors Career Services Networking: family, friends, current job, professional associations, volunteer groups, etc. 9

Career Services 2009 Workshop Series Research Research the organization before applying Include specific information about why you want to work for the organization in your cover letter Research the internship position and its specific demands Include your credentials that match these qualifications in your resume. 10

Career Services 2009 Workshop Series Application Process Each employer has its own application process. Find out: What is the deadline? What will the employer need from you? – Resume, cover letter, transcripts, etc. – Do you need to apply online? Follow Up—Remember to call or the employer after 2 weeks to check on your application

Career Services 2009 Workshop Series Internship Search Checklist Learn Identify career fields of interest through self reflection, research and talking with others Research Locate organizations and employers offering internships within your field of interest Apply Prepare your resume and cover letters. Polish your interview skills and complete applications Follow Up Contact employers in a polite and timely manner to check on the status of your application

Career Services 2009 Workshop Series Success Tips for Interns Don’t be afraid to talk to people Ask for things to do Learn all you can about that business, industry, organization or profession Don’t gripe about grunt work Use the fact that you are a student to learn more Get in the information loop. Learn where people talk and make decisions Hitch your wagon to a star Ask to attend meetings and events Don’t burn bridges 13

Career Services 2009 Workshop Series Ten Tips 1.Meet with a career coach and your program contact to express interest and get started 2.Set goals – do a self assessment inventory of your values, interests and personality 3.Consider your options. Research them and note deadlines 4.Create your resume and cover letter. Career Services can help you with that process 5.Begin research of various internship possibilities 6.Begin application process for the internship you have chosen 7.Follow up on your applications 8.Perfect your interviewing skills – Schedule a mock interview with Career Services 9.After interview, ALWAYS follow up with a thank you note to recruiter with 24 hours 10.Upon receipt of an offer for an internship, meet with your instructor to determine if the experience can be counted for credit 14

Career Services 2009 Workshop Series What to expect from an internship Expect some “grunt work” – ask what percent of your time will be spent doing this type of work Getting down to the “true” work – explore with an employer what kind of projects you would be working on, what skills you would learn, etc. Plan to be proactive – Seek out work and projects, offer to try new things Seek a mentor – find someone who will mentor you as you begin your work “you get out what you put in” – This tried old adage is true. If you feel like you are doing this experience because you “should” and put little effort into it, it will be of no value to you in the end 15

Career Services 2009 Workshop Series How to get the most out of an internship Have a written agreement – meet with your instructor to write out an action plan Reflect upon the experience and examine the process – keep a journal, write a paper Stay open to the opportunity to change and grown from the experience Transfer the experience into knowledge that is applicable to real life 16