Internship Search and Prep Internships Worth the effort Worth the time

Career Services Center CH 215 Internship Development Career Services Center-CH215 Bobbi Murphy Employer Relations and Internship Development

What is an Internship? “ An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theories learned in the classroom with practical application and skill development in a professional setting. An internship provides students with an opportunity to develop their competencies as professionals in their area of study, while still being identified as learners, rather than solely as employees. Students earn academic credit and are evaluated according to a job description that is incorporated into a course.

Internship Definition Cont. This work/learning arrangement is overseen by a faculty member of the student’s educational institution and by a designated employee of the host organization. The work/learning experience is usually the length of a semester, may be part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid. Academic learning objectives are integral to the internship, distinguishing them from volunteer positions or jobs. Internship requires some form of reflection where students apply theories and concepts to their on-the-job experience to improve their performances as professionals.

Benefits of Having Internship Experience  Valued by employers-higher salaries GRADUATING SENIORS WHO DO AN INTERNSHIP, ON AVERAGE EARN OVER $10,000 MORE PER YEAR THAN THOSE WHO DON’T DO AN INTERNSHIP  Explore career options  Increase confidence and develop skills  $$$$  Apply classroom education to workplace  Important addition to your resume  Provide contacts and networking opportunities

Why Employers Want Interns  Recruitment tool Job Survey for % employers surveyed stated their preference to hire candidates with relevant work experience.  Productive short-term employee  Increase visibility of company or organization  Provide technology skills and a fresh perspective

From MN College Job Outlook Survey 81.3% of employers surveyed offer internships 40.2% of employers surveyed hire from their intern program

Getting Ready for the Internship or Job Search

Preparation is everything It’s not the most qualified individual who gets the position, it’s the individual who is most prepared.

How Do I Get Started? Involve your Advisor or Faculty Internship Coordinator List Faculty Internship Coordinator List Understand your goals and internship requirements Go to the Career Services Website

You will need: Resume and Cover Letter Knowledge of the Company or Organization Knowledge of the Company or Organization Networking and Interviewing Skills NetworkingInterviewing Skills

Do your research. Knowledge of employers will ensure… A better internship or job “fit” and a better chance at getting the internship or job Employers expect you to have researched who they are and what they do.

Go to their website to find out… Who is their customer/client? What is their mission/vision? How do they measure success? What are the key qualifications and skills they are seeking? Read their newsletters and company history Look at their calendars, community initiatives Check out their FAQ (frequently asked questions) area Contact people who currently work there Conduct informational interviews

Research Resources ployer_research.asp Better Business Bureau at Glassdoor.comGlassdoor.com user generated contact site is packed with insider information on 30,000 companies, including actual salary figures (reported by the workers themselves) by function and location, interview questions used by specific employers, details on the hiring process, and tons more. Company Insight CenterCompany Insight Center (Bloomberg Business Week)

Finding an internship…

Network, Network, Network  Faculty Internship Coordinator, Staff  Career Services Centers   Friends, Family, and Classmates  Professional and Student Associations  Social Events, Clubs, Service Work

Career Services & Internet Check out resources Career Services Website EdPost and Going Global Univ. of St. Thomas Career Center Chambers of Commerce International Chamber of Commerce Other job/internship boards

How to Apply Follow ALL application instructions Apply by deadline, earlier is better Make sure resume is up to date, reviewed by others and spellchecked Include cover letter that makes persuasive case and is tailored to the internship Follow up with a phone call or

Make the Most Out of Your Internship! Follow the organization’s personnel policies Lines of communication Emergency policies Get involved in office sponsored events Find a mentor Keep track of what you did and the contacts you made, journal Make sure the organization provides supervision

Stand Out Be on time and be friendly Dress appropriately for the work Stay out of workplace politics and gossip Ask questions if you don’t know something Work hard and offer to do more, don’t sit around The internship is one big job interview

Students who participate in internships are 38% more likely to get a job offer Internships=Experience Employers Look for Experience

About references How to utilize references What to provide references Time Information Addressed envelope and stamp(check with faculty) Thank your references