INCORPORATING COMPETENCIES INTO INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCES

Are you hoping to create meaningful internship opportunities for your student hires? We

are too! Below you will find eight career competencies and their explanations from the

National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE, 2017). FGCU uses the development

of these competencies as guidelines for successful experiential learning and, ultimately,

the successful transition of our students and graduates into the workplace. The

incorporation of activities that facilitate skill development in these eight areas is shown

to increase student "career readiness" and the overall satisfaction of their internship

organizations and our employer partners. See below for a brief description of each

competency as well as ideas for activities to create powerful learning environments!

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make

decisions, and overcome problems. The individual is able to obtain, interpret, and use

knowledge, facts, and data in this process, and may demonstrate originality and

inventiveness.

o Case Studies: Here is the situation ...what do you do?

o Role Play Scenarios: Sales, pitching, consultation, etc.

o Allow students to observe or input in decision-making processes

o Allow to shadow in key player meetings and debrief afterward

o Share available data and discuss its uses

o Ask intern for new insight or perspectives on problems facing the organization

Oral/Written Communications: Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in

written and oral forms to persons inside and outside of the organization. The individual

has public speaking skills; is able to express ideas to others; and can write/edit memos,

letters, and complex technical reports clearly and effectively.

o Provide feedback on emails and written assignments

o Give opportunity to pitch a new idea

o Engage students in the writing process

o Require a written report of activity or reflection

Teamwork/Collaboration: Build collaborative relationships with colleagues and

customers representing diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, and

viewpoints. The individual is able to work within a team structure, and can negotiate and

manage confl ict.

o Allow a student to join or sit on a committee of interest

o Participate or encourage participation in a company service project

o Hire multiple interns as a team specific projects

o Do a strengths analysis and discuss how they supplement the team

o Include conflict management training or include student in conflict resolution

{Compiled by Ashleigh Droz, 2020)

Digital Technology: Leverage existing digital technologies ethically and efficiently to

solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals. The individual demonstrates

effective adaptability to new and emerging technologies.

o Provide necessary resources such as a computer and access to programs

o Provide training on programs used in-house, especially those critical to field

o Give insight on technology important to the field in general

o Include intern in communication systems and set up with company email

Leadership: Leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals, and use

interpersonal skills to coach and develop others. The individual is able to assess and

manage his/her emotions and those of others; use empathetic skills to guide and

motivate; and organize, prioritize, and delegate work.

o Give detailed information on your supervisory/leadership style, including access,

communication, submitting/reviewing work, approval methods, etc.

o Provide opportunities for intern to take the lead on an initiative

o Engage intern in regular in-person one-on-one coaching, mentoring, and feedback

o Allow intern to interact with company leadership {meet+greet, shadow, mentoring}

o Engage intern in conversat ions about persona l leadership style development

Professionalism/Work Ethic: Demonstrate personal accountab ility and effect ive work

habit s {punctuality, working productively with others, and time workload management,

and understand the impact of non-verbal communication on professional work image).

The individual demonstrates integrity and ethica l behavior, acts responsibly with the

interests of the larger community in mind, and is able to learn from his/her mistakes.

o Provide clear guidel ines on expectations, et iquette, dress, etc.

o Take advantage of teachable moments as they arise and respond with coaching

o Sponsor a student's forma l professional development opportuni t y or membership

o Set interns up with a designated mentor

o Include intern in discussion on mission, vision, and goals and how their work ties in

Career Management: Identify and articulate one's skills, strengths, knowledge, and

experiences re levant to the position desired and career goals, and identify areas

necessary for professional growth. The individual is able t o navigate and explore job

options, understands and can take the steps necessary to pursue opportunities, and

understands how to self-advocate for opportunities in the workplace.

o Provide exposure to your field and take opportun ities to educate as a whole,

including industry jargon, intra-office information interviews, trade shows, etc.

o Work together to develop learning goals and a plan to meet them

o Provide resume, cover letter, and interview feedback

o Encourage and/or assist intern in creating a portfolio of work throughout internship

Global/Intercultural Fluency: Value, respect, and learn from diverse cultures, races,

ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religions. The individual demonstrates, openness,

inclusiveness, sensitivity, and the ability to interact respectfully with all people and

underst and individuals' differences.

o Include intern in diversity issues and trainings

o Provide t ime to interact with many people in the organization beyond supervisor

o Allow for client or customer interaction or observation