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Procedures and Guidelines for Reinhardt University Communication and Media Studies Program Internships. Version 1.2 – Updated January 27, 2016
R e i n h a r d t U n i v e r s i t y 7 3 0 0 R e i n h a r d t C i r c l e W a l e s k a , G e o r g i a 3 0 1 8 3 h t t p s : / / r u c o m m i n t e r n . w o r d
Updated
Communication and Media Studies Internship Guide
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Table of Contents
What is an Internship? ........................................................................................................... 3
Federal Guidelines for Unpaid Internships .................................................................... 4 Role Expectations & Responsibilities ............................................................................... 8 Student .................................................................................................................................................. 8 Internship Coordinator ................................................................................................................... 8 Work Site Supervisor ....................................................................................................................... 8
Information & Guidelines for Students ............................................................................ 9 Why Complete An Internship? ...................................................................................................... 9 Eligibility .............................................................................................................................................. 9 How Do I Get Started? ................................................................................................................... 10 Where Can I Find an Internship? .............................................................................................. 10 How Do I Apply for a Position? .................................................................................................. 10 Internship Final Deliverables .................................................................................................... 11 Standards of Performance and Excellence for Communication Majors ...................... 11 Grading .............................................................................................................................................. 12 Limitations: ...................................................................................................................................... 12 Tips For Maximizing Your Internship ..................................................................................... 12
COM 407 Syllabus ................................................................................................................. 14
Information & Guidelines for Work Site Supervisors .............................................. 16 Forms & Deliverables .......................................................................................................... 19 Checklist ............................................................................................................................................ 19 Internship Application Form ...................................................................................................... 21 Internship Learning Contract ..................................................................................................... 22 Internship Report: Supervisor Site Report ............................................................................ 26 Internship Report: Intern Bi-‐Weekly Site Report ............................................................... 27 Supervisor Evaluation of Intern ................................................................................................ 28 Student Evaluation of Internship .............................................................................................. 30 Student Evaluation of Supervisor ............................................................................................. 34 Student Final Report Instructions ............................................................................................ 36
Sources ..................................................................................................................................... 38
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Dr. Evan Kropp Assistant Professor of Communication
Internship Coordinator 7300 Reinhardt Circle Waleska, GA 30183
Office: FPAC 178
Office Phone: (770) 720-‐5563 Cell Phone: (706) 286-‐0613
RU-‐COMM Internship Program on the web: https://rucommintern.wordpress.com/
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What is an Internship? An internship is a chance to use a “business classroom” to connect with what is happening at school, to add value to the educational experience, and to clarify the vast number of options available to students. Through internships, the student’s education is improved by:
• Introducing the intern to modern workplace equipment and actual workplace problems.
• Giving young people access to experiences that require more knowledge and skills than ordinary “student jobs”.
• Giving educators and employers the chance to work together in preparing students for success in the workplace.
• Helping educators connect the classroom to the modern workplace. • Helping students understand the importance of their classroom instruction. • Providing experience to list on the student’s resume. • Giving students the opportunity to have a real world experience in a career
field in which they have an interest. • Creating possible future opportunities for young people in the companies
where they intern (and possible future employees for companies that need them).
• Allowing employers to build alliances with local schools. Together, employers and educators can deliver a powerful message of the importance of education.
Students involved in an internship gather firsthand experience in modern business practices and skills. They learn what is necessary to complete assigned tasks in a timely manner, how to comport themselves responsibly and professionally, how employees work together, and the many opportunities available to them. They get the chance to practice or observe current technology, teamwork and cooperation, and basic business decorum. Internships provide an excellent opportunity for young people to question adults about their careers. They can view the myriad of possibilities within each career field; discern what they like and dislike about a particular job; and learn what skills, knowledge, and education are necessary for the career in which they have an interest. Because internships are not the same as jobs, students can learn more about the company than they would as an employee. Internships assist the classroom teacher by giving the student a context to which they can relate their schoolwork. Research, writing, speaking, computation, analysis, problem solving, use of technology, organization, and responsibility are all inseparable parts of the modern workplace. When students can see the imminent value of their education first hand, a natural, honest motivation occurs, and gives value to that which the teacher has to offer. Students who serve internships learn the answer to “Why do we need to learn this?” first hand, and do not need to be
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apprised of the value of their academic instruction. They also see the relationship between job quality and level of education, and often return to school more motivated to go to college than beforehand. Classroom instruction which augments the internship experience can be part of this experience. Examples include journal-‐keeping, resume building, and portfolio development. Lessons in all disciplines can be geared to relate the internship experience to academic skills. Such activities help to emphasize for students the connection between school and work, showing them practical applications for their learning and opening their minds to possible futures beyond what academic instruction alone usually achieves.
Federal Guidelines for Unpaid Internships Reprinted from the United States Department of Labor, Fact Sheet #71: Internship Programs Under The Fair Labor Standards Act. April, 2010
This fact sheet provides general information to help determine whether interns must be paid the minimum wage and overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act for the services that they provide to “for-‐profit” private sector employers. Background The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) defines the term “employ” very broadly as including to “suffer or permit to work.” Covered and non-‐exempt individuals who are “suffered or permitted” to work must be compensated under the law for the services they perform for an employer. Internships in the “for-‐profit” private sector will most often be viewed as employment, unless the test described below relating to trainees is met. Interns in the “for-‐profit” private sector who qualify as employees rather than trainees typically must be paid at least the minimum wage and overtime compensation for hours worked over forty in a workweek.* The Test For Unpaid Interns There are some circumstances under which individuals who participate in “for-‐profit” private sector internships or training programs may do so without compensation. The Supreme Court has held that the term "suffer or permit to work" cannot be interpreted so as to make a person whose work serves only his or her own interest an employee of another who provides aid or instruction. This may apply to interns who receive training for their own educational benefit if the training meets certain criteria. The determination of whether an internship or training program meets this exclusion depends upon all of the facts and circumstances of each such program.
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The following six criteria must be applied when making this determination: 1. The internship, even though it includes actual operation of the facilities of the
employer, is similar to training which would be given in an educational environment;
2. The internship experience is for the benefit of the intern; 3. The intern does not displace regular employees, but works under close
supervision of existing staff; 4. The employer that provides the training derives no immediate advantage
from the activities of the intern; and on occasion its operations may actually be impeded;
5. The intern is not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship; and
6. The employer and the intern understand that the intern is not entitled to wages for the time spent in the internship.
If all of the factors listed above are met, an employment relationship does not exist under the FLSA, and the Act’s minimum wage and overtime provisions do not apply to the intern. This exclusion from the definition of employment is necessarily quite narrow because the FLSA’s definition of “employ” is very broad. Some of the most commonly discussed factors for “for-‐profit” private sector internship programs are considered below. Similar To An Education Environment And The Primary Beneficiary Of The Activity In general, the more an internship program is structured around a classroom or academic experience as opposed to the employer’s actual operations, the more likely the internship will be viewed as an extension of the individual’s educational experience (this often occurs where a college or university exercises oversight over the internship program and provides educational credit). The more the internship provides the individual with skills that can be used in multiple employment settings, as opposed to skills particular to one employer’s operation, the more likely the intern would be viewed as receiving training. Under these circumstances the intern does not perform the routine work of the business on a regular and recurring basis, and the business is not dependent upon the work of the intern. On the other hand, if the interns are engaged in the operations of the employer or are performing productive work (for example, filing, performing other clerical work, or assisting customers), then the fact that they may be receiving some benefits in the form of a new skill or improved work habits will not exclude them from the FLSA’s minimum wage and overtime requirements because the employer benefits from the interns’ work. Displacement And Supervision Issues If an employer uses interns as substitutes for regular workers or to augment its existing workforce during specific time periods, these interns should be paid at least the minimum wage and overtime compensation for hours worked over forty in a
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workweek. If the employer would have hired additional employees or required existing staff to work additional hours had the interns not performed the work, then the interns will be viewed as employees and entitled compensation under the FLSA. Conversely, if the employer is providing job shadowing opportunities that allow an intern to learn certain functions under the close and constant supervision of regular employees, but the intern performs no or minimal work, the activity is more likely to be viewed as a bona fide education experience. On the other hand, if the intern receives the same level of supervision as the employer’s regular workforce, this would suggest an employment relationship, rather than training. Job Entitlement The internship should be of a fixed duration, established prior to the outset of the internship. Further, unpaid internships generally should not be used by the employer as a trial period for individuals seeking employment at the conclusion of the internship period. If an intern is placed with the employer for a trial period with the expectation that he or she will then be hired on a permanent basis, that individual generally would be considered an employee under the FLSA. Where to Obtain Additional Information This publication is for general information and is not to be considered in the same light as official statements of position contained in the regulations. For additional information, visit our Wage and Hour Division Website: http://www.wagehour.dol.gov and/or call our toll-‐free information and helpline, available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in your time zone, 1-‐866-‐4USWAGE (1-‐866-‐487-‐9243).
* The FLSA makes a special exception under certain circumstances for individuals who volunteer to perform services for a state or local government agency and for individuals who volunteer for humanitarian purposes for private non-‐profit food banks. WHD also recognizes an exception for individuals who volunteer their time, freely and without anticipation of compensation for religious, charitable, civic, or humanitarian purposes to non-‐profit organizations. Unpaid internships in the public sector and for non-‐profit charitable organizations, where the intern volunteers without expectation of compensation, are generally permissible. WHD is reviewing the need for additional guidance on internships in the public and non-‐profit sectors.
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Internship vs. Part-‐time Job – What’s the Difference? Distinguishing between an internship and a part-‐time job is important. Internships are pre-‐professional career training experiences with intentional learning goals. The following comparisons are helpful in making the determination:
If you have questions about your compensation or the work you are being asked to perform, please contact your Internship Coordinator.
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Role Expectations & Responsibilities
Student Students should complete a learning contract that defines the nature of the work experience, the learning objectives, and academic expectations. Though this contract is developed collaboratively with the Internship Coordinator and the work supervisor, the student needs to reflectively plan for the internship since it represents another aspect of his/her academic program. It should reflect a level of academic rigor similar to that encountered in the classroom. The student must complete all of the work set down in the original contract. This includes a complete evaluation of the internship that will be filed in the Internship Program Coordinator. Only when this report is complete will credit be given for the internship.
Internship Coordinator The primary responsibility of the Internship Coordinator is to oversee the progress of the student intern, to maintain contact with the student intern and a representative of the sponsoring agency through on-‐site visits, phone, fax and e-‐mail, to evaluate the written reports, to review the weekly log and to assign a grade. The Internship Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating scheduled meetings, visiting students on site during the semester, grading all work performed by the student, and coordinating the evaluation process with the internship supervisor.
Work Site Supervisor The site supervisor is asked to provide guidance for the student and help in developing weekly assignments and projects directly related to the communication field. In addition, the site supervisor serves as the point person for assisting the student if problems or concerns arise. The site supervisor is also asked to provide assignments, projects and responsibilities that will enhance the student’s understanding and skill in the communication area. The college asks that the internship site supervisor complete site reports, which will be sent to the Internship Coordinator. This information can be provided via e-‐mail. We appreciate the time and effort of the sponsoring agency, company or organization, and will look for your comments and evaluation at the end of the internship. The student intern will provide a form for this purpose.
• The site supervisor must assist with and agree to the terms established in the learning contract.
• The supervisor should take an active role in mentoring and guiding the student to help meet learning goals, and be available for meetings or
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conversations with both the student and the faculty coordinator.
• The site supervisor should complete the evaluation forms in a timely fashion and return them to the faculty coordinator.
Information & Guidelines for Students
Why Complete An Internship? What is it about an internship that is so valuable? Why should you consider doing one? What advantages will you have over students who do not participate in an experiential education experience? An internship:
• Gives you a chance to explore career fields through first-‐hand experience. • Promotes development of confidence, maturity, responsibility, and skill in
human relations. • Increases the development of decision-‐making and analytical skills through
experience in actual work environments. • Creates a better understanding of theory by its actual application in practice. • Helps you develop a more positive attitude toward coursework as a result of
seeing its usefulness on-‐the-‐job, which often leads to better grades. • Helps you gain professional experience to include on your resume, which can
significantly improve your marketability to employers. • Increases the potential for a higher salary and greater advancement upon
graduation as a result of previous experience. • Provides useful contacts that may lead to future employment. • Provides the support of a faculty mentor during the difficult first entry into a
professional career. • Furnishes academic credit for learning that takes place on the job.
Eligibility While the Communication Program’s Internship Program is intended for students majoring in one of our programs, other students are welcome to apply. Prospective interns should have completed preliminary coursework in their major and completed at least 60 credits before enrolling. It is also important that students have effective communication skills both in spoken and written form, demonstrate a capacity for initiative and leadership, and represent the Reinhardt community in a positive manner. These qualities will be assessed through the application process described below.
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How Do I Get Started? Before you start searching for an internship, you need to set some goals for yourself and evaluate what you want and need from an internship. Ask yourself the following questions:
• What are my career interests? What kind of work do I want to do? • What kind of organization or industry intrigues me? • What personal traits, skills, or knowledge would I like to develop? • When can I fit an internship experience into my schedule? • Where am I willing or able to intern? • What are my income needs and transportation options?
Once you have done some goal setting, you are ready to begin the search process. You should also create a resume. This will be necessary to apply for most internship positions. It is strongly recommended that you begin your search for an internship as early as possible. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with employer’s requirements and expectations. Once you are registered for Com 407 Internship, you should contact the Internship Coordinator to start making plans. In fact, even if you are considering an Internship and would like more information first, you are encouraged to contact the Internship Coordinator.
Where Can I Find an Internship? While it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to find an internship, your Internship Coordinator is here to help. Your first stop should be the Communication and Media Studies Program Internship Blog (https://rucommintern.wordpress.com/). This site is full of resources and links to many of the most popular internship boards. You should set a meeting with the Internship Coordinator to discuss your interests.
How Do I Apply for a Position? 1. Develop a polished and error-‐free resume. 2. Write a Cover Letter, if needed. Many positions will ask for a letter of interest
with your resume. This might be sent as a separate attachment or it might be the body of an inquiry email.
3. Get ready for an interview. If a company likes your resume, they will probably want to schedule an interview. Plan for interview success:
a. Research the organization and prepare specific questions to ask. b. Practice answering typical interview questions. c. Prepare to dress professionally on interview day.
4. Follow up, follow up, follow up!
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a. Always send a thank you note following any meeting. This can be in the form of an email. Thank your interviewer for their time and re-‐express your interest in the position (if you are interested).
b. If it's been one-‐two weeks since you applied or since the deadline passed, it's okay to follow up politely with a note or phone call inquiring about the status of your application.
c. Once you receive an offer and decide to accept a position, it's essential to follow up with the organization to let them know your plans. Additionally, you need to contact employers to formally withdraw from any active searches when you have accepted a position.
Internship Final Deliverables Students who are accepted into the internship program must complete the following assignments and activities:
• The student will spend 160 or 320 hours completing “hands-‐on” work for the sponsoring agency. (CPO 4,5)
• The student will e-‐mail a bi-‐weekly site report summarizing work activities, including a log of assignments and completed tasks. (CPO 2,5)
• Students will schedule and attend a conference during the semester with the faculty supervisor. (CPO 5)
• The student is expected to arrange a site visit for the faculty supervisor at the internship site. (CPO 5)
• The student will assemble a portfolio of completed work products that she or he has produces or helped to produce during the internship. Examples include press releases, radio stories, business proposals, television news reports, museum brochures, etc… (CPO 1-‐5)
• Final reflective report: The student will submit a five-‐ to-‐ ten page final report highlighting the internship experience, the projects completed and the skills and knowledge acquired, plus the learning that occurred during the internship process. The paper should also identify problems and make recommendations to resolve them. The paper will also include any research from outside sources that has been used during the course of the internship program to help with the completion of assignments or as reference sources. If necessary, the student should use APA style to document the paper. (CPO 1-‐5)
• The student is expected to be able to make a presentation about their internship to a Communication class or Colloquium. (CPO 1-‐5)
Standards of Performance and Excellence for Communication Majors The ability of the communication major to function successfully in the marketplace is largely dependent upon the useful skills the practitioner acquires in the classroom; however, of even greater value are the interpersonal and organizational skills the student exhibits in the workplace and the understanding and appreciation the communication practitioner has for the value of these qualities.
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In order to underline the importance of these skills for the communication major, our program has adopted a set of standards that will help the future communication practitioner reach his/her full potential as a member of the community and as a communication practitioner. The communication student is expected to abide by the following guidelines:
• Demonstrate a respectful demeanor toward the Internship Coordinator, work Supervisor and all of the host organization employees.
• Attend all scheduled work periods except for illness or serious conflict. Students should anticipate the possibility of failure if work is missed. In addition, the student should contact instructors within 24 hours after missing work.
• Arrive to work on time. Late arrivals will result in a drop of a letter grade on the final grade.
• Complete al work on time as instructed. • Submit all paperwork and reports on time. • Dress appropriately. • Be responsible. Not knowing is not an excuse.
Grading The final grade will be based on completion of 160 hours of work (minimum) during the semester. Students will be graded on an A-‐F grading scale. This grade will reflect attendance and performance at the internship site, satisfactory evaluations by the site supervisor and by the faculty supervisor, and completion of the log, progress reports, final reports and on-‐site activities in a timely fashion. The student will be expected to meet deadlines and hand in all reports in a timely fashion.
Limitations: While the internship is designed to increase the student’s opportunities for employment in the marketplace, there is no guarantee that it will. Student may also find that their chosen internship does not meet their expectations. Internships are learning experiences and the lesson learned might be that the intern does not like the type of work he/she has been preparing for. That is fine, but students are still expected to complete their internship.
Tips For Maximizing Your Internship Working Tips
• Make a good first impression. • Dress appropriately. • Always be prompt. • Maintain a positive attitude-‐-‐-‐it is one of your greatest assets.
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• Find out about and follow company regulations. • Respect the time of others.
Orientation
• If there is no formal orientation program for you, try to give yourself one by: • Reading everything you can about the organization. • Introducing yourself to your co-‐workers (keep notes so you can connect
names and faces). • Making lists of questions so that you can use your supervisor’s time wisely.
Getting the job done
• Schedule your time; keep a to-‐do list. • Space out your tasks; one big task can be broken down into stages. • Pace your energy. Too much enthusiasm at first may overwhelm you and
leave you burned out at the end.
Dealing with Problems 1. “Go fer” work. As a member of a team, you will want to help with routine
tasks occasionally, but you don’t want them to become your permanent job. A good learning contract should prevent this problem, but if you feel your work activities are not challenging enough, consult your work supervisor. Make sure that if you ask for additional assignments, you have demonstrated your capacity to handle them.
2. Pressure. Meeting deadlines is your responsibility, but if the pressure to finish assignments on time begins to overwhelm you, let your supervisor know. The quality of your work is as important as the time element. The best planning can fall through, so don’t be afraid to say you can’t finish on time or think that the project is too much for you to handle.
3. Overtime. You may be asked, or feel pressured, to work late or on weekends, and working extra hours may help you learn more by experiencing roles or situations not otherwise available. Your commitment to your supervisor and your organization may demand that you put in the extra work. However, you are an independent person, and everyone has a personal life to maintain. So, if you feel confused about work hours and time, talk to your supervisor and negotiate a solution that takes into account both your needs and those of the organization.
4. Discrimination or Harassment. Resources are available if you think you may have been discriminated against or sexually harassed. Even though your internship may be off campus, Reinhardt students participating in credit-‐bearing internships fall under University Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Sexual Misconduct Policy.
5. When in doubt, contact your Internship Coordinator for assistance. The earlier you reach out for help or advice the better.
Gathering Career Information
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An internship is an excellent opportunity to explore a career of your choice. You will be able to gather information, clarify how you feel about specific work environments, and test your abilities as you learn which skills are essential for various positions. You can also develop professional contacts that can be used once you actually begin your post-‐graduation job search. You will no doubt discover much career-‐related information during the hours you work each week. A systematic effort to obtain information, however, can yield an even greater dividend.
1. Each week, ask several co-‐workers a few questions about their careers and compare answers. You will reap the benefit of learning about a particular career field from many different viewpoints.
2. Schedule several 20-‐ to 30-‐minute “information interviews” with selected co-‐workers throughout the experience.
3. If possible, get involved in company activities, training sessions, or
professional development seminars. You may also want to participate in social events planned for employees to learn more about the culture of the organization.
4. Use a scheduled evaluation meeting with a supervisor at the end of the
internship to discuss career concerns.
COM 407 Syllabus Course Title: COM 407 Communication Internship (Credit Hours: 3-‐6) Catalog Description: A supervised program of study for the communication major. This course is designed to provide practical hands-‐on experience for the communication major. Skills learned in the classroom can be applied to the workplace environment. Prerequisites: The student must be a junior or senior communication major in good academic standing (non-‐Communication majors may also qualify with permission from the Internship Program Coordinator). The student should have completed approximately 90 credits. General Course Purpose: To provide the students an opportunity to exhibit their communication skills, initiative and leadership in a supervised workplace environment. Course Content:
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• 160-‐320 hours of on-‐site work • Discussions on responsibilities and progress with site supervisor and faculty
coordinator • Mid-‐Point progress report from the site supervisor • Bi-‐weekly reports from student • Final reflective report & portfolio
Grading: The final grade will be based on completion of 160 hours of work during the semester. Students will be graded on an A-‐F grading scale. This grade will reflect attendance and performance at the internship site, satisfactory evaluations by the site supervisor and by the faculty supervisor, and completion of the log, progress reports, final reports and on-‐site activities in a timely fashion. The student will be expected to meet deadlines and hand in all reports in a timely fashion. Special Features: Students will be able to choose from a variety of internship sites. The job description and intern site will be chosen based on the interests and the abilities of the student, recommendation of the faculty advisor and expectations of the site supervisor. Rationale for Course: The course will give the students the chance to apply classroom knowledge to the workplace. In addition, it will provide practical work experience, which is needed in the marketplace. Communication Program Objectives (CPO) Communication majors will:
1. Develop and enrich their critical thinking skills. 2. Demonstrate creativity and use a variety of research methods in their
communication classes and civil work. 3. Use technology to enhance communication projects and course assignments. 4. Demonstrate respect for individual and cultural differences. 5. Demonstrate understanding of the historical, informational and
organizational aspects of the communication environment. Expected Learning Outcomes Students enrolled in the internship are expected to demonstrate the following learning outcomes. As a result of completing this course, students are expected to increase their knowledge of the workplace and improve their chance for success in the marketplace. In addition to meeting objectives I, II, III, IV as outlined in the College Catalog, students will gain a better understanding of organizational structure and organizational communication. Students are also expected to achieve success in the following areas:
• Students will improve their understanding of the workplace environment.
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(CPO1,2,3,4,5) • Students will polish their interpersonal skills. (CPO 4,5) • Students will learn to function as part of a team. (CPO 1,4,5) • Students will improve their skill base in different areas of communication
and technology. (CPO 1,3,5) • Students will increase their knowledge of the communication arena. (CPO 5) • Students will understand the practical applications of communication theory
and practice. (CPO 5) Limitations: While the internship is designed to increase the student’s opportunities for employment in the marketplace, there is no guarantee that it will. Student may also find that their chosen internship does not meet their expectations.
Information & Guidelines for Work Site Supervisors Your willingness to provide an opportunity for a Reinhardt student to expand his or her education beyond the classroom is deeply appreciated. Student interns have the potential to provide your organization with genuine assistance, as well as a fresh perspective and new energy and enthusiasm. As a supervisor for a Reinhardt University intern, you are responsible for the intern’s work activity and schedule. You will facilitate the transition between academic studies and the work of the workplace. Assistance with the learning contract One of your responsibilities as a work supervisor is to assist the student in developing the learning contract, which is an outline of what he or she intends to learn and accomplish during the internship. The learning contract is an effective way to establish agreement about mutual intentions and expectations for the internship, and develop criteria for supervision and evaluation. A sample learning contract is available in a separate section of this manual. You can be especially helpful to the student in developing realistic goals and providing suggestions for possible activities, tasks, and projects to accomplish these goals. Orientation Listed below are some guidelines for helping the student adjust to the work setting.
1. Since the student is with you such a short time, it is recommended that company or organization literature be shared with the student in advance to save time. This material will help the student understand where his or her position fits in the “big picture.”
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2. Please make whatever physical arrangements are necessary in regards to work space and equipment, and provide other appropriate materials.
3. You and the student should be in agreement about reporting time and place, hours, dress, degree of independence, on-‐the-‐job supervision, and confidentiality.
Site Supervisor Responsibilities The site supervisor is asked to provide guidance for the student and help in developing weekly assignments and projects directly related to the communication field. In addition, the site supervisor serves as the point person for assisting the student if problems or concerns arise. The site supervisor is also asked to provide assignments, projects and responsibilities that will enhance the student’s understanding and skill in the communication area. The college asks that the internship site supervisor complete two site reports (after approximately 80 hours and at the conclusion of the internship), which will be sent to the Internship Coordinator’s attention. This information can be provided via e-‐mail. We appreciate the time and effort of the sponsoring agency, company or organization, and will look for your comments and evaluation at the end of the internship. The student intern will provide a form for this purpose. Contact with Internship Coordinator The faculty coordinator will be contacting you as the internship progresses. Some topics that might be appropriate to discuss are:
1. Is the intern performing as expected?
2. Are there major discrepancies between your perception and the intern’s?
3. Is the student developing appropriate professional behavior toward both staff and supervisors?
4. Is the student accepting direction, supervision and constructive criticism?
5. Are there ways the internship could be improved?
6. If there are concerns, please contact the faculty coordinator so that problems might be resolved promptly.
Evaluation A standard evaluation form is provided in a separate section of this manual that should simplify the written evaluation process. A prompt return of the evaluation to the faculty coordinator at the end of the internship will be greatly appreciated. Student interns are encouraged to discuss this evaluation with you to aid in reviewing their experience and clarifying comments made on the evaluation form.
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Some topics that might be appropriate to discuss with the student are:
1. Did the intern perform as expected?
2. How did the intern’s performance compare with people in comparable positions?
3. What are major problems the student will face as a professional, and what sources of information can be used to address these problems?
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Forms & Deliverables
Checklist
Deliverable Check when Complete
Meet with the Internship Coordinator and Register for COM407 -‐ Internship
Prepare a professional Resume Search for and apply for internships Before Your Internship: Submit Internship Application Form Before Your Internship: Submit Internship Learning Contract During Your Internship: Complete 160-‐320 hours of intern work (depending on the # of credits you’ve registered for). Make sure to keep copies of work completed, take notes, take pictures, etc… to help you complete your final Internship Portfolio.
During Your Internship: Submit Intern Bi-‐Weekly Site Report* Halfway Thru Your Internship: Meet with the Internship Coordinator to provide an update of your activities.**
Halfway Thru Your Internship: Schedule a site meeting for your Internship Coordinator. During this visit, be prepared to give a tour of your work site, present examples of the work you have completed, and arrange a meeting with your site supervisor. This meeting should take place approximately half way through the semester.**
After Your Internship: Submit Supervisor Evaluation of Intern After Your Internship: Submit Student Evaluation of Internship After Your Internship: Submit Student Evaluation of Supervisor After Your Internship: Submit Final Student Report & Portfolio After Your Internship: Exit Interview Students must schedule a meeting to review the internship process and experience with the Internship Coordinator after all forms and deliverables have been submitted.
* It is strongly advised that student’s create a calendar at the beginning of the internship and share the dates that these reports should be submitted with their supervisor and the Internship Coordinator so all parties have the same expectations. ** It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Internship Coordinator and schedule this meeting. Note: Students are expected to familiarize themselves with all of the Internship deliverables. Students should take a proactive role in completing each deliverable without needing to be prompted by the Internship Coordinator. Placing these
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responsibilities with the student is an important component of this learning experience. Not knowing is not an excuse.
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Internship Application Form Updated 8/11/2015 Deliver this form to the Internship Coordinator Date:____________________ Student Name ________________________________ ID#________________________ Student Address__________________________________________________________ Phone ___________________________ E-‐Mail ________________________________ Site Information Organization/Company Name _______________________________________________ Company Address ________________________________________________________ Supervisor/Mentor Name ___________________________________________________ Title ___________________________________________________________________ Phone ___________________ Fax _____________________ E-‐mail ________________ Position Description and Responsibilities Position Title _____________________________ Start date _____________________ Number of hours intern will work per week _____ Work duration in weeks________ Description of intern’s duties, activities and projects: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Compensation (not required) ____ Paid (indicate wage per hour or stipend) ____ Unpaid, Credit only Intern Signature____________________________________________________________ Supervisor Signature ________________________________________________________
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Internship Learning Contract Updated 8/11/2015
Reinhardt University Internship Learning Contract
An internship is a unique learning experience that integrates studies with practical work. This agreement is written by the student in consultation with the faculty coordinator and work supervisor. It shall serve to clarify the educational purpose of the internship and to ensure an understanding of the total learning experience among the principle parties involved.
Part I: Contact Information Student
Name: ________________________ Student ID#______________ Class Year: ________
Campus Address: __________________________________________________________
Address while on Internship (if different): ______________________________________
City, State, Zip: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ______________________________ Email: _____________________________
Work Supervisor
Name: _______________________________ Title: _________________________
Company/Organization: ____________________________________________________
Internship Address: ________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ______________________________ Email:_____________________________
Faculty Coordinator
Name: _______________________________ Phone: _______________________
Campus Address: ________________________________________________________
Academic Credit Information
Internship Title: ______________________ Department: __________________
Course #: ___________________________ Credits: ______________________
Grading Option: Letter Grade ____ Credit/Non-‐credit ____
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Beginning Date: ______________________ Ending Date: __________________
Hours per Week: ______________________ Internship is: ___Paid ___Unpaid
Part II: Learning Objectives/Learning Activities
Learning Objectives: What do you intend to learn, acquire and clarify through this internship? Try to use concrete, measurable terms in listing your learning objectives under each of the following categories: • Knowledge and Understanding • Skills Learning Activities: How will your internship activities enable you to acquire the knowledge/understanding, and skills you listed above? • On the job: Describe how your internship activities will enable you to meet your
learning objectives. Include projects, research, report writing, conversations, etc., which you will do while working, relating them to what you intend to learn.
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• Off the job: List reading, writing, contact with faculty supervisor, peer group
discussion, field trips, observations, etc., you will make and carry out which will help you meet your learning objectives.
Evaluation: Your work supervisor will provide a written evaluation of your internship. Describe in detail what other evidence you will provide your faculty supervisor to document what you have learned (e.g. journal, analytic paper, project, descriptive paper, oral presentation, etc.) Include deadline dates.
Part III: The Internship
Job Description: Describe in as much detail as possible your role and responsibilities while on your internship. List duties, project to be completed, deadlines, etc.
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Supervision: Describe in as much detail as possible the supervision to be provided at the work site. List what kind of instruction, assistance, consultation you will receive from whom, etc. Evaluation: How will your work performance be evaluated? By whom? When?
Part IV: Agreement
This contract may be terminated or amended by student, faculty coordinator or work supervisor at any time upon written notice, which is received and agreed to by the other two parties. Student ___________________________________ Date ________________ Work Supervisor ___________________________ Date ________________ Faculty Coordinator _________________________ Date ________________
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Internship Report: Supervisor Site Report Updated 8/11/2015 Note: Supervisors are not required to use this report and may choose to email the Internship Coordinator an update that includes this type of information. Name of Intern:__________________________________ Internship Site Supervisor:________________________________________________________ Organization:__________________________________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________________________________________ Please list the assignments the student has completed to date. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Has the student attended staff meetings or training sessions? Performance: Please check Satisfactory __________________ Unsatisfactory ________________ Comments: The student intern is responsible for providing this report to the internship site supervisor. It is also the student’s responsibility to make sure it is returned to the faculty supervisor. This report can be sent via e-‐mail to [email protected].
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Internship Report: Intern Bi-‐Weekly Site Report Updated 8/11/2015 Your name: Your company/organization name: Your supervisor: Total hours completed in the past 2 weeks: Total hours complete to date: Describe your principle assignments and responsibilities for this report period: What experiences were particularly rewarding during this report period? What experiences were particularly disappointing or frustrating? Describe other professional growth opportunities (e.g., conferences, field trips, directed readings, meetings, research...) that you were able to capitalize on last week and/or hope to have next week. Describe the principal tasks and duties to be performed and accomplishments during the upcoming period. Additional Comments:
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Supervisor Evaluation of Intern Updated 8/11/2015
Reinhardt University Supervisor Evaluation of Intern
(To be completed upon completion of Internship)
Student Name: _____________________________ Date: __________________
Work Supervisor: ___________________________ Title: __________________
Company/Organization: ___________________________________________________
Internship Address: _______________________________________________________
Dates of Internship: From ________________ To ________________
Please evaluate your intern by indicating the frequency with which you observed the following behaviors:
Behaviors Consistently Often Rarely N/A Performs in a dependable manner Cooperates with co-‐workers and supervisors
Shows interest in work Learns quickly Shows initiative Produces high quality work Accepts responsibility Accepts criticism Demonstrates organizational skills Uses technical knowledge and expertise Shows good judgment Demonstrates creativity/originality Analyzes problems effectively Is self-‐reliant Communicates well Writes effectively Has a professional attitude Gives a professional appearance Is punctual Uses time effectively Overall performance of student intern (circle one):
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Excellent Above Average Average Fair Unsatisfactory Did the student make useful contributions? What were they? What skills or abilities could the student target for improvement? (What qualities kept the student from achieving the level of a model entry-‐level employee?) How well was this internship suited to the student’s abilities and interests? Additional comments on your student or on the program:
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Student Evaluation of Internship
Reinhardt University Student Evaluation of Internship
(To be completed upon completion of Internship)
Student Name: _____________________________ Date: _____________________
Work Supervisor: ___________________________ Title: _____________________
Supervisor Email: _________________________ Internship is: ___Paid __Unpaid
Company/Organization: __________________________________________________
Internship Address: ______________________________________________________
Faculty Coordinator: ________________________
Dates of Internship: From ____________________ To ____________________
***Please fill out the above in full detail*** Give a brief description of your internship work (title and tasks for which you were responsible): Was your internship experience related to your major area of study? ____ Yes, to a large degree ____ Yes, to a slight degree ____ No, not related at all Indicate the degree to which you agree or disagree with the following statements. This experience has: Strongly
Agree Agree No
Opinion Disagree Strongly
Disagree Given me the opportunity to explore a career field
Allowed me to apply classroom theory to practice
Helped me develop my decision-‐making and problem-‐solving
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skills Expanded my knowledge about the work world prior to permanent employment
Helped me develop my written and oral communication skills
Provided a chance to use leadership skills (influence others, develop ideas with others, stimulate decision-‐making and action)
This experience has: Strongly Agree
Agree No Opinion
Disagree Strongly Disagree
Expanded my sensitivity to the ethical implications of the work involved
Made it possible for me to be more confident in new situations
Given me a chance to improve my interpersonal skills
Helped me learn to handle responsibility and use my time wisely
Helped me discover new aspects of myself that I didn’t know existed before
Helped me develop new interests and abilities
Helped me clarify my career goals
Provided me with contacts which may lead to future employment
Allowed me to acquire information and/or use equipment not available at Otterbein
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How well were you able to accomplish the initial goals, tasks and new skills that were set down in your learning contract? In what ways were you able to take a new direction or expand beyond your contract? Why were some goals not accomplished adequately? In what areas did you most develop and improve? What has been the most significant accomplishment or satisfying moment of your internship? What did you dislike about the internship?
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Considering your overall experience, how would you rate this internship? (Circle one). Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor Give suggestions as to how your internship experience could have been improved. (Could you have handled added responsibility? Would you have liked more discussions with your professor concerning your internship? Was closer supervision needed? Did you need more of an orientation?)
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Student Evaluation of Supervisor
Reinhardt University Student Evaluation of Supervision
(To be completed upon completion of internship and delivered to Internship Coordinator)
Student Name: _____________________________ Date: __________________
Work Supervisor: ___________________________ Title: __________________
Company/Organization: ___________________________________________________
Internship Address: _______________________________________________________
Faculty Coordinator: ________________________
Dates of Internship: From ____________________ To _____________________
Indicate the degree to which you agree or disagree with the following statements. Strongly
Agree Agree No
Opinion Disagree Strongly
Disagree Supervisor was well organized
Supervisor gave appropriate feedback
Supervisor was accepting of my feedback
Supervisor was open and freely gave information about the organization
Supervisor was accessible and available for problems and questions
Supervisor was supportive and perceptive of my feelings and efforts
The orientation was sufficient to familiarize me with the organization
The training was adequate and enabled me to perform my internship duties
The duties were fully explained and reasonably in line with learning contract
Goals set by my supervisor were realistic in terms of complexity and time constraints
Work environment was comfortable
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Sufficient work space was provided
Felt like an integral part of the organization
How do you feel about your role as an intern in this organization? How well has your supervisor helped you in defining and developing that role? What changes would you like to see in the activities of your supervisor? Was your supervisor, the organization and your internship role what you expected them to be? If not, how did your expectations and the reality of the situation differ?
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Student Final Report Instructions After the completion of your internship and before the conclusion of the semester, each student will submit a 5-‐10 page reflective paper and an Internship Portfolio. The paper should be reflective in nature. This means you will take time to think about your experiences and what you have learned. Further instructions are detailed below. This paper should be combined with copies of all your internship paperwork, work samples and other information to create a portfolio that encapsulates your entire experience. What is reflective writing?1
Reflective writing is evidence of reflective thinking. In an academic context, reflective thinking usually involves:
1. Looking back at something (your internship experience). 2. Analyzing the experience (thinking in depth and from different perspectives,
and trying to explain, often with references to specific events, moments, ideas, etc…).
3. Thinking carefully about what the internship means for you and your ongoing progress as a learner and future practicing professional. How has the experience changed (or reinforced) the ideas/plans/knowledge you had before the internship?
Four key points of reflective writing:
• Reflection is an exploration and an explanation of events – not just a description of them.
• Genuinely reflective writing often involves ‘revealing’ anxieties, errors and weaknesses, as well as strengths and successes. This is fine (in fact it’s often essential!), as long as you show some understanding of possible causes, and explain how you plan to improve.
• It is normally necessary to select just the most significant parts of the event or idea on which you’re reflecting. If you try to ‘tell the whole story’ you’re likely to use up your words on description rather than interpretation.
• It is often useful to ‘reflect forward’ to the future as well as ‘reflecting back’ on the past.
Reflective writing is thus more personal than other kinds of academic writing. We all think reflectively in everyday life, of course, but perhaps not to the same depth as that expected in good reflective writing at university level.
1 Adapted from “Reflective Writing: A Basic Introduction” by Martin Hampton, University of Portsmouth. http://www.port.ac.uk/media/contacts-‐and-‐departments/student-‐support-‐services/ask/downloads/Reflective-‐writing-‐-‐-‐a-‐basic-‐introduction.pdf
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When writing this report, you might consider the learning outcomes for this experience.
• Students will improve their understanding of the workplace environment. • Students will polish their interpersonal skills. • Students will learn to function as part of a team. • Students will improve their skill base in different areas of communication
and technology. • Students will increase their knowledge of the communication arena. • Students will understand the practical applications of communication theory
and practice.
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Sources This guide has been adapted from various internship program guides. Otterbein University: http://www.otterbein.edu/docs/default-‐source/files/campus-‐life/Center-‐for-‐Career-‐Professional-‐Development/internship-‐manual-‐spring-‐15.pdf?sfvrsn=2 University of California at Berkley: http://casn.berkeley.edu/resource_files/internship10-‐02-‐23-‐02-‐12-‐15.pdf Illinois Wesleyan University: https://www.iwu.edu/ccenter/faculty/faculty-‐supervisor-‐handbook.pdf U.S. Dept. of Labor: http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs71.htm
