Internship Searchand Prep

InternshipsWorth the effort Worth the time

Career Services Center CH 215Internship Development

Career Services Center-CH215Bobbi MurphyEmployer 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 salariesGRADUATING 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 toolJob Survey for 2012

73.7% 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 2014-2015

Understand your goals and internship requirements

Go to the Career Services Website

http://www.stcloudstate.edu/careerservices/

You will need:Resume and Cover LetterKnowledge of the Company or Organi

zationNetworking and Interviewing 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 Resourceshttp://www.stcloudstate.edu/careerservices/intern_prep/employer_research.asp

Better Business Bureau at http://minnesota.bbb.org/

Glassdoor.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 Center (Bloomberg Business Week)

www.Zoominfo.com

www.hoovers.com

Finding an internship…

Network, Network, Network

Faculty Internship Coordinator, StaffCareer Services Centerswww.Linkedin.comFriends, Family, and ClassmatesProfessional and Student AssociationsSocial Events, Clubs, Service Work

Career Services & InternetCheck out resources

Career Services Website EdPost www.SCSUcareers.com 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 e-mail

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

aroundThe 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 referencesHow to utilize referencesWhat to provide references

Time Information Addressed envelope and stamp(check with

faculty)

Thank your references