The National Society for Experiential Education defines an internship as..."a carefully monitored work or volunteer experience in which an individual has intentional learning goals and reflects actively on what he or she is learning throughout the experience." The key phrases in this definition are "carefully monitored," "intentional learning goals," and "reflects actively."
WHY should I do an Internship?
Employers like to hire recruits with experience.
Internships provide "real world" experience.
Gain skills and information.
Increase your marketability to future employers.
Confirm that you have chosen the correct employment field or discover you haven't chosen the right field of work for you.
It is a chance to observe company or organization culture, management style and expectations.
Explore different career options.
Assess your skills, abilities and gifts compared to others in your field of choice.
Make connections and contacts to utilize in your job search.
Develop relationships with reference writers.
WHEN should I do an internship?
The earlier you get started with field experience the better. Some companies or organizations do require you are a certain age or class status. A student may earn up to 12 credit hours between the 275 level (exploratory) and 475 level (preparatory) options. Typically a freshman or sophomore would participate in the 275 level and juniors and seniors the 475 level.
HOW do I find an internship and get credit for it at GFU?
Career Services lists internship opportunities on-line via the Job Connect website. Additional resources for local, national and international internship opportunities are available in the Career Services Resource Center.
Professors can sometimes provide leads for internships as well.
Individual appointments are available to consult with the Career Services professional staff about finding an internship.
Most application procedures for the internship site require a resume and interview. Utilize Career Services to help you develop and critique your resume and learn interview techniques and skills. Appointments can be made for mock interviews to provide practice before you meet with the employer.
Learn the requirements for 275 or 475 credit for your department. Talk with your advisor about your interest in getting credit for your internship.
Applications for field experience should be requested through the Registrar's Office. Request forms must be completed, approved by the department chairperson, your advisor and submitted to the registrar for enrollment. Each academic department handles the supervision of the field experience. Look over the University Guidelines for more information.
This page was last updated 3-30-2008 17:57:48.
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