Internship
Introduction
An internship can be a valuable capstone experience for students. It provides an opportunity to translate their hard-earned knowledge into useful skills for the world of work.
Internship Benefits
There are two primary benefits of participating in an internship. Because many jobs require practical experience, internships can provide that experience in a setting that is (hopefully) supportive. In an ideal situation, students would be mentored by a professional who would provide guidance as students engage in job-related tasks. Also, for the employer, internships can serve as a device for recruiting potential employees. Employers have an opportunity to see students’ professional efforts and evaluate their skills and students have a chance to evaluate the employer’s setting as a potential place of employment.
Potential Challenges
There are also some potential disadvantages to participating in an internship. Students may be assigned tasks that are not directly related to their professional development. As students consider internship possibilities, they should inquire about general and daily job responsibilities so they will have an idea of what will be expected of them. Students should be provided with a written description of job specifics and responsibilities. Another factor for students to consider is the time they will be away from the program. Please keep in mind that these challenges are based on a variety of factors. Many students have had very positive experiences that have assisted them in gaining employment.
The following information is provided to help both students and employers get the most from the internship experience. Students should discuss the options thoroughly with their advisors to insure that an internship experience will benefit them and their career goals.