GOALS
1. Provide business students an opportunity to:
a. Obtain practical experience directly relating to their academic major.
b. Help reduce the reality shock commonly associated with the college to career transition.
2. Provide area business with an opportunity to:
a. Utilize a qualified college student to assist with daily operations and/or project oriented assignments.
b. Assist the University in producing better prepared employees of the future.
HOW IT WORKS
Companies and/or their individual departments
1. Develop an internship experience that lasts a minimum of 150 hours. Normal weekly commitment is 10-20 hours but can be longer in the summer. Internships can begin at any time, but normally coincide with the beginning of a semester (i.e. end of August, January, or May).
2. Post the internship online
3. Interview prospective interns and make the final selection.
4. Monitor the student during the experience and provide an evaluation upon completion.
Students
1. Must have a minimum 2.5 grade point average, be at least of junior standing, obtain a faculty reference, and prepare a resume
2. Discuss internship opportunities with the director before receiving company contact information.
3. Contact appropriate individual for an interview or fax or email a resume with cover letter.
4. If selected, students establish learning objectives, keep a journal of learning experience, and write a final report evaluating the internship. Three units of credit are awarded upon successful completion.
The Craig School of Business Internship Office
1. Qualifies internships for academic credit utilizing faculty in the appropriate discipline.
2. Qualifies students according to program requirements.
3. Posts available internships and provides qualified students with appropriate contact information.
4. Provides students who are selected with all appropriate paperwork, including evaluation forms.
5. Monitors the internship experience via e-mail and direct contact.
The Internship Program Strives To:
1. Match student qualifications with the company needs. However, an interview should be used to determine if the student qualifies. Students should also be very clear as to nature of the assignment.
2. Provide as many students as possible to interview. However, supply of, and demand for, specific majors varies from semester to semester and we cannot guarantee that a specific number of students will apply. You may have very few or no applicants for positions. Clear and specific descriptions and rate of pay are the two primary factors affecting the number of applicants.
3. Assure positive experience for both intern and work station. Any concerns, problems, or conflicts should be reported to the Director as soon as possible so that they can be addressed in a timely manner.
OTHER FACTORS LEADING TO A GOOD INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
Specific internship objectives. Interns are required to establish learning objectives for themselves at the beginning of the internship. These objectives should be developed with the help of the supervisor so that both parties are clear as to what the purpose of the internship is.
Predetermined outputs that the intern can show to future employers as evidence of their work and accomplishments. This may not always be possible, but if it is, should be part of the initial plan for the intern.
An opportunity to be involved in training and learning experiences. Interns should be encouraged to attend training courses and professional meeting, be allowed to sit in on management or staff meetings, and encouraged to read professional and company publications. Knowing how professionals learn, helps develop the intern.
An initial orientation to the company and introduction to all personnel the intern may come in contact with. This makes the interns feel more at home and people are not asking “who are you?” (See Worksite orientation checklist)
A workspace to call their own. It doesn’t have to be much, but it is better than shuffling between desks that belong to someone else.
Internship position guidelines
Before posting an internship position the following will be needed:
1. Name of company and internship contact person’s name, phone number, fax number, and e-mail address if applicable. If the person who will be supervising or mentoring the intern is different, please also include their name and telephone number.
2. Preferred academic major of student. Major include Accounting, Marketing, Finance, Information Systems, Real Estate, Management, Human Resources, International Business, Entrepreneurship and MBA or a position could be open to multiple major or any business major.
3. Required skills and other qualifications. Examples include computer skills, language skills, communication and writing skills, year in school, grade point average, or course work completed.
4. Work schedule. Approximate number of hours per week. If work times are fixed, please specify, otherwise it is assumed that work hours can be arranged around the student’s school schedule. Most full time students plan on 10-15 hours per week for an internship.
5. Pay status. Indicate if paid or unpaid. If paid, state rate of pay (e.g. hourly, salary, stipend, performance bonus, etc.). Include any other benefits (e.g. employee discounts, event tickets, etc).
6. Description of internship activities. Include a description of duties, responsibilities, and specific project assignments, if applicable. In order to qualify for academic credit, the internship must provide for: (a) A progressive learning experience: Intern assignments should provide for progressive and/or multiple learning experiences rather than repetitive activity. While all internships require some degree of clerical or repetitive work, no more than 15-20% of the internship time may be spent on these types of duties such as filing, answering phones, telemarketing, solicitation, or data entry. (b) Opportunities to enhance existing skills and develop practical knowledge. Internship activities can involve: (1) learning about and assisting with day to day operations and/or (2) one or more projects which allows students to apply classroom knowledge and enhance both technical and behavioral skills. (c) Supervision and mentoring. Internships should provide for a periodic review of performance and opportunities to obtain feedback, information, and assistance from a mentor.
