Intern Training Definition of an Internship         A. A structured work experience with a business or specific industry         B. Allows students to develop skills that are academic or career-related         C. Provides defined learning objectives, and hands-on experience         D. Usually takes place off-campus 1- Specific Info on Internships         A. Paid, Non-paid or Stipend         B. Part-time or Full-time         C. Academic Credit – Talk to school for enrollment and credit info         D. You can participate in Fall, Spring and/or Summer sessions, depending on the internship availability 2- Benefits of an Internship         A. Earn $$$ to assist with educational expenses (books, tuition)         B. Develop and improve communication and team-building skills         C. Gain experience in your academic or career field         D. Enhance your opportunity to secure a job after graduation-More than 50% = jobs!) 3- Preparing for an Internship                  A. Start early (3-4 months prior) and identify potential leads through research                 -- Visit your school’s Career Center                 -- Talk to faculty for referrals                 -- Use the Internet (See Intern Web Sites flyer) Conduct Informational Interviews         B. Research the organization, industry trends, and internship duties         C. Understand basic job search skills                 -- Create a cover letter, résumé, and portfolio                 -- Practice interviewing                 -- Send a thank you card after the interview         D. Consider time management and how to balance school, transportation, internship and other extracurricular activities                -- Create a time and financial budget and/or schedule to assist with meeting all of your needs/demands 4- Expectations for a ‘Quality’ Internship         A. May be asked to attend staff meetings         B. May be asked to ‘job shadow’ or observe other employees working         C. May be asked to assist other employees with completing projects/tasks                -- May or may not have access to a designated work station = Flexibility         D. Receive performance evaluations by supervisor 5- Experiencing a ‘Quality’ Internship         A. Chose an internship directly related to your academic or career interest         B. Clearly define your length of commitment         C. Obtain a good understanding of your role and responsibilities as a intern         D. Learn the organizational/agency processes         E. Ask for evaluations and feedback from your supervisor 6- Internship Success         A. Express a ‘can-do,’ positive attitude         B. Establish realistic learning objectives         C. Identify a mentor/professional guardian         D. Willingness to be flexible and a team player         E. Be dependable, diligent and detail-oriented with your work                 Internship Success = Opportunity for Employment 7- Internship Insight Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own.  And you know what you know. And YOU are the person who'll decide where to go.                                                                                                                                  Theodor Geisel