|
Skip the beach, pool
Finding, making most of summer internship
by Kathleen E. Conroy
kathleen@thecharlotteweekly.com
No longer an optional benefit, the college internship has become an essential stepping stone for career success. According to a 2006 report from Vault, a media company for career information, 75 percent of graduating seniors held one or more internships during their college education. Employers report 60 to 85 percent of new hires are from their intern program. With summer internship season just around the corner, consider the following.
Find the right internship, then perform
In addition to Internet searches at intern-specific sites, registration through a college’s internship department is the best place to start. “The best way to land a particular internship is to work through your school’s cooperative education program,” said Elaine Thomas Olenik, director of cooperative education/work-based learning at Central Piedmont Community College. “Co-op is a guided work experience where the student earns class credit and is supervised by faculty. Employers are the most receptive to working with co-op students since they know they’ve been prescreened, have been recommended by the school and are typically responsible about their work.”
As interns, students will be temporary observers, often in a sensitive, hierarchical institution. Consequently, coordinators highly prize interns who display diplomacy, discretion and the ability to assume the role of low-key team player.
“The best way for a student to help the employer understand what they hope to accomplish is by communicating. On the first day of the internship, the intern should have a meeting with the supervisor, cover expectations and discuss additional things he or she would like to learn,” said Bill Means, director of internships and career programs at Queens University of Charlotte. “A midterm meeting also should be scheduled with the manager to determine if goals are being met and to see if the plan needs to be revised.”
Determine finite goals
Before applying for an internship, research the position and the organization and tailor queries and cover letters to the needs of the internship position.
According to the majority of internship coordinators, the deciding factor is often an applicant’s attitude. Coordinators use cover letters and interviews to gauge an applicant’s motivation and energy. Organizations want interns who will accept all assignments or ask for more during slow periods.
In many cases, an internship can give students more than just a new entry for a resumé. If an employer grants permission, students should gather items for a portfolio, such as copies and summaries of completed projects, positive performance reviews and letters of recommendation.
“The best way to use the experience is to include it on the resumé and be sure to highlight skills or duties from the internship that are related to the job for which they are applying.
Prepare, polish job-search skills
Many students are unaware of the professionalism needed to land a job, especially when it comes to communication skills. With derogatory phrases and slang becoming such an integral part of daily communication, they may be unprepared when entering a workplace in which appropriate English is expected.
Other common missteps include wearing flip-flops, club clothes and other inappropriate attire to work; waiting for instructions; and doing only what is necessary.
High school students: Jump in!
Many high school students in their junior and senior years consider “job shadowing” or internships that might count for high school course credits. Counselors agree that it is a good way for younger students to determine a future career path and gain valuable skills. Interested teens should check with their high school guidance counselor. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has an internship/apprenticeship program that can be reached at 980-343-2642.
|
