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What is an internship?
There are many types of experience
that may be considered internships. Some are highly structured
and others less formal. Some are very career specific while
others allow students to develop more general skills. Some are
more observational in nature while others are very "hands
on." Some provide compensation, are for credit only, or
are done on a volunteer basis.
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Why should I
consider doing an internship?
An internship helps you make the
connections between theory and practice that will give you new
insights into your education. An internship gives you a chance
to test out potential major and career choices to determine
whether they are a good fit for your skills, interests, values,
and goals. Establishing your internship will help you develop
the skills needed to execute a job search: resume and cover
letter writing, interviewing, networking, and interpersonal
communication. Finally, an internship helps you gain the experience
and make the connections necessary for gaining an entry level
position after graduation.
It will "close the gap"
between your academic studies and the "realize" working
world. It will give you valuable practical experience in an
applied setting, and it can get you a job!
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When
should I start looking for an internship?
Employers are expecting you to
bring skills and knowledge to the workplace. Before you apply
for an internship, you will need to develop those skills. Most
students feel ready for an internship during their junior year.
You may do your internship either during a semester or in the
summer. Some employers are very specific regarding the class
level and GPA requirement. Make sure you meet all the requirements
before applying.
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Where can I do
an internship?
Anywhere you want! From Washington,
KS to Washington, D.C., there are experiences available everywhere.
Don't limit yourself to what you're familiar with. This is your
opportunity to do some exploring and discover not only what
it is that you want to do in your future, but also what sort
of environment you'd like to live in.
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Are
internships paid or unpaid?
Some are paid, and some are unpaid.
Students should consider the value of the academic learning
experience they will gain when assessing the "value"
of an internship.
Students are usually always
paid a competitive salary for internships. You may, however,
locate a very special internship offering a unique experience,
but at a lower salary. Remember, just because you don't receive
a large paycheck doesn't mean the internship is not worth doing.
Do you believe that the opportunity will benefit you in the
long run? Will it benefit you enough to live with a lower-than-average
salary for a little while? What will be your return on the time
you invest? Check out your options before turning it down. Sometimes
an outstanding internship location or a terrific experience
with a special organization will more than offset a lesser salary.
You have to be the judge.
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How
long does an internship last?
Traditionally, students participate
in internships during the summer. While a valuable and meaningful
internship doesn't have to meet time requirements, it should
allow you adequate time to understand a process or acquire additional
knowledge related to a particular career.
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How
many internships should I do?
As many as you can! Remember, EVERYONE
does one (ok, maybe not everyone!). So be exceptional. Take
advantage of as many experiences as you can. Multiple internships
will prepare you well and could increase your starting salary!
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What
can I gain as an intern?
Not only do you gain experiences
that look great on your resume, you also make some real connections.
Holding a position in your field of interest, if only for a
few weeks, allows you to see first hand what goes on. Consider
it an audition for a career. You have not yet dedicated your
entire life to this field, and in most cases, there is time
to make some adjustments or to forge straight ahead. Additionally,
you have the opportunity to really impress your supervisor with
your skills. If you're a good match for the organization, you
may land a future job offer. Some companies even consider an
internship part of your training period, shortening the length
of time before you are eligible for benefits once employed full-time
with an organization. Additionally, you may make connections
that open doors for other internships in a different area or
with a different organization.
Most of all, you gather "real world" experience you
can take back to the classroom.
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What
"tools" do I need to land an internship?
The same tools you need to land
a full-time job.
~ Well-written professional resume
~ Eye-catching cover letter
~ Examples of your capabilities
~ Strong interview skills
~ Knowledge of the organization
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Will
an internship really make a difference in my career path?
~ YES
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~ Get registered with Career Services.
~ Put your resume online. It takes about 10 minutes. Your resume
will be uploaded in a database used to refer students directly
to employers seeking candidates with your qualifications.
~ Check internship postings regularly.
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How do I get an internship?
The Office of Career Services posts
listings of available internships on its web page. Students
are encouraged to attend on-campus information sessions and
interview with employers recruiting for interns. Students are,
however, also encouraged to approach any suitable organization,
and apply for an internship. Students are responsible for contacting
the employer and arranging an interview.
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Where can I look for an internship?
In addition to searching Career
Services website at www.fhsu.edu/career, try checking out:
~ Career/Internship Fairs
~ Internship Publications
~ Internet Sites
~ Talk to Professors, Advisors, Friends, and Family
~ Attend employer informational sessions, as well as visiting
company websites
~ Attend on-campus information sessions and interview with employers
recruiting for interns
~ Attend Career Services Career/Internship Day
~ Check the bulletin boards in your department for postings
~ Traditional Employment Sources (agencies, help-wanted ads,
referrals)
~ Approach any suitable organization, and apply for an internship
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What
is the difference between an internship and a career-related
experience?
There is actually no difference.
Any position (paid or unpaid) that allows you to gain insight
or "meaningful" experience in the field you ultimately
want to work in, or think you want to work in, can be called
an internship. Additionally, it's important to realize that
you can become more knowledgeable in the field by working in
related areas and not just in the exact area related to your
major.
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What
if the organization I want to work with has never had an intern?
Help them understand. Can you explain
what an internship is? Are you able to outline what you would
be able to contribute to the organization through an internship?
What are your strongest selling points? Employers without previous
experience with internships may be intimidated by the term and
may not understand how valuable they could be. If you believe
you would be able to contribute to the organization and that
you would have a meaningful internship at that location, convince
them that you're just what the organization needs!
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What
are the "outcomes" of an internship?
At a minimum, you will gain some
real practical business experience, even if you discover that
the type of organization you interned with is not where you
would actually like to work when you graduate. The "best"
that can happen is that you will be offered a job! Many interns
are offered jobs by the organizations in which they intern.
This is a particularly satisfactory outcome for both parties,
and usually points to a happy working relationship.
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How
do I act once I've landed the internship?
Like a sponge! Learn everything
that you can. Learn the names of everyone you meet. Develop
business cards to hand out. This is your opportunity to show
the entire organization what you're capable of. Go above and
beyond their expectations. If you like the organization, show
them why they can't live without you! Most importantly, respect
the fact that you've been selected for this position. Many others
probably applied, but you were selected. Don't abuse that.
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10 Reasons to do an Internship
1. Add to
your knowledge and skills related to your discipline and/or
anticipated career field.
2. Enhance your academic study by trying out in a "real
world' context what you have learned in the classroom.
3. "Try on" a career without making a long term commitment.
4. Establish contacts in a field where you may be hunting after
graduation.
5. Practice professional behavior and learn how organizations
function.
6. Grain the work related experience that employers value and
strengthen your candidacy for after graduation jobs.
7. Achieve personal growth and build confidence as you take
on new challenges.
8. Experience integrating faith in the workplace.
9. Practice employment interviewing skills and going through
the hiring process.
10. Experience being an independent learner.
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Top
10 Tips For Interns
1. Don't be afraid to talk
with people. Don't be intimidated because you are a student.
People are sometimes too busy to roll out the red carpet, so
you have to make the first move to talk with co-workers and
supervisors.
2. Ask for things to do. Don't wait to be told what to do. Solving
problems and taking initiative are the best ways to stand out
from the crowd.
3. Learn all you can about the industry. Talk with people in
different departments as well as clients and vendors.
4. Read everything you get your hands on. You won't find everything
you need to know in the training manual. Reading contracts,
letters, memos, press releases, trade publications help you
become informed on all elements of the business.
5. Don't gripe about the grunt work. There is always something
more to learn. How long you do grunt work depends on what you
make of it. Everything has a purpose, so learn how the small
tasks fit into the big picture.
6. Milk the fact that you are a student. As a student you aren't
threatening and can have more access and opportunities than
a full time employee. Everyone wants to help a student learn.
7. Hitch your wagon to a star. Learn from the people who are
the superstar performers and most respected individuals in the
office.
8. Get in the information loop. Decisions aren't always made
in a conference room.
9. Ask to attend meetings and events. You will learn how things
really get done.
10. Don't burn any bridges. You never know when you will see
someone later in your career.
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