Internships 101 by SFA Careers

Dilemma: You can’t get a job without experience and you can’t get experience without a job. Solution: Secure an internship!

What is an internship? An internship is a carefully monitored work or volunteer experience in which a student has intentional learning goals and reflects actively on what he or she is learning throughout the experience. Characteristics of an internship:  Relates directly to a student’s academic major or major-related career goal  Contributes to the student’s personal and professional development through challenging work assignments  Provides appropriate supervision both by an on-site professional and through guidance from faculty  Reflective and evaluative in nature  Can be paid, unpaid, for-credit or not-for-credit  Is most successful when the student, academic department, and employer all share responsibility in making it a valuable experience However, an internship is not:  Routine, repetitive tasks unrelated to identified learning goals  A job that does not offer career related learning opportunities and experiences  An unsupervised, unevaluated experience

Benefits of an internship Students who participate in an internship experience have a definite advantage, as experience related to your field is very important to future employers. In addition to that definite advantage, there are also many other benefits that come from participating in an internship, including:  Allows hands-on career exploration  Exposes the professional work environment  Reinforces classroom learning  Enhances employment marketability  Increases likelihood of full-time employment after graduation  Creates opportunities to network with other members of the organization  Provides performance feedback and mentoring  Develops self-confidence and professionalism  Builds transferable skill set  Narrows career focus and clarifies career goals  Develops understanding of professional jargon  Teaches what is expected in a particular field

When to complete an internship You often hear of people completing an internship during their senior year, in hopes of future full-time employment with the organization. In addition, some academic majors require coursework in the field, so the junior and senior years prove a suitable time to apply those skills. However, internships can also be completed in the sophomore or even freshman years! Consider it the “bare minimum” to compete at least one internship while at SFA; however, the more internship experience you have under your belt, the better prepared you will be for life after the college classroom.

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Where to find an internship? We get it – locating an internship can seem… well, overwhelming. Utilize the following resources (and any others you can think of!) to find the internship of your dreams!     

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Jobs4Jacks (http://www.jobs4jacks.sfasu.edu) to view internship postings On-campus interviews Career fairs Bulletin boards within your academic department Contact a professional organization in your field of interest and inquire about student memberships (many professional organizations offer exclusive job boards to members) Internet: For great places to get started, see the Helpful Links on the SFA Internships homepage Phone books Chambers of Commerce: This is an especially good resource for out-of-town employers Yellow pages Local paper(s) Human services directories Informational interviews

Utilize your network, too! Never underestimate the power of networking! One of the best ways to find an internship is by utilizing your existing contacts, so talk to everyone about your interest in completing an internship, and let them know what you’re looking for. Your network is endless:  Family  Friends  Current/former employers  Career Services staff  Classmates  Club members  SFA alumni  Alumni Association Mentor  Family friends  Friends’ family  Neighbors  Faculty, staff and advisors within your academic department  Employers of your family/friends

Earning Academic Credit @ SFA Academic internship credit may be available to you through your academic department and may be mandatory or elective, depending upon your major. Generally, students can earn between 1-12 credit hours for participation in an internship course. Investigate academic credit before the internship begins, not after. Enrolled students generally work with an assigned faculty member on the details of specific projects or job objectives. If you are interested in internship credit, see the Academic Credit @ SFA list to see if your department offers an internship course, and then contact the department to locate specific information and application requirements.

Paid vs. Unpaid A challenge students sometimes face is that many internships are unpaid. First, consider the experience as more of an investment in your future rather than an immediate return for your bank account. Don't let your need to earn money over the summer deter you from looking at unpaid internships. Remember that many unpaid internships are flexible enough to allow for part-time work elsewhere. This will make for a busy summer, but the experience you gain may well be worth the extra effort.

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If an internship in which you are interested does not pay, consider seeking out alternative funding sources, like negotiating for a small stipend, or asking if you can work fewer hours on the internship in order to find a paying job to fund your expenses. Also, keep in mind that compensation can take a number of different forms. “Payment” can include employee discounts, a stipend, room and/or board, reimbursement for expenses, miscellaneous perks, free items, access to workshops/trainings only for regular employees, etc.

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There are millions of internship opportunities out there, waiting to be discovered… now let’s find one for you!

When to Start Planning for a... Fall internship?  Begin planning by the March prior to desired start date Spring internship?  Begin planning by the August prior to desired start date Summer internship?  Begin planning by the January prior to desired start date International internship?  Begin planning by at least a year prior to desired start date National or competitive internship?  Begin planning by at least a year prior to desired start date

Six Steps to Finding an Internship Finding the internship of your dreams will be a cinch if you follow these six steps to success: 1. Identify your strengths and interests, motivations and goals and priorities and values 2. Research industries, occupations and organizations 3. Create or update career documents 4. Devise an effective internship search strategy 5. Execute your internship search 6. Land that internship!

1. Identify your strengths and interests, motivations and goals and priorities and values. Identifying these characteristics helps you conduct a more focused search as well as select an experience that is better aligned with your long-term career goals. In examining these areas in relation to your internship search, ask yourself these (and other!) questions: Strengths and Interests What are my strengths? Weaknesses? What interests and disinterests me? What am I passionate about? Motivations and Goals What do I want to gain from an internship? How will it potentially benefit me? In what field am I trying to gain experience? What kind of responsibilities would I like to have? Priorities and Values Do I prefer to be at home or live in a different city? Will I have access to housing? Do I need to make money? How much? Do I want to obtain an experience with a prominent organization, or do I like the idea of working for a smaller organization?

2. Research industries, occupations and organizations. Before jumping full-force into an internship search, it is important to do your research. Conducting research will impact the direction of your search by helping you identify fields and careers more clearly. Also, doing careful research will help you market yourself more strategically and allow you to have a more focused conversation about your interests with potential employers. Industry What are potential job titles/functions in this industry? What skill sets are expected? What are current social and economic trends and job market outlook? Are there any recent industrial developments or changes? Occupation What does a typical day look like? What credentials/skills are required? What is the typical career path? What is a typical salary?

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Organization What is the mission/purpose, philosophies/core values? What is the reputation with clientele/customers? What are the working conditions? How are employees treated? Do employees seem to enjoy their work? Has the organization been in the news recently; if so, for what?

3. Create or update your career documents. Whether you’re only revising or just starting from scratch, the documents you utilize to secure an internship must be in tip-top shape.  Resume  Cover letter  Portfolio  Recommendations letters (Have at least three letters of recommendation from academic and professional sources)

4. Devise an effective internship search strategy. In conducting an effective search, it is necessary to first have an effective strategy. Your strategy should be based on the research you conducted and the knowledge you gained regarding the respective industry. You may also want to keep in mind the following tips:  Use the list on the Internships 101 resource to jumpstart your internship search!  Keep close tabs on the recruiting timelines of the industry(ies) you are pursuing.  Carefully consider the size of the organization, the level of competition for internships and the profile of the candidate they seek. If you are sending applications to organizations that have highly competitive internships, you may want to consider submitting application materials to an equal number of less competitive organizations.  Aim to apply to a range of different companies. You will probably want to apply for at least five internships; however if you are looking at more competitive opportunities applying for more is usually better to be on the safe side.

5. Execute your internship search. An internship search is an involved process that will require time, dedication and resourcefulness. Here are some tips for better managing your internship search:  Track all application submissions, phone conversations and employer contacts with an Excel spreadsheet. (TIP: Want to be able to access it from anywhere? Use Google Spreadsheets!)  Dig around for contact information. The main goal is to send your materials to an actual person, not a generic “To whom it may concern” email, so if the posting doesn't list specifics, call and ask.  Follow-up with employers after an appropriate amount of time. If you haven't heard from a company that you sent information to, now's the time to call and politely ask if they received your materials.  Network, network, network! Let everyone know that you are looking for an internship.  Stay committed to your search, as it may take time.

6. Land that internship! Sending out dozens of resumes and cover letters in hopes of snagging an internship is not enough these days – you’ve got to look and act the part too! Take some time to prepare for your interview by researching the organization and practicing your interview skills. If you’d like to earn credit for your internship, meet with your faculty advisor to explore your responsibilities in regard to obtaining academic credit and begin the process of registering for an internship course(s). Now, all you’ll have to do is decide on the internship that is best for you and accept!

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Academic internship credit may be available to you through your academic department and may be mandatory or elective, depending upon your major. Generally, students can earn between 1-12 credit hours for participation in an internship course. Investigate academic credit before the internship begins, not after. Enrolled students generally work with an assigned faculty member on the details of specific projects or job objectives. If you are interested in internship credit, review this comprehensive list to see if your department offers an internship course, and then contact the department to locate specific information and requirements. NOTE: In addition to the designated internship courses listed below, many departments offer Special Problems or Special Topics courses that allow students to obtain credit for completing an internship.

Area of Study

Course(s)

Accounting Agriculture Anthropology Chemistry Communication Studies Computer Science Criminal Justice Economics

ACC 485 AGR 431, 432, 433 ANT 400 CHE 480, 481 COM 390 CSC 385 CJS 460 ECO 485 Internship I: ELE 351 & lab, 352 & lab, ECH 332, RDG 415 & lab Internship II: ELE 301 & lab, 302 & lab, 303 & lab, ECH 432 & lab Student Teaching: ELE 440, 441, 442 ENG 460, 474 ENV 460 FIN 485 FOR 460 GBU 485 GIS 460 GEO 400 GOL 364 HSC 480 HMS 420 MCM 480 MGT 476 MKT 486 MUT 499 PHY 485 PSC 499 PBA 470 RHB 495, 496 SED 450 & lab, 460 & lab SWK 300, 455, 470, 475, 480 SOC 400 SPA 460 SPE 461 THR 452

Elementary Education English Environmental Science Finance Forestry General Business Geographic Information Systems Geography Geology Health Science Human Sciences Journalism / Radio-Television Management Marketing Music Technology Physics / Engineering Political Science Public Administration Rehabilitation Secondary Education Social Work Sociology / Gerontology Spanish Special Education Theatre

According to the 2011-2012 General Bulletin

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There are several stakeholders involved in the total internship experience – understanding everyone’s role will help you better understand your own.

Academic Advisor

Faculty Supervisor

•Seek out a faculty supervisor

•Talk with students early in their academic career about internships and timeliness of arranging the experience

•Meet with the site supervisor prior to the internship to clarify expectations and responsibilities

•Discuss with the student intern how internship credit could fit into their program of study

•Knowledgable about the field in which the internship is requested •Help the intern integrate the internship into his or her total academic experience •Discuss the student's goals in locating and completing an internship •Serve as a resource for the student in locating and evaluating the appropriate internship •Help the student in defining academic requirements for the internship such as a journal, paper, relevant research and/or project •Maintain appropriate contact with the student throughout the internship to give direction and support •At the end of the semester, meet with the student intern to review the academic projects, to review the experience and evaluate the learning derived •Assign and submit course grade

Student Intern •Select the internship that best fits academic, career and personal needs

•Complete academic assignments as assigned by the faculty supervisor •Maintain high standards of professionalism while at the internship site •Following the internship, send thank you notes to those who were instrumental to the expeirence •Evaluate the internship site and overall experience •Share the good news of your internship expeirence with other SFA students!

Site Supervisor •Has experience/expertise in the internship area •Determine qualifications for the position, interview and orient interns to the organization, and supervise work •Serve as a mentor, sharing the pros and cons of a career in the field and giving suggestions for entering the profession •Meet with the intern on a regular basis to guide performance, answer questions, and provide background information and resources related to the intern's work •Provide an evaluation in written form at the end of the internship •Recommend ways to enhance the intern's professional and academic development

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You’ve searched, applied and snagged the internship! But how can you maximize your experience? Even if you’re working for free, your internship can be worth a fortune – in job experience and valuable career connections. But it’s up to you to see that your efforts pay off. Make the following right moves to make the most of your internship!

Orientation If your organization offers a formal orientation:  Observe the culture of the company. How do people dress? Are they formal or informal when they approach each other? How do people communicate? What are their work habits? Does your supervisor work through lunch, and then stay late?  Expect to be introduced to the top officials, meet other interns and team members you will be working closely with  Learn about the history and mission of the organization  Discover organizational policies on topics such as absenteeism, use of property, sexual harassment, safety practices, dress codes, etc. If your organization does not offer a formal orientation:  Read about the history and mission of the organization  Ask to attend meetings with departments and to have a tour  Arrange to meet key people in the organization

Communication   

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Listen more than talk. On your first day, try to sit down with your supervisor to clarify mutual goals and expectations. Set up periodic evaluative meetings with your supervisor to address questions about projects or assignments. Use these meetings as a forum for feedback and progress. Seek regular reviews from your supervisor to assess your performance and reinforce the fact that you mean business. Remember to also be a good listener and learn as much as you can during these meetings. Discuss any questions or difficulties you may have with your faculty supervisor. If desired, signal interest in a full-time position. Let your supervisor know that you have enjoyed your role and responsibilities and hope for future full-time employment in a similar capacity.

Social     

Show support for the organization and colleagues by attending social functions. If there are other interns in the office, develop relationships with them to serve as a support system. Invite your supervisor, fellow interns and staff members to join you for lunch or coffee periodically. Be curious about the people you work with, and ask questions about their specialty areas, interests, motivations for entering the field, and how they started out. You might find a mentor willing to share experiences, perspectives, and offer career advice. Show an interest in and commitment to attending organized sessions for interns.

Professionalism       

Show respect for all people. Come prepared for work. Come dressed in appropriate workplace attire. Treat your co-workers as you would want to be treated. Help out willingly when asked. Be consistently punctual and meet set deadlines. Avoid missing work.

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Do remember that you are representing Stephen F. Austin State University. Your contribution to the company and their positive interaction with you as an intern will help future SFA students. Avoid complaining, being rude, leaving early, being closed-minded, appearing arrogant, acting unprofessionally, appearing inflexible, and taking part in office politics.

Knowledge/Competency      

Learn as much as you can about the organization prior to beginning your internship. Establish credibility by performing your job competently. Ask good questions; avoid asking questions about skills that you are expected to know. Ask questions and generally cultivate your curiosity by seeking to learn as much as possible about the role of your department in the organization as a whole, and how your company figures into the industry at large. Keep up with industry news to build knowledge about the field and make sense of the environment within which you are working. Seek advice and raise questions whenever you encounter something that is not familiar to you. Be open-minded about new ideas and procedures – remember that you don't know everything and that your professors didn't teach you everything.

Responsibility/Initiative     

Introduce new ideas gradually and avoid trying to change too much too soon. Gradually ask for more responsibility and actively look for things to do. Be enthusiastic and do your best on every task you are assigned. Demonstrating a cheerful and energetic attitude toward all of your work will prove impressive to your supervisors and potentially lead to more challenging tasks. Ask your supervisor if you might sit in on a few inter-departmental meetings, and seek out other opportunities to observe various members of your organization in action. There may be times when your supervisor does not have anything pressing for you to do. In such cases, offer to expand on a small project you have already been assigned, suggest another project that you think might benefit the organization or tactfully check with other co-workers around your department to see if you can lend a hand.

Recordkeeping   

Take detailed notes in staff meetings, meetings with your supervisor and when working on new projects. These notes will prove helpful as your responsibilities grow, and when seeking future employment. Keep organized records of your work by creating a journal of your internship activities including tasks (think action verbs!), strengths and weaknesses, difficulties and evaluations. This will help in future employment opportunities. Leave your internship with tangible results - both for your resume and portfolio. Maybe you developed a brochure, computerized an inventory system, organized a sales conference, met with clients, tracked industry trends, etc.

Network   

It is important to establish contacts with people who are doing what you think you would like to do. These people are valuable resources and may be able to help you in future career opportunities or lead you to other contacts. Start a network list with names, titles and contact information. You will want to refer to this information in the future, whether using the contact as reference or for networking purposes. Use your experience to get a job. If you’d like to work at the company following graduation, make sure you stay in touch with your contacts. You may want to ask them to write a letter of recommendation for you before you leave while your professional contributions are still fresh in their minds. Send them emails with updates on relevant courses or your future plans. Even if you decide on a different career direction, you will still have an excellent source of references.

Last but not least, have fun! Enjoy learning, sharpening your skills and developing professionally and personally. Participate in work-related social functions and become an active member in your work community. Just make sure you don’t overdo it!

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For the adventurous types who wish to immerse themselves in another culture or may be seeking international employment upon graduation, completing an internship abroad is an excellent option. You’ll not only bring home wonderful memories, but, in an increasingly global job market, international experience can place you a step above the rest. One great resource for information about going abroad is the Office of International Programs. This office can serve as a source of information on how to get involved in Study Abroad programs, internships and volunteer opportunities. One thing to keep in mind during your search for the perfect international internship is that terms, such as “internship”, may not mean the same in other countries.

Additional Benefits of an International Internship In addition to the benefits of a “traditional” internship, international internships can provide:  Employers will see your time abroad as you having the ability to face new challenges head-on and adapt to new environments.  Gain a better understanding of other cultures and environments.  Your time abroad will set you apart from other potential employees as you are able to show employers that you bring work experience, cross-cultural qualifications, and well-developed social skills.  An opportunity to possibly learn a new language.  Make contacts for future employment or travel

Types of Internships Study Abroad Internships Hundreds of overseas internships are sponsored by universities and are the most easily available option. Advantages include credit, applicability of financial aid and a variety of subjects and locations. Disadvantages are cost and sometimes unpredictability of placement.

Internship Exchange/Work Permit Programs These programs arrange paid and unpaid internships and facilitate the process of obtaining work authorization in a select number of countries. There are often placement fees which can vary widely. Examples of these programs include:  AIESEC  BUNAC  AESTE  American-Scandinavian Foundation  AIPT  International Cooperative Education  Center for Interim Programs

Internships Directly with International Organizations Some organizations in international sectors offer internship programs with a centralized formal application process. Many do not have formal internships but often respond positively to applications from individuals who create their own internship.

Volunteer Programs These programs arrange volunteer experiences in a range of areas such as education, health, community development and environment. Some of these programs have placement fees, while others serve as a clearinghouse for opportunities.

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Paperwork Among the challenges of interning abroad are arranging passports, visas and a variety of other paperwork that may be required for work authorization. The processes for arranging the necessary paperwork can be time consuming, so make sure to start early.

Passport One of the first things you will want to do is make sure you have a current passport. If your passport has expired, or if you don't have one, find out how to apply for one at the State Department's website. If you have a passport, check the date of issuance to make sure it won't expire before you return.

Visa Certain countries require a visa, a document which gives someone permission to travel into a specific country and stay there for a set period of time. The visa is generally stamped on your passport, and is wise to obtain it before you leave the US. If you wish to earn money during your time abroad, or plan on staying longer than three months, a visa may be necessary. Once you secure a position, you should contact the company that has made you an offer, as well as that nation's embassy, to determine the necessity of a visa.

Working Papers Most countries require a work permit for full-time and permanent jobs. It is difficult to obtain a work permit in another country and the requirements vary from country to country. An employer has to prove that the foreign worker is uniquely qualified and a national candidate is not available. Find out the working visa requirements for your country of choice. However, more than likely your employer will handle the details. Check out these links for more information about obtaining working papers:  BUNAC  Going Global  Workpermit.com

You’ve Obtained an International Internship... Now what?! Half of the work is done, but don’t stop there… there’s still much more to do!

Cultural and Linguistic Preparation If you're going to a country where a foreign language is spoken, practice speaking that language in every way possible. Start by taking classes, joining conversation groups, or finding a language partner to practice with. Also, brush up on specialized vocabulary and keep a notebook of terms you may need. Also, become familiar with holiday customs, the main religion(s), weather, food, social etiquette, work ethic, concept of self and others, facial expressions and gestures.

Health Concerns Two health issues are important: immunizations and insurance. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention runs an excellent website on Traveler's Health. You can find out about any health concerns related to the area you will be traveling to, as well as the required immunizations. Make sure your medical and accident insurance are valid in the country in which you travel.

Budget Concerns It's important to consider the possible financial ramifications of your decision.  Do a budget analysis.  Make sure you have enough money to survive at least two weeks without a paycheck.  If you have student loans, talk to the loan lender about their expectations regarding repayment.  Getting overseas may be the easy part, but make sure you have money set aside for the flight home.

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TIP: If money is tight, consider locations where the exchange rate is more advantageous. For example, consider Central or Latin America versus Spain, which is on the Euro.

Housing Some internship programs may provide you the option of living in a dormitory on a campus abroad or living with a host family (also called a homestay). Since hotels are generally too expensive for an extended stay, consider a youth hostel which offers a basic living environment at a good price. You can always use a hostel as a temporary place to stay while you find more permanent housing. If you need it, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance with finding a place to live.

Travel Warnings According to the US Department of State, travel warnings are issued when long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable lead the State Department to recommend that Americans avoid or consider the risk of travel to that country. Check the US Department of State website before selecting and throughout your internship.

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Many organizations do not have formal internship programs, while others have simply not considered hiring an intern, or had the resources to, before. Not to worry! Many students who participate in an internship have done so through their willingness to approach a potential site and offer themselves as a possible intern. If you know the type of experience you are seeking and the type of organization in which you would like to get this experience, simply approaching them may be a viable and fruitful option.

Step 1: Clarify Your Objectives. Be clear about what you hope to accomplish in your internship. Your main task when creating an internship is to convince a potential sponsor that it would be beneficial for him/her to offer you an educational experience. Be prepared to explain your basic goals for the experience in a few sentences. Some questions to consider are:  Why do you want an internship?

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What will you bring to an internship? What kinds of tasks do you want to be doing? What skills would you like to use? What skills would you like to learn? What do you hope to accomplish by the end of the internship?

Decide what you want to learn in return for your services. You may simply want a chance to have an inside look at the real world of work or the internal workings of a specific organization. You may want a chance to further develop a skill you already possess by using it in a new way or by working with experts. Consider the fact that you may have some specific skills which you can offer in exchange for the experience, skills such as computer programming, research, laboratory work, writing, video-experience, swimming, clerical, accounting, photography, etc. Obviously, your swimming skills are not appropriate for an accounting firm, but they are to a parks and recreation department or fitness organization. Be selective about which skills you propose to an organization.

Step 2: Develop a list of potential internship sponsors. Once you have decided what you want to accomplish with an internship, begin identifying organizations which might meet your purpose(s) and think creatively! One way to make your search for organizations easier is to decide on a specific location where you want or must be. Some students find they have to be in or near their home town or a place where they can live without high expenses. Once you have established a location(s), you can begin your research to develop a list of potential internship sponsors. Check out Internships 101, a resource full of ideas on where to begin your search. Here’s an example of creative thinking: you’re interested in helping people, possibly some form of counseling. Organizations which might be potential sponsors are:  A youth drop-in center  A local hospital  Planned Parenthood  A substance abuse agency  Social services agencies (public and private)  Local churches  A Girl Scout/Boy Scout Troop

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Step 3: Identify the Person to Contact. After determining several organizations where you would possibly like to intern, make contact with those organizations. The person with whom you communicate should also be in a position to make a decision about your proposal. If you do not know who to contact, do some research. Names of appropriate personnel can be secured through a number of sources:  Standard and Poors  A comprehensive listing of publicly held corporations  Placement directories (CPC Annuals)  Chamber of commerce  Publicity from organizations (annual reports, house organs)  Visit to offices  Call to switchboards  Word of mouth  Organizational charts  Websites  Company literature  Telephone receptionists  Department secretaries In small businesses or small non-profit organizations, contact the director, manager or coordinator of programs. In larger organizations, contact the Human Resources department or head of the department/unit where you wish to work.

Step 4: The Proposal. Now that you have done all the background work, you are ready to begin communicating with the person or organization with which you would like to intern. First, either email or mail the contact your proposal, then follow up after 1-2 weeks with a phone call. Your internship proposal should:  Include a clear and concise description of what it is you are offering to do for the organization  Emphasize the advantages to the organization of having you as an intern  Be specific about the project you want to work on or position you wish to fill  Highlight why you are the right person for the organization by giving specific examples of your skills  Showcase what you hope to accomplish from the experience  Include your dates of availability and whether you are looking for a full-time or part-time position  Indicate that you are seeking a paid or non-paid position  Indicate that you would like to meet to discuss the possibility of doing an internship with her/him  Include a resume that illustrates the strengths you are offering The letter should be an outline of what you would like to discuss in person. Indicate that you will be calling to set up an appointment to talk in more detail about your proposal.

Step 5: Secure the Internship. Follow up with a phone call or an email within one to two weeks after submitting your proposal. Being assertive in your internship search requires you to follow up, as this is expected and it reinforces your interest and commitment. You just need to project confidence and be concise in your communications. Once you have secured an appointment to discuss your proposal, you will need to confidently sell your idea to the organization. This means doing your homework. Be able to discuss clearly your objectives, why you chose their organization, how you can help them, what they can do for you. If the company or organization is interested, but they would like more information on how to set up an internship, they will find useful resources on the Employer section of the Career Services website. Whatever the outcome of the meeting, write to the people with whom you spoke, thanking them for their time and help.

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So, YOU GOT THE INTERNSHIP?! Take a deep breath, because the hard part is over. All you have to do now is make a great first impression and rock the first day of your internship. No big deal, right? It won't be, because with these tips your first day will be stress-free and get you amped up for the amazing internship experience to come.

Before the first day Know the location and parking situation. Scout out the internship location beforehand to find out what traffic will be like and the possible distance to be traveled from parking to the actual location. In addition, feel free to ask the site supervisor what traffic is like on an average day and where you will need to park. Consider completing an early morning practice route from your residence to the location to estimate travel time.

Plan what you're going to wear. Remember the days when you would lay out your outfits the night before school to make sure you were looking your best... or maybe because your mom made you? Reverting to those days is not such a bad idea the night before your first day. You should also be fully aware of the company's dress code so make sure to ask any questions you might have. No matter where you’re interning, you ought to choose an ensemble that is professional and comfortable. Dress conservative and make sure your clothes are clean, pressed and in good condition.

Do your research. Take the time to thoroughly examine the company’s website beyond the front page of the site; at the very least, check out the company's mission and values, what it is they do and the staff page. Be familiar with the employees who are listed on the website and especially anyone who you've had previous contact with.

What to bring Notebook The key to transitioning a great first day into a successful internship is to write down virtually everything you're told during your orientation and future meetings. Do not use your phone or PDA to take notes – it might look like you're texting or not paying attention.

Writing utensils This is not elementary school – you shouldn't have to ask to borrow a pen. Be prepared and bring several of your own.

Documents Your site supervisor should indicate what exactly you need to bring your first day as far as documents go. These documents may include:  Photo copy of your driver's license  Photo copy of your social security card  Passport/Visa documentation (if you are interning internationally)  Paperwork that needed to be filled out in advance

Munchies You probably won't know exactly what your lunch break will be like: whether you'll be able to go out and grab something to eat or need to bring something with you. Bring some small food items with you (granola bars, fruit, bottled drinks, etc.) along with some cash so you're prepared for whatever ends up being the

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case.

Supervisor’s contact information Make sure to collect your site supervisor’s contact information prior to the first day. Store it in your cell phone in case you need it outside of the office.

Padfolio Bring along a padfolio to make sure important documents that you bring and may receive stay clean and uncrumpled.

Express Yourself Non-verbal Facial expressions and body language play a big role in how you present yourself to your site supervisor and co-workers. Consider basic etiquette like having good posture, not rolling your eyes when given instructions and covering your mouth when you yawn, sneeze or cough. You should also be mindful of any nervous habits like cracking your knuckles, biting your nails or shaking your knee. Keep these other items in mind:  DO always keep a smile on your face  DO be calm and control your nerves  DO look people in the eyes when talking to them  DO have a firm handshake  DON'T look bored about not-so-exciting tasks

Verbal When it comes to speech, speak confidently and clearly, avoid slang, and never, ever, ever curse. You don’t want to appear thoughtless and unprofessional! Also avoid correcting others in public, using unkind remarks, voicing too strong opinions, and constantly talking about yourself. When speaking to superiors, address them as “Ms.” or “Mr.” unless they give you permission to call them by their first name. Keep these other items in mind:  DO introduce yourself to people  DO remember people's names (try repeating them in your head or writing them down)  DO keep your conversations professional (avoid religion, politics, etc. at all costs)  DO think before you speak

Technology   

DON'T use your phone or other electronics. Period. DON’T social network, text or conduct outside business while at your desk or on company time. DON’T access anything on a work computer that you wouldn’t want someone else to see – the computers truly do have eyes!

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Transferable skills are skills that can be acquired in a wide variety of settings – life, work, classroom – and applied to a job position for which you are applying.

Using Transferable Skills How portable is your skill set? To be successful in the job search, you must be able to apply your transferable skill set to the job description. Incorporate transferable skills (and examples of them): • Within your cover letter • On your resume, within Objective, Skills and/or job duties • In your interview • During your two minute commercial

Transferable skills examples The following are common transferable skills and questions to help you begin to think about the transferable skills you possess. Communication skills include writing, speaking and interpersonal skills. How often have you presented to a group or class? Can you persuade and engage others? Problem solving/Analytical skills highlight research experience and decision-making skills. Think of a problem that you encountered at SFA or in the workplace. How did you arrive at a solution? Teamwork demonstrates effectiveness and results as a member of a functional team (e.g. classroom group projects, sports teams, internships, student organizations, etc.). What role have you played on teams? What are the elements that contributed to team success? What did you learn when you failed as a team? Why do some teams succeed and others fail? Initiative demonstrates ways you have taken initiative and achieved positive results. Did you address a problem that was causing a loss in productivity? What have you done to go beyond the job description? Leadership skills are demonstrated by being a student leader, founding an organization or leading a project team. The result of your leadership is what is important. What did your group/team accomplish during your tenure as the leader? Flexibility means that you thrive on change, are not paralyzed by it and can adapt to new rules quickly. What situations demonstrate your ability to adapt to change? Creativity is your ability to think outside of the box and be original. How original is your approach to a challenge? Did you color outside the lines? Can you give a specific example of innovation? Willingness to learn expresses your interest in learning more about a field. Can you provide past experiences that illustrate your willingness to learn? Now that you’ve learned more about transferable skills, it’s your turn to identify and capitalize on your own! Use the worksheets on the following pages to determine your strongest transferable skills.

Identify your Transferable Skills This exercise will help you identify your transferable skills. This will be particularly useful for marketing yourself to employers in interviews, cover letters and on your resume. Instructions 1. Place a check mark next to each skill you possess. Consider all settings in which you demonstrated each skill (ex. coursework, extracurricular activities, organizations/clubs, volunteer work, etc.). 2. Review the items you have checked and narrow your list to your 10 strongest skills. 3. For each of the 10 skills selected, complete the following page, expanding on specific examples of how you demonstrated this skill in the past. Analytical ____ Analyzed ____ Assessed ____ Compared ____ Conceptualized ____ Critiqued ____ Devised ____ Diagnosed ____ Estimated ____ Evaluated ____ Identified ____ Inspected ____ Interpreted data ____ Investigated ____ Made decisions ____ Observed ____ Predicted ____ Projected ____ Proved ____ Reflected ____ Researched ____ Reviewed ____ Screened ____ Solved problems ____ Studied ____ Surveyed ____ Tested ____ Thought critically ____ Validated Communication ____ Communicated ____ Conveyed ____ Debated ____ Defined ____ Described ____ Drafted ____ Edited ____ Explained ____ Foreign language ____ Interacted ____ Interviewed ____ Listened

____ Fostered ____ Guided ____ Informed ____ Mentored ____ Served ____ Supported ____ Taught ____ Tutored ____ Trained ____ Volunteered

____ Presented ____ Published ____ Read ____ Reported ____ Responded ____ Spoke in public ____ Summarized ____ Wrote Creative ____ Acted ____ Advertised ____ Authored ____ Created ____ Designed ____ Developed ____ Displayed ____ Entertained ____ Illustrated ____ Improvised ____ Innovated ____ Performed ____ Produced ____ Promoted

Leadership ____ Assigned ____ Authorized ____ Chaired ____ Directed ____ Delegated ____ Enforced ____ Facilitated ____ Founded ____ Initiated ____ Hired ____ Implemented ____ Managed change ____ Managed a crisis ____ Managed people ____ Managed resources ____ Presided ____ Recommended ____ Supervised

Financial ____ Appraised ____ Audited ____ Balanced ____ Budgeted ____ Calculated ____ Earned ____ Invested ____ Merchandised ____ Raised funds ____ Purchased

Organizational ____ Administered ____ Categorized ____ Collected ____ Compiled ____ Consolidated ____ Coordinated ____ Maintained ____ Managed time ____ Monitored ____ Organized ____ Planned

Helping ____ Advised ____ Assisted ____ Coached ____ Collaborated ____ Counseled

____ Performed data entry ____ Prioritized ____ Processed ____ Recorded ____ Ran reports ____ Scheduled Persuasion ____ Encouraged ____ Influenced ____ Mediated ____ Motivated ____ Persuaded ____ Negotiated ____ Recruited ____ Sold Technical ____ Assembled ____ Constructed ____ Compiled ____ Engineered ____ Installed ____ Integrated ____ Operated ____ Measured ____ Programmed ____ Repaired ____ Upgraded Added value ____ Adapted ____ Enhanced ____ Improved ____ Maximized ____ Minimized ____ Shaped ____ Streamlined ____ Strengthened ____ Supplemented ____ Updated

Transferable Skill

Work Experience, Internship(s)

Course Projects, Research

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteer Work

E.g. Delegated

Team leader at chain restaurant. Oversaw 10 other servers per shift.

Marketing Team Project: Initiated leadership for team of 4 to complete marketing campaign.

President of social fraternity. Delegated to 5 other executive board members.

Expect to encounter at least one of these “sticky situations” during your internship. First, take a step back, reflect upon the issue, and see if there is any way you can change your actions to alleviate the situation. If you find yourself needing further advice or in a potentially unethical or illegal situation, do not hesitate to contact your faculty supervisor or Career Services.

“Boring” work Remember, projects that appear boring may be critical to the company and an important learning opportunity for you. Try to take a routine task, and do something a little differently with the goal of finding some way to improve the process. You just might find a better way to accomplish the task, but even if it isn’t an improvement, you’ll probably come out of it with a renewed interest.

Projects you are able to finish quickly If appropriate, suggest a project you could work on. If there is still little work of you, use the time to learn from co-workers, ask to sit in on meetings, observe the interactions of those around you and read workrelated materials.

Feeling ignored Being ignored is no fun, but oftentimes, it's not about you. It's more likely that your site supervisor is absorbed in trying to solve big problems in little time, or your co-worker is overwhelmed with an upcoming deadline. Scope out why he/she has no time for you by asking your colleagues – they may have insight of which you are not aware. If you don’t get the answers you feel you need, ask them directly. No matter how you approach it, getting in front of the problem will release a lot of tension on you and possibly the other party.

Sickness or family emergency (Needing to leave) If you are to become especially ill or a family emergency arises during your internship, be sure to immediately communicate with your site supervisor, faculty supervisor and, if needed, Human Resources.

Problems with Co-workers In order to mitigate a potential workplace drama, ask to meet with him/her outside of the office. Pick a time when you're both free to concentrate on the problem and its resolution. Discuss the disagreement professionally and with tact, avoiding irrelevant personal attacks on character. If a resolution has not been reached, consider calling in a mediator, or presenting the conflict to your supervisor. If conflict arises due to sexual, racial, or ethnic issues, or if someone behaves inappropriately, that's not conflict, it's harassment. Take action and discuss the problem with your supervisor or Human Resources.

internship does not meet expectations; Dislike Job/Industry First off, don’t dwell on the negative. Although the internship might have been downright awful, avoid burning bridges, no matter how terrible the situation. Instead, think about what the experience taught you. You’ve likely learned some very valuable lessons that can help you determine your ideal future career path. For example:  What did you like/dislike about your supervisor(s)? What will you look for in a future boss?  Was the culture of the organization right for you? If it wasn’t, what made you uncomfortable?  Look back at the assignments and tasks you had at the internship. What did/didn’t you enjoy about those tasks? What types of projects were the most interesting to you? Where do your passions lie?

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“Go fer” work As a member of a team, you will want to help with routine tasks occasionally, but you don’t want them to become your permanent job. A good learning contract should prevent this problem, but if you feel your work activities are not challenging enough, consult with your site supervisor. Make sure that if you ask for additional assignments, you have demonstrated your capacity to handle them.

Pressure Meeting deadlines is your responsibility, but if the pressure to finish assignments on time begins to overwhelm you, let your site supervisor know. The quality of your work is as important as the time element. The best planning can fall through, so don’t be afraid to say you can’t finish on time or think that the project is too much for you to handle.

Overtime Your commitment to your supervisor and the organization may demand that you put in the extra work. Consider that working extra hours may help you learn more by experiencing roles or situations not otherwise available. However, you are an independent person, and everyone has a personal life to maintain. If you feel confused about work hours and time, talk to your site supervisor and negotiate a solution that takes into account both your needs and those of the organization.

Discrimination or Harassment If you feel you are truly being discriminated against because of your age, race or gender, consider the problem from all angles before you consult with your site supervisor, but don’t let the problem fester.

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Things shouldn’t grind to a screeching halt after you’ve completed the internship! There are plenty of ways to continue reaping the benefits of your internship experience long after you’ve turned in your nametag.

Reflect on your experience. Reflection is a critical piece of the career development process and will ultimately support your career decision-making, as well as allow you to better market and position yourself for future opportunities. The reflection you do now is also particularly critical when writing your resume and will prepare you for discussing your experience during future interviews. Consider the follow questions as you think about what your experience has meant and the meaning it has for your future.

Looking back on your experience:        

What did you learn about the industry, the organization, and yourself? How did you grow in: academics, skills, career, and personal growth? Evaluate what you liked and what you would like to change. Do you feel differently now about your interest in this career than when you began the internship? What were your goals before the internship? Did you accomplish them? What did you accomplish beyond your established goals? What did you fail to accomplish? What new skills, equipment, or office technology did you master? What was the most important thing you learned from this experience?

Looking to the future:     

Would you want to work at your internship site after graduation? Would you want to work in the same industry? Why or why not? What networking contacts did you make? What are your plans for organizing their contact information and staying in touch? What skills and knowledge do you want most to remember and use in the future? How has your internship influenced your academic pursuits?

Also, feel free to utilize the Intern Self-Evaluation and Intern Evaluation of the Internship evaluations when reflecting on your experience.

Update your resume and Portfolio. Make sure to update your resume soon after your internship experience to best be able to recall items of importance. Write action-oriented descriptions that convey your skills and are relevant to the position for which you are applying. It also makes a positive impression with employers if your descriptions highlight the results of your efforts and demonstrate the value you bring to the work environment. A portfolio allows an employer to see evidence of your skills and learning. Compile samples of work you've collected into a professional portfolio for your interviews. This may include a copy of a proposal you developed, a presentation you conducted, a customer letter you received, and so on.

Stay Connected by Networking. During your internship, you had the opportunity to connect with many professionals in your field of interest, so it is important that you continue to nurture these relationships. This can be done by occasionally corresponding by email, phone, or even meeting for lunch. Remember that networking is about building relationships. By maintaining the relationships that you formed during your internship, you will have additional support as you pursue continued career exploration and job searching.

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Write Thank You Notes. Take the time to write a personalized message to your supervisor and other team members who provided support during your internship experience. Your thank you notes should convey your appreciation for the experience and identify what you learned and how that knowledge will support your goals. This small gesture will set you apart from others and will also open a line of future correspondence. Your letter should be detailed, specific and written in either a standard business format or handwritten on a nice card. Below is an example of a thank you letter, written in business format: Hadda Greatime 2008 Forest Place, Apt. 218 Nacogdoches, Texas 75965 August 28, 2009

Sarah Alumna, Production Manager Happy Intern Films 900 Venice Ave. Los Angeles, CA 94887 Dear Ms. Alumna: I am writing to thank you for providing an internship for me this summer. As a film and video student at Stephen F. Austin State University, I was thrilled to have been chosen as one of this summer’s participants. For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by film and the moving image. I came to SFA because I wanted to learn how to convey my vision of the world to large audiences using various media. This internship was my first opportunity to gain exposure to the behind-the-scenes aspects of the entertainment industry. As an intern, I had the opportunity to gain new skills: various lighting techniques, the importance of using a storyboard, and how to accurately record data from location shots. I enjoyed my editing room duties the most, not only because I was able to improve my Final Cut Pro skills, but also because it was at this stage of production that I felt most useful. My internship experience has confirmed my career goal of becoming a documentary filmmaker. I found that I thoroughly enjoyed many of the hands-on aspects of working on location shoots, and was energized by the challenge of thinking quickly to find solutions to small problems with few material resources. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work with you, your advice about getting the most out of my SFA education, and for sharing your reflections about the project with me. Thank you once again. Sincerely,

Hadda Greatime Hadda Greatime

Ask for Recommendation Letters. Prior to the completion of your internship, make an appointment with your site supervisor. Be sure to thank him/her for the guidance you received during your internship. Then, ask him/her to write you a general recommendation letter that you could use to get a future internship or employment. Draw up a list of any other people at your internship who could be good resources for references, such as the team leader if you worked as part of a team, different department heads if you moved from department to department or a mentor who informally helped you. You can never have too many references. To make sure that you receive them before you leave the internship, start making your requests about two weeks before your internship ends, giving people enough time to write good letters.

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Market Your Experience. You are probably familiar with the cliché of needing experience to get experience. Luckily, you are not in that situation anymore! You have the experience, but now you have to sell it effectively. Identify what you are “selling”: your primary accomplishments from your recent experience, the skills used and the impact of those accomplishments. Sometimes it is helpful to talk with a parent, friend or advisor to clarify your thinking and better articulate your points. Next, implement your sales campaign. Professors, resumes, and interviews provide a strong medium for sharing your product: YOU! When interviewing, leverage your past internship experience by connecting it to the job for which you are interviewing. This includes addressing skills you gained that will be helpful to your future employer, rather than the ones most helpful to your last employer. Also, take a moment to share feedback from your internship experience and assist other SFA students in broadening their college experience.

Ask about future opportunities. Would you want to continue your internship? If so, do you have a specific project or plan in mind that you would want to work on for the company? If your internship is unpaid, would you want to transform it into a paid part-time job? Or if you’re graduating, do you want to apply for a full-time job? Discuss the possibility of future opportunities with your internship supervisor.

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Supervisor Evaluation of Intern……………………………………………………………….. Intern Self Evaluation…………………………………………………………………………… Intern Evaluation of Internship………………………………………………………………... Internship Search Checklist…………………………………………………………………… Jobs4Jacks Student Guide…………………………………………………………………….

A B C D E

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