career services 2009 workshop series finding an internship nwtc career services november 10, 2009

Career Services 2009 Workshop SeriesCareer Services 2009 Workshop Series

Finding an Internship

NWTC Career ServicesNovember 10, 2009

Career Services 2009 Workshop Series

What will be covered…• Internship Basics

– What is an internship– Why do an internship– When should you do an internship

• Before you search– Learn about your interests and skills– Explore careers

• The Internship Search– Researching Organizations– The Application Process

• Resources


What is an Internship?

• A work-related learning experience for individuals who wish to develop hands on work experience in a certain occupational field.

• Most internships are temporary assignments that last approximately three months up to a year.


Why do an Internship?

• Build your resume• Practical work experience related to your major or career• Understanding of how organizations function• Networking opportunities – build references• Clarify career goals• Improve communication skills


Internships “Pay” in Multiple Ways

• 2 out of 3 interns are offered full time positions• Employers use internships as a way of connecting with employers• Employers prize relevant work experience even if it’s with another

employer• 70% of interns that are offered a full time position accept the offer• Besides the potential job offer, internships can pay in other ways –

including actual compensation• In most cases, employers welcome interns

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Additional Things to ConsiderUnderstand your goals and priorities:

• What do you want to gain?– Credits from NWTC– Compensation

• Geographical location– Are you willing to relocate

• Housing Options– Where will you live? At home? With family or friends? Find affordable

apartment?


An Effective Internship Search

Learn What career fields interest you?

ResearchWhat organizations are in your field of interest?

ApplyChoose organizations & opportunities- Apply


Resources to Learn about Careers

• Visit Career Services• Take a Career Assessment• Research careers • Talk to Instructors• Network


Compile a List of Organizations

• Directories• Phone books• Websites• Wisconsin Tech Connect• Instructors• Career Services• Networking: family, friends, current job, professional associations,

volunteer groups, etc.

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Research

• Research the organization before applying• Include specific information about why you want to work for the

organization in your cover letter• Research the internship position and its specific demands• Include your credentials that match these qualifications in your resume.

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Application Process

Each employer has its own application process. Find out:

• What is the deadline?• What will the employer need from you?– Resume, cover letter, transcripts, etc.– Do you need to apply online?

• Follow Up—Remember to call or email the employer after 2 weeks to check on your application


Internship Search ChecklistLearnIdentify career fields of interest through self reflection, research andtalking with others

ResearchLocate organizations and employers offering internships within yourfield of interest

ApplyPrepare your resume and cover letters. Polish your interview skillsand complete applications

Follow UpContact employers in a polite and timely manner to check on thestatus of your application


Success Tips for Interns

• Don’t be afraid to talk to people• Ask for things to do• Learn all you can about that business, industry, organization or profession• Don’t gripe about grunt work• Use the fact that you are a student to learn more• Get in the information loop. Learn where people talk and make decisions• Hitch your wagon to a star• Ask to attend meetings and events• Don’t burn bridges

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Ten Tips1. Meet with a career coach and your program contact to express interest and get

started2. Set goals – do a self assessment inventory of your values, interests and personality3. Consider your options. Research them and note deadlines4. Create your resume and cover letter. Career Services can help you with that

process5. Begin research of various internship possibilities6. Begin application process for the internship you have chosen7. Follow up on your applications8. Perfect your interviewing skills – Schedule a mock interview with Career Services9. After interview, ALWAYS follow up with a thank you note to recruiter with 24

hours10. Upon receipt of an offer for an internship, meet with your instructor to determine

if the experience can be counted for credit

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What to expect from an internship

• Expect some “grunt work” – ask what percent of your time will be spent doing this type of work

• Getting down to the “true” work – explore with an employer what kind of projects you would be working on, what skills you would learn, etc.

• Plan to be proactive – Seek out work and projects, offer to try new things• Seek a mentor – find someone who will mentor you as you begin your

work• “you get out what you put in” – This tried old adage is true. If you feel like

you are doing this experience because you “should” and put little effort into it, it will be of no value to you in the end

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How to get the most out of an internship

• Have a written agreement – meet with your instructor to write out an action plan

• Reflect upon the experience and examine the process – keep a journal, write a paper

• Stay open to the opportunity to change and grown from the experience• Transfer the experience into knowledge that is applicable to real life

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career services 2009 workshop series finding an internship nwtc career services november 10, 2009

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