Congratulations! You’ve decided to pursue an Internship position! By simply making this decision you have already started on the right path!
Internships can help students in a number of ways. An internship allows you to step inside an environment in the field of your interest and learn about the culture, level and type of work, and expectations involved. With this knowledge you are better prepared to build a career of your own.
Another benefit of an internship is that it allows you to apply the knowledge, skills and experience gained at the university to real world environments. Aside from helping to build your resume, this promotes further academic development, making it easier to determine what areas interest and challenge you the most.
Likewise, an internship can help you to build confidence in your abilities, and to see how your skills can contribute to the overall success of an organization.
Finally, internships provide you with a valuable means of building professional networks in your field of interest. These connections can be extremely helpful in securing future positions. In all, an internship gives you the chance to explore areas of professional interest before choosing a career. In doing so, you will be better prepared to make decisions about what career to pursue, and how to pursue it.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the sometimes-overwhelming task of finding and securing an internship position. The most helpful internships are often those done early in one’s academic career, when you are still not sure what path to pursue.
Because these positions provide a way to ‘try before you buy’, early internships can be instrumental in helping students make decisions about their future and ultimately to choose a career that fits them best. Unfortunately, opportunities of this sort for students tend to be few and far in between, as the best internships are generally oriented toward students who are already well on their way.
For students who are just beginning to make decisions about future career and academic interests, funding and securing a great internship takes a little more creativity and resourcefulness. This booklet is unravel the mysteries of the internship process – A major step in ensuring your future professional success.

What Is An Internship?
An internship is a supervised pre-professional learning experience, in which students apply their skills and knowledge in a professional setting. By offering their time, talent and enthusiasm, Science Diversity interns will contribute to an organization’s mission and goals, while gaining valuable skills for the future, and seeing if a career is right for them.

An internship is not:

• A part-time or full time job that does not specify career related learning strategies and objectives
• Unsupervised volunteer experience
• Routine, repetitive clerical tasks

• Provide students with a full and realistic view of workplace culture and expectations
• Integrate academic preparation with professional challenges
• Build confidence and success through internship experiences
• Encourage professional contact between students and alumni
• Help students to build professional networks
• Provide alumni with access to students as resources for their organizations

• All intern projects should further these goals, helping the student to gain experience and develop skills.
• In order to make this possible, it is imperative that all internship positions be assigned a supervisor. This supervisor should work directly with the intern, providing training, guidance and feedback over the course of the position.

• Regular feedback sessions should be formally arranged to facilitate consistent supervision, guidance, and constructive criticism on a weekly basis. A formal midterm conference date should be set and included in this contract.
• Also, a final written evaluation student’s performance by the supervisor is highly encouraged. If the student’s performance was good, we urge interns to ask for letters of recommendation.

• How well did I meet established responsibilities and assigned tasks?
• In what specific ways did I contribute to your organization?
• How did I develop professional skills related to my position?
• What are some areas where I need to improve?
• What are some suggestions for the future development of my skills?

• Compensation may be either pre-determined by the organization, or negotiated with the intern.
• Except in the case of non-profit organizations, we highly encourage some form of compensation for students’ contributions (e.g. salary, hourly wage, or reimbursement for specific student costs such as transportation, parking etc.).
• For unpaid internships, grants and scholarships are often available.
See page 11 for more.

• What will be the duration of the internship?
• What precisely will be your responsibilities? How will these responsibilities contribute to your overall professional and career development? Your specifc the Science and Technology Center (STC) Student Transitional Alliance for Research in STEM (STARS) Partnerships (STC-STARS) ic objectives?
• Who will be your supervisor? How, specifically, will this supervisor provide guidance and support?
• What will be the responsibilities of the supervisor in terms of training and feedback?
• What mechanism will be in place to ensure communication between you and the supervisor(s)?
• What precisely will be expected in terms of your conduct and contributions?
• What will your work schedule be? What mechanisms will be in place in case you for whatever reason, need to take time off, or are unable to complete the full term of the internship position?
• How will you be evaluated in terms of growth and performance?

The key for all internships is beginning early! Many of the best internships, especially highly competitive ones, have application deadlines well in advance of when the position begins. Many summer internships have deadlines in the fall and winter, in particular those that are national or international in nature. Consequently, it is essential that you plan well in advance. This will not only improve your chances of finding and securing a position, but will also give you a lot more flexibility in doing so. You should begin planning at least six months beforeyou want your internship to take place.

However, if you end up starting too late, and find many deadlines have already passed, don’t despair! It is perfectly possible to do an internship any time of the year. If you miss out on a summer position, remember it is likely available for fall or winter as well, not to mention the following year. Likewise, if you have strong connections to a field via networking, it may be possible to individually negotiate and create a position within an organization.

Before you begin searching for a position, the first step is to know what you are looking for. Students often declare they would like an internship position, but do not know what it is they want to get from it. Without a clear concept of exactly what you desire, it is much more difficult to find a position that is fulfilling and helpful. Likewise, if you have clear goals and objectives before you even find a position, it is much more likely that you will find something that suits you well. In the process of determining what you want to gain, it helps to consider a few key points:

• What careers interest you the most?
• How could an internship contribute to your academic development?
• How could an internship contribute to your long term and lifetime goals?
• What specific skills do you need to work on?
• In what ways do you lack experience?
• What areas of your resume need more development? (e.g. what kinds of jobs would build toward your ideal career?)
• How could an internship help to bolster these areas?
• What kind of commitment are you willing to make in time, and money?
• How flexible are you in terms of location? Do you prefer to relocate?
• What resources do you have available in terms of time, money, and relocation?

Finding an internship position can be a major undertaking. Still it does not need to be a stressful and overwhelming experience. By keeping organized, you can make the whole process go much more smoothly.

The first step is to create a set of files: one for keeping track of individuals and organizations contacted; one for applications (incomplete); one for applications (completed); and one for your resumes, letters of introduction, and letters of recommendation. It may also help to keep a separate file for each internship position you find and apply for.

On the front of your file box, paste a list of all internships you are applying for and when applications are due. Later, you can add interviewing dates to this list. Add little boxes to each listing so that you can check off each portion of the process completed. As well as keeping track of your progress, this will help to ensure you meet all deadlines.

Finally, aside from keeping all your papers sorted, make a list of everyone you contact, when you did this, the outcome, and how you followed up. This includes everyone you conduct informational interviews with. Maintaining such a file will help you keep track of whom you still need to follow up on, as well as to keep contact information readily available. This will make future internship/job searches much easier, as you will already have a base of networking connections to start from.

One of the best ways to gain further information about a field is to conduct informational interviews.

In an informational interview, you meet with a professional in your area of interest and inquire about the specifics of what they do and the responsibilities and difficulties associated with it to see if it is something you might like to pursue. An informational interview is not an employment interview. Its purpose is to ask for help from the person you are consulting. For these reasons, it is helpful to research the position as well as the industry you are targeting. With this information, you will be much better prepared to learn from the experience, and gain valuable insight into a career. These interviews serve a two-fold purpose: they give you more information on a possible career field and they make professionals in that field aware of your interests, abilities and goals. By getting your name out there, informational interviews can be a valuable networking tool to make connections with individuals in your field of choice. You may learn of internship/job leads, or by making a favorable impression, gain a source of referrals to other organizations. One excellent way to carry out an informational interview is through a mentorship program. This program matches students with a professional in a field of interest so that they can learn more about it. A mentorship can involve everything from asking questions to conducting a job shadow. Mentors can provide valuable insight, and even a chance to see firsthand what they do. Many departments offer mentorship programs. Check with your major department for more information.

Another way to conduct informational interviews is though the Mentorship Program SDC Career Center. This program matches students with professionals in their field(s) of interest, who then meet with them at a set time and date for an interview. In order to participate in this program, it is necessary to sign up SDC web site (Sciencediversitycenter.org)

Finally, informational interviews can be set up independently, by directly contacting local businesses that are pertinent to your interests. Both by networking with friends and family, and by looking in the local phone book, you can identify local organizations that fit your criteria. After finding several, write a letter of introduction explaining you goals, interests, and desire to conduct an interview. Then, follow up with a phone call. In most cases, organizations will be happy to speak with you. After an interview has taken place, always follow up with a thank you letter. The informational interviewing process does not need to be extensive, nor very time consuming. It is merely a way to help you figure out what kind of internship is best for you, before you commit to one.

Once you know a little bit about what areas you wish to pursue, you can start browsing. This includes inquiring about what kinds of positions are available, and deciding on which areas interest you the most. In this process, it helps to consider as many different possibilities as you can. You might be surprised at what things jump out at you. Likewise, there is no reason you cannot take on a different internship each year, or even each term. The more things you try the more there is to learn!

The process of searching for an internship can be very overwhelming, but there are many resources available to you that make this process a significantly easier.

Many individual departments at your University have their own internship programs. For more information, inquire at your department office. It is likely that even if they do not have an organized program, they will at least have some listings for internships pertinent to your major. Many often post opportunities in their main office and/or building on campus. In particular, faculties are often aware of internships available through the university and other organizations they belong to. Keep your eyes and ears open for these kinds of positions, as they are often posted last minute, and can sometimes give you the chance to apply for a great internship that few know about.

Another great place to look for internships is in the non-profit sector. Many volunteer based organizations are in great need of help, and can provide an excellent way for you to learn about the workplace. Though few can pay an intern, you may be able to create a custom position to learn about precise areas of interests, as well as tailor the experience to your own time constraints. Like any business, non-profits perform a vast variety of functions and require diverse kinds of employees and volunteers to function—everything from accountants, to managers, organizers, public relations officers, field representatives and workers. Look for a non-profit that works in a sector that interests you, and you will likely be surprised at the variety of opportunities, and willingness to share you will find in these organizations.

For those that cannot afford to take an un-paid internship, don’t be discouraged. There are a number of scholarships that may be used to offset the cost. Ask in your department to see what’s available. Also, keep in mind that federal funds may be available, especially if you want to help conduct research in an area of social or scientific significance, or to start up a new project or program. Established non-profits are well versed in applying for grants and other funds. Propose your project and seek their help to get it going. Likewise, your favorite professor can act as a great mentor and advisor. Many of the best scholarships and grants are either by nomination only or poorly publicized. Most faculty have networks of colleagues and are privy to many opportunities otherwise unknown to students. By developing a relationship with a faculty member who is willing to help you seek funds, your chances of getting them are much greater.

Another possibility is to use your own networks to inquire about possible positions. These can consist of family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, career counselors, and individuals you met during the process of informational interviewing. Oftentimes, local businesses may not have a pre-created internship position, but may be willing to set one up for you. All you have to do is ask. Even if you do not end up with a position, the establishment of this kind of contact can be quite valuable for future job searching.

Once you think you have found a great opportunity, it is important to make sure that the position holds up to your expectations. Internships may be excellent opportunities for personal, professional and academic development, but they can also be stressful, frustrating and disappointing. In order to ensure your experience is a good one, there are several steps you can take.

Not all internships are equal, and before accepting a position, it is important that the student makes a careful examination of the organization. An intern is not a source of cheap, routine labor. Regardless of what an organization may label a position, it must follow certain guidelines in order to qualify as an internship. It must be a supervised position that provides for the professional development of the intern. This includes training, feedback, and exposure to workplace environments and expectations. An internship should not consist of routine, clerical tasks, but specific projects that relate to the intern’s area(s) of professional interest.

Remember, if you have any question about the quality of an internship offer review the questions in Part 1 (p.5-6) and consider, “what will this position do for me?” Don’t be shy about making organization meet your requirements before you accept the position. Likewise, if your supervisors fail to meet their commitments, don’t be afraid to hold them accountable. Believe it or not, there are plenty of great internships in the world. If one turns out awful, don’t feel you have to endure just to build your résumé.

Every internship position has its own application process. As a part of this, organizations will often request a resume, cover letter and letters of recommendation. Consequently, being able to articulate your qualifications clearly and effectively is very important.

Once you have found and applied for an internship position, the final and most critical stage is the interview, which provides the organization with more information for making its final selections. Many students find the interview process to be highly intimidating, and thus end up failing to present themselves in their true quality. To overcome this kind of fright, it helps to understand exactly what an interview entails and how to effectively prepare for it.

There is a natural tendency when being interviewed to feel as though the process is one-sided. However, while it is true that applicants are evaluated in terms of how they might fit into a position, an interview is also an exchange where the applicant can evaluate the position. By preparing thoroughly for an interview, the applicant can utilize the process not only as a means to project their qualifications and personality, but to become well acquainted with the host organization. To do this effectively, there are several steps of preparation that can be immensely helpful.

First, do your homework.

In order to present yourself as informed and competent, it is necessary to do some research into both the organization on the whole, and the specific position you wish to fill. You may have already touched on these areas in the process of ‘scoping out’ and finding the position.

If so, look back to your files to refresh yourself on the specifics:

• What products, services, or projects is the organization engaged in?
• How do their activities fit into their particular area of industry?
• What is the organization’s mission statement?
• Long and short term goals?

Likewise, aside from the basic job description of the internship, try to find out what is unique to the position. Walk yourself through what you believe to be a typical day on the job and be aware of points that will need clarification. Some elements to consider are: the role of the supervisor, performance evaluations and feedback, and the work environment.

Overall, try to think about how you will fit into the organization, both within your position as an intern, and in general. Identify the skills and qualities that are important for the position, and consider how your own abilities will fit into that profile. By being aware of the details of the organization, you will be better able to respond to the questions asked in a way that is relevant to the interviewer’s concerns.

What to emphasize during an interview.

Second,practice both in your head and in writing answers to questions that interviewers may ask. To make this easier, it may help to enlist someone to conduct a mock interview, so that you can practice articulating your answers.

Tell me about yourself…

• What personal characteristics do you think are necessary for success in your chosen field?
• What qualifications do you have that will make you successful in your career?

• In what school activities have you participated? Why? If you have not been active on campus, why not?
• Have you held any leadership responsibilities? If so, what were they and what did you learn from this experience? If you did not hold any leadership responsibilities, why not?

• Why did you choose your particular college major? If you were starting all over, would you choose the same one? If so, why or why not?
• In looking at your academic program, what classes did you enjoy the most? The least? Why?

• What is the single most important statement you would make about your experience while enrolled at school?
• What are your short-term goals? Long-term?
• What will be the most difficult aspect of making the transition from college to career? Why?

• Do you consider yourself to be a leader or a follower? Why?
• What are two or three things that are most important to you in a career?
• Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and those employed.

• Tell about a group project you were involved in. What was your role?
• Tell about a time when you had to persuade someone to your point of view.
• What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in college and how did you deal with it?

• Did the interviewee answer the question directly, or ramble?
• Did they give specific examples to substantiate claims and demonstrate skills?
• Did they ask for clarification of questions that they were unsure of, or did they barge right in, unsure of where their answer would lead?
• Did they make eye contact? Did their hand movements, body language, diction and enunciation come across as natural, clear and comfortable?
• Were they polite, and remember to shake hands at the beginning and end of the interview?
• Did they remember to smile?

• Have three to six points prepared to emphasize about you. These should be areas of particular strength or experience that are relevant to the position.
• Have several questions prepared to ask the interviewer that are well thought-out and pertinent to the position.
• Be sure to get to the interview ten to fifteen minutes early. When you arrive for an interview is an indication of your professionalism.
• You only get one chance to make a first impression. Make sure your dress is appropriate, and check your appearance before being greeted by an interviewer
• Avoid writing notes during the interview. However, immediately after, take a few moments to jot down key points that you want to be certain to remember.
• Retain the interviewer’s attention by varying the tempo of your speech and the tone of your voice. Use examples to illustrate your points, and be aware of the response.
• Always follow an interview with a thank you note. This should be done immediately, as it can often improve your chances of moving to the next level. Even if you do not get the position, the establishment of amiable connections is a valuable networking tool.

How Can I Make Sure My Internship Fulfills My Goals and Expectations?

One of the best ways to ensure the meeting of all goals and expectations on both sides is to negotiate and put them on paper. Writing and signing an “Internship Contract” between the student and his o her supervisor before the internship begins is a good way to do this. This contract should define the specifics of the internship and cover the following areas. For your convenience, we have formatted them as a contract outline.

Parties Involved

     Student: Name 				 Site: Site Name
     Internship Position 		         Supervisor’s Name
     Mailing Address 			         Mailing Address
     Phone Number 				 Phone Number
     Email Address 				 Email/Fax

Student Learning Goals
Specify the professional and career development goals the internship will help the student achieve and list them in priority of importance. Include general learning objectives (e.g. understanding of retail, banking, hotel industry, etc.) as well as specific goals (e.g. observing merchandising techniques, strengthening interviewing skills, etc.). Learning professionally related skills are critical to the success of this experience.

Student Responsibilities
Specify student’s responsibilities to the organization to be completed during the internship. A manageable project or focus is most desirable (e.g. research and make recommendations for a fundraising campaign, write press releases and P.S.A.’s etc.). These tasks should be clear and concise to avoid uncertainty during the course of the internship, and at the time of final evaluation. Responsibilities should assist the student in achieving the above-stated goals and objectives and should not be repetitive and clerical in nature.

Supervisor Responsibilities

1. Training- This initially requires a significant time commitment. An orientation should be structured to cover both the overall organization and issues specific to the intern’s role. Regularly scheduled meetings between the student and supervisor over the course of the internship are also necessary.
2. Feedback- Regular feedback sessions should be formally arranged to facilitate consistent supervision, guidance, and constructive criticism on a weekly basis. A formal midterm conference date should be set and included in this contract.
3. Final Evaluation- A final written evaluation of the student’s performance from the supervisor of the student’s performance is highly encouraged. If the student’s performance was good, a letter of recommendation would also be highly beneficial.

Signatures
Please make sure all of the following are included in the original document

Student signature 					Supervisor signature
Date

And Finally….
There are many opportunities available for internship positions, and if you carefully follow the advice set out in this guide, your chances of finding and securing a position that is right for you are very good. Once you’ve secured a position, pat yourself on the back! You have participated in a process that has not only opened up excellent avenues of academic and professional development, but in doing so have gained valuable skills that will help you for years to come as you build your career.