| Internships |  |
Internships provide the opportunity to gain additional insight into a particular career or industry and establish valuable networking connections that may lead to full-time employment. According to Webster’s dictionary, an intern is a student or a recent graduate undergoing supervised practical training. There are basically six (6) types of internships and each will provide a different experience and learning opportunity.
Cooperative Education (Co-op)
It is a three-way partnership between the college or university, employer and the student. The students combine valuable work experience with academic studies for college credit. Students work in jobs that are directly related to their major or career goals.
Service Learning
The student is given the opportunity to work for an organization that provides a service for the community. Possible service learning jobs may include working at a local shelter, library or public schools. Service learning position may be paid or unpaid.
Practicum
Students have a chance to apply their academic experience with a real-world work experience or project. The student may work in a team or individually to accomplish a specific goal or project. Supervision for the student is provided by the instructor or the employer.
Job Shadowing or Externship
A chance to observe a “typical” work day with an individual currently working in that particular job or career. The student “shadows” the employee for a stated period of time, be it a day or a longer period of time.
Fieldwork
An opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom. Research may be limited to one particular area or cover several different areas. Individuals receive direction and instruction until the project or research is complete.
Apprenticeship
Students gain additional knowledge and practical experience for trade jobs that are highly skilled in nature. Students receive pay for the services they provide and the pay is commensurate with the skill level. Apprentice type positions vary in length from one to five years.
Internships and Summer Jobs
Career Builder Inc. (http://www.careerbuilder.com)
US State Dept – Internships (http://www.state.gov)
National Student Internships & Careers (http://www.internships.com)
Smithsonian & Minority Internships (http://www.si.edu/ofg/intern.htm)
Project Vote Smart Internships (http://www.vote-smart.org/program_internships.php)
Hispanic Association of Colleges & University - Internships (http://www.hnip.net)
Walt Disney World Internship Program (http://www.wdwcollegeprogram.com)
Washington Internships for Native Americans (http://www.american.edu/wins)