What is an Internship?

“An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent.” -National Association of Colleges and Employers (2011 Position Statement: US Internships, NACE)

 

An experience that qualifies as an internship:

 

1. Provides a meaningful learning opportunity related to the student’s academic pursuits

2. Has clearly defined learning objectives/goals related to the student’s professional goals/coursework

3. Has a clear start and end date

4. Provides appropriate supervision/training/resources and gives routine feedback to the student

 

Student Benefits:

 

• Students are able to gain an understanding of a variety of careers and can evaluate their career path based on their experiences.
• Students become well equipped with a variety of desirable professional skills that increase their employability.
• Students gain hands-on experience, utilize knowledge learned in the classroom and have the opportunity to network with professionals in their field of study.
• Students hired on as permanent employees after completing an internship have higher retention rates due to job satisfaction.

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