INTERNSHIP OFFICE

The internship office works with potential organizations and interns to select a match, which will benefit both parties. The internship office will not assign an intern unless they feel the match will be successful. The organization and the internship office sign a written agreement, which includes a statement of the hours of work and expectations of the intern.
Nature of work

The work experience should be agreeable to both the intern and the organization, with the approval of the internship office. This work experience will be in the student’s major area of study. The on-site supervisor will oversee all assignments the intern undertakes during the course of their internship period. The supervisor will look upon the internship as an opportunity to initiate the intern into the work environment of the intern’s chosen area, and in the decision arena of the concerned industry.
The assignments may include experiences such as particular analyses or collection of data, services as an understudy, market research, and review of personnel training programs. The assignments should be both meaningful and of benefit to the organization and the intern.

     For Students

The internship program is an integral half of the Senior Experience, the other half being the integrated seminar. The Senior Experience is meant to serve as a “capstone” for the student’s college career and requires that the student demonstrate competence and skills in the intellectual enterprise.

The program aims at exposing students to practical working experience in the field of study they are currently pursuing. Consequently, the most important aspect of the internship program is to ensure a correct match between ones academic major and the kind of work they are involved in during their internship period. The potential Interns need to ensure that their workplace is approved by the internship office before proceeding with any duties.
 

This program requires one to work for 200-400 hours, which should be spread out during the semester or at the end/completion of the Programme.

At the end of the training, the Internship office will expect an evaluation from your employer, your daily diary and a project paper.

Students are encouraged to contact the internship office with any questions or suggestions to ensure that their internship period is a positive one.

    Intern's Role

The intern is expected to:
    * Keep a daily record of hours worked and events which take place during the internship.
    * Contribute to the goals and output of the organization and advance your personal and professional goals.
    * Welcome the guidance and feedback, which will be given to you during the course of your internship, as you would    

       your academic courses.
    * Establish a timetable of performance accomplishment with input from your site supervisor.
    * Recognize that theory and practice are sometimes in conflict. Theoretical paradigms may not solve a problem that can

   be solved by experience in practical solutions.
      * Represent IPH&H Community College  as an ambassador to the outside community. Project in a positive manner the

   ideals of the College  and the spirit of excellence, which you personify.

* Upon completion of the internship, the intern must write a report project that will be handed in to the internship office  together with  your  daily diary and supervisor’s evaluation.

 

Internship report format

This term paper will discuss how the work you did for your internship company helped develop your skills in your chosen field of study.
Length: 10-15 pages (undergraduates)
            At least 35 pages (graduates)
The paper should be typed and double-spaced.
It is suggested that your term paper follow this format:
Introduction: History and structure of the company. What services the company offers or the products it sells.
Main body: The assignments you were given. Show how these assignments helped develop your skills in your area of study.
Conclusion: Discuss how useful the internship program was in relation to your education and career goals. You may give comments and suggestions concerning the internship program in general.

Internship self analysis

1.   I
dentify your personal strengths and areas of development during the internship.

2.      What was the most valuable asset of the internship for yourself and why?

3.      What was the most difficult part of the internship for yourself and why?

4.      Discuss your punctuality, attendance, initiative, creativity, ability to receive criticism, follow up on criticism of your

         work, willingness to seek help and your relationships with other staff members.

You may include comments from your self-analysis into your internship report.
It is important to have an ongoing dialogue regarding these questions and other issues with your academic mentor during academic sessions and your site supervisor during the internship.


 
After the internship

Be sure to thank everyone who took time to help you and to be interviewed by you. Be sure to reassure them that you are looking for answers that are general and theoretical in nature, and not information that is confidential.

Please remember to write thank you notes to the persons that were helpful and supportive of your internship, topmost being your supervisor.


 
The Internship and you

Interning with a company will enable you make industry contacts and gain on-the-job experience as it is important to have some real world experience during your college years.
 

Experience within your major can be an immeasurable plus on your CV or résumé. Thus, your major should be a big factor when considering your internship plans.
 

For example, Journalism majors can look for positions at a magazine or newspaper; the connections made on the job will be immensely beneficial after graduation. Business majors can bolster their experience and enhance their applications by working in a related industry.

Internships can either be paid or not. This is entirely dependent on the organisation that the student is interning in. Paid internships can give you the best of both worlds: valuable work experience and compensation. Compensation can range from stipends to cover travel, housing, and living expenses to an hourly wage.

Major companies, industries, and publications now conduct publicity campaigns in an effort to find the best and the brightest for internships and other employment; periodically check in with the internship office and notice boards for new opportunities.