MAKING INTERNSHIPS BENEFICIAL TO EVERYONEAmanda McMaster

HRD 880

Spring 2009

INTRODUCTION

Topic How agencies can make internships beneficial for

everyone involved (the intern, agency, and academic institution). Strong relationship between all parties, communication and feedback, benefits for both the intern and the agency, and not taking advantage of the internship are all important aspects for ensuring a beneficial internship.

Why I chose this topic? Internships are important to college students in

their career path. They need to be useful and beneficial and not taken advantage, or they become pointless and no one benefits.

PREVIOUS LITERATURE The majority of research available on internships explains that if they

are used properly, then they become a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Internships should be used as the primary way of learning, where students take the theories they have learned in the classroom and put them to use.

Students gain experience not found in the class, interview experience, inter personal skills, and most importantly networking.

Agencies should supply meaningful experiences to the interns, and not view them as simply cheap labor, and give them exposure to many different aspects of the agency.

Internships should be consistent and structured, but flexible to be formed based on the intern and the agency and each of their needs.

Some studies show that students who participate in internships have an increase chance at job placement and job satisfaction.

Strong communication is very important to success

ACTIONS/ANALYSIS Strong Relationship between all parties (intern, agency, and

academic institution) Agency in contact with the university to ensure requirements

are met Agency and Intern for guidance and mentoring Weekly meetings to gain feedback Intern and university to ensure requirements are being met

Strong Feedback Agency to intern for improvement and learning

Regular evaluation of intern, like performance appraisals Interns obtain feedback from institution and other interns Interns completing portfolio to learn and understand the

agency and use as a reference after internship

ACTIONS/ANALYSIS CONTINUED… Benefits for Interns

Work place experience gained Learn things that can not be taught in the classroom Networking Experience different aspects of agency

Benefits for the Agency Low-cost worker Use as test run for possible employee

If intern is hired on, the agency gets a familiar already trained employee

May inspire new ideas Not taken advantage of

Agencies should not view intern as cheap labor Interns should not expect to just show up and gain the necessary

credit Do not expect or make a promise of a job offer after

REFLECTION/DISCUSSION How did this process change my thoughts?

Internships aren’t just requirements, but a vital part of the learning process

No promise of a job should be made Structured internships are beneficial

What would I do differently? I would add a study of people who have completed an

internship and compare to people who have not completed an internship

I might also compare individuals who viewed their internship as positive to individuals who viewed their internship as a negative experience

What should I add to make this stronger? A data analysis of an actual study I conducted on

internships and their benefits

FUTURE DIRECTION/QUESTIONS Why is this important?

For intern’s and agency’s future Internships are a great experience and resource,

and everyone needs to make sure that each party benefits

What is this going to impact? How internships are viewed by agencies and

interns Future Direction

Conduct a study among many individuals and agencies that have participated in internships in some way to determine what makes internships a success and what makes internships a negative experience

CONTACT INFORMATION

Amanda McMaster amcmast@clemson.edu