THINKING OF AN INTERNSHIP? DEFINITION: An internship combines practical work experience with a structured learning experience. Work is substantive and supports your academic and career goals. There is a supervised effort to promote critical thinking, observation and reflection, which foster your intellectual, personal and professional development. DO YOU KNOW YOURSELF? Questions to consider:

• Why do I really want this internship? • What are my work values?

o What rewards do I seek? o What cause do I advocate?

• What are my personal interests? o Why do I enjoy doing? o What issues am I passionate about? o Have I taken an assessment to explore options?

• What are my academic interests? o What do I most desire to learn and/or experience? o Is an internship required for my degree/major?

• What are my career and/or grad school goals? o What do I see myself doing everyday for the next few years? o What options am I considering?

• What are my personal abilities? o What skills and abilities do I have to offer? o What skills and abilities can I test and develop?

• Do I have transportation? • Do I have time in my schedule for an internship?

EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES: Do I have a basic awareness of the opportunities in a given profession?

• What career opportunities are available in a given field? • What competencies/skills/knowledge are most desired in the profession? • What is the typical path taken by professionals for this field? • What issues are likely to affect the future for this profession?

How to find out more:

• Set up an appointment with an advisor in the Toppel Career Center • Register with CANEZONE (www.miami.edu/canezone) and browse internship

listings • Explore the University Career Action Network (UCAN), which can be accessed

through your CaneZone account. Search over 1900 internships nationwide! • Make sure you have a polished and prepared resume • Do research in the Toppel Career Center Library • Take a career assessment with a professional in the Toppel Career Center • Review professional journals and search the web • Attend the Career Expo and network with employers • Attend INTERNSHIPS 101 in the Toppel Career Center • Do an informational interview with a potential employer • Attend company information sessions

FINDING OUT MORE: What internships are available?

Information:Written

• CaneZone • Internship

directories/guidebooks • The Toppel Career

Center website • Library materials • Internet • Professional

magazines/newsletters • Telephone book • Chamber of commerce • The VAULT online

Human On-campus

• Toppel Career Center staff

• Faculty • Student

employment office • Alumni Association • Peers

(current/previous interns)

Off-campus

• Relatives, friends, acquaintances

• High school teachers/counselors

• Previous employers • Professional

associations/chapters • Career Expo

representatives • Community agencies • Church members

HOW TO NARROW DOWN CHOICES: Consider criteria for selecting an internship organization-

• Type of experience • Geographic location • Reputation • Academic credit

• Monetary compensation • Organizational mission • Hours per week required

DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Questions to guide your research:

• What is the mission of the company/organization?

• What are the goals? • Have interns been used? When? • What do interns do? • What qualifications are considered?

• Is the organization willing to work with your schedule?

• What materials are needed to apply? • When is the application deadline? • Is the company/organization

attending the Career Expo? PAID/UNPAID, ACADEMIC CREDIT AND ZERO-CREDIT TRANSCRIPT NOTATION OPTIONS Students often make the mistake of assuming that all internships are unpaid—this is NOT true. Paid internships are a growing trend. If you are interning for a company/organization that is for-profit, they need to either compensate you with academic credit or monetary compensation. If you are going to be receiving an hourly wage or weekly/monthly stipend, expect a range of $7-$16 an hour (higher for Engineering or IT majors). If you are going to be earning academic credit, you need to obtain approval from the appropriate academic department prior to accepting the internship. Not-for-profit organizations and government agencies do not have to offer compensation, but they should offer

You can: Look for an organization with a formal or established internship program

Or Choose a company new to internships and be their first

academic credit. Any and all paperwork regarding academic credit needs to be handled by the appropriate academic departments and the employer/company/organization. Academic credit means tuition so be prepared to incorporate those credits into your existing course load. If you would like the internship reflected on your transcript but you do not need the academic credit, you may want to consider participating in the Toppel Internship Program. The Toppel Internship Program provides students with the opportunity to receive a zero-credit transcript notation that recognizes work experience related to your major, career path, or possible career interest. Students wishing to participate in this program must first secure the internship and then contact the Toppel Career Center to learn more. Remember that as an intern you have rights—do not let an employer take advantage of you. You are there to learn! For guidance or to report a problem, contact us at 305.284.5451 or toppel-internships@miami.edu. MAKING CONTACT WITH COMPANIES OVER THE PHONE: You may be nervous—never fear! Keep these guidelines near: “Hello. My name is ________. May I please speak with the person who coordinates internships in your organization?” Immediately inquire whether this person is willing to take a few minutes to discuss the internship and answer your questions, or whether they prefer to fax, email, or mail materials to you. Be prepared. Some recruiters may want to interview you on the spot. Be ready to briefly describe who you are, where you go to college, your goals, and why you are interested in the company/organization. Make sure to discuss these things, while also being courteous of their time. *Attending an “Interviewing Skills” program in the Toppel Career Center is helpful! Always express gratitude for their time and information before you hang up. SENDING CREDENTIALS: Always have the following ready to send or take on an interview:

• Cover letter (tailored to each internship/company)

• Resume • References (when requested)

• Writing samples (when requested) • Transcripts • Portfolio of previous work

samples/accomplishments THE WAITING GAME: A response can take anywhere from 5-7 days or longer. If you don’t hear anything after a week, follow-up with a telephone call. Be polite and courteous:

• Have your materials been received? • Where are they in the decision making process? • Do they need further information from you? • Feel free to briefly restate why you are interested in their organization • Thank them for their time and consideration

INTERVIEWS: Attend an “Interviewing Skills” program in the Toppel Career Center or set up an appointment for a mock interview with a Toppel staff member to help you practice. Here are a few common questions to help you prepare:

QUESTIONS TO EXPECT FROM THE EMPLOYER • Why do you want this job/internship? • Why should I hire you? • What do you consider to be your strengths? Weaknesses? • How would you describe yourself? • What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort? • How has your college experience prepared you thus far? • What does success mean to you? • In what ways do you think you can contribute to this organization? • What achievements have given you the most satisfaction? • Do you work well under pressure? • Tell me about yourself. • How do you spend your leisure time? • What jobs have you held previously? What responsibilities did you have? • How did you like your previous job(s)? How did you benefit from it? • What are the characteristics of an ideal job for you? • Do you prefer to work with data, machines, people, or ideas?

QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT WANT TO ASK THE EMPLOYER

• How would you describe the mission of your organization? • What would my tasks and responsibilities be? • Is there a position description for the internship I am interested in? • How many hours per week would you ideally like an intern to work? • With whom would I work? How would I be supervised? Could I meet him/her? • Do you host other interns? If so, how are they utilized? • What kind of training or orientation do you provide? • Does the position require any special skills, experience, or education? • How does the department I would work in fit into the overall organization? • What is the general role and status of interns at the work site? How can I expect to be

received? • How would my performance be evaluated? • Do I need to fill our an application or provide any other documentation? If so, when are they

due? QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK YOURSELF

• How well does this position relate to my career goals and academic background? Can I benefit from it?

• Are my abilities suited to this organization? • Considering expenses, time commitment and responsibilities—is it practical? • Were the people there supportive and enthusiastic toward me and interns in general? • Does the work environment appeal to me?

SHOW APPRECIATION BY SENDING A “THANK YOU” LETTER! A thank-you letter after an interview is a must! Plan to send your thank-you letters as soon as possible (preferably 24-hours) after your interview. A thank-you letter can be a simple note if the interview was more informal or a structured letter if the interview was formal. Collect business cards at the end of your interview so you have the necessary contact information in order to send your letters. When the recruiters receive your thank-you, they will know that you appreciated their time and they will be reminded of you in a positive way.

THE OFFER—How to decide: • Which organization fits your personal learning goals/needs the best? • Are your abilities suited to the organization? • Is it practical? (Do you have to relocate? What expenses are involved? What is the time

commitment?) • Do co-workers and supervisors appear enthusiastic and supportive of interns? • How much personal attention will you receive? • How does the general work atmosphere (employee morale, dress) appeal to you? • How much responsibility will you have? • How well does the position relate to your career goals? Academic goals? • Will the internship offer valuable experience?

Accepting/Rejecting Offers: How to handle the blessing (or curse!) of multiple offers- Never say yes to a company/organization and then go back later and say, “sorry, but…” Ask for a few days to respond to their offer and request a written confirmation of the offer. This allows you to make a decision by fully weighing all of your options. You and the employer should determine an agreeable date by which you will make a decision. Keep your word! If you promise the employer you would respond by a certain date, be sure to do so. Other candidates may be affected by your decision and you would want to practice common courtesy. When you accept, confirm these details IN WRITING:

• Job description • Compensation: hourly wages, academic

credit (if any) • Academic sponsor/requirements

• Parking • Work schedule • Site supervisor • Appropriate attire

You may accept the internship offer over the telephone and in addition, you may want to send a formal letter of acceptance of the offer that demonstrates your enthusiasm and anticipation for the position. If the company/organization requires paperwork from you or your academic advisor, make sure to provide what is requested in a timely manner. If you are completing the internship for academic credit, provide the necessary paperwork to your academic department. You may also decline over the telephone. You can also follow-up with a formal letter declining the offer that demonstrates your appreciation for the opportunity and respect for the company/organization. BEST OF LUCK! As you begin your internship search, remember that it is never too early or too late to start looking for an internship. The best way to find out what you want to do with your major is to start to apply your knowledge and skills in the work place. Approach your search for an internship the same way you would approach applying for a full-time job.