Non-academic departments can tap into the benefits of internships

A priority for most employers is relatable job experience. An internship may mean the difference between a new graduate getting the job or being passed over. Career Services and Internships makes it easy for departments on campus to set up new internships and can provide guidance in creating learning goals and developing job descriptions. Non-academic departments can provide experiential learning opportunities to students whose majors match with departmental needs. The convenience of getting hands-on experience or jobs on campus also boosts student retention rates.

Dr. Kat Draughon, executive director for the Office of Planning, Research, and Assessment (OPRA) and Office of Sponsored Projects and Research Administration (OSPRA), regularly works with interns in her office. "The expectations for accuracy, professionalism and production for our interns are the same as for all OPRA/OSPRA employees. As a result, we have been able to increase productivity of the offices, while providing students with a diverse set of skills that are applicable to any job," she said.

According to Phil Parker, director of Career Services and Internships, setting up an internship is a relatively simple process. Once a job description is developed, the internship is posted on the Eagle Career Launch page for students. They submit resumes and top contenders are interviewed by the department supervisor. Most internships consist of a commitment of 150 hours and students receive course credit in the GENS 399 internship class for their work.

"The University has been very committed to experiential learning and internships not only to help students gain experience in their field, but also to help them build a network with professionals before they graduate," said Parker. "They get so much more out of the classes they take because they can see how it can be applied."

Departments looking for interns for the fall 2016 semester can begin the process of creating an internship now before students leave for the summer. "Once your department has a reputation for offering real-world experience for students, who then go on to have significant success after graduation, you typically have a line of students wanting the opportunity to work in your office," said Draughon.

For more information contact Phil Parker at plparker@usi.edu or 812-464-1865.