A strong, rigorous academic component must complement the work experience. Internships are an opportunity to apply academic concepts in practice and to explore possible future occupations. The experiential learning and skills acquired from internships and/or research experience on a resume cause you to more marketable.
What is Internship
A strong, rigorous academic component must
complement the work experience. Internships are an opportunity to apply
academic concepts in practice and to explore possible future occupations. The
experiential learning and skills acquired from internships and/or research
experience on a resume cause you to more marketable. If you're seeking an
internship overseas, you'll got to start your job search process a minimum of
six months to a year beforehand , counting on the countries that you will be
applying to. If you are seeking an internship locally, you will need to start
your job search process at least a semester to a year in advance, depending on
the services that you will be working. Typically, students work 3-6 months with
an organization. A faculty member advises the project and evaluates the
student's work.
Most undergraduate degrees have a mandatory
internship as a part of the curriculum. Internships in Bangladesh are usually
unpaid due to a high supply of graduates in comparison to the number of job
posts. Internships in reputable companies are almost always obtained through
personal contacts and references. Very rarely do large companies hold
internship intake programs but only outstanding students are able to obtain a place.
At times, it is also not uncommon for companies to ask for a small training fee
in lieu of the costs incurred by the company
Objective of
Internship
-To
analyze the practical implication of theoretical knowledge acquired during the
academic program.
-To
gain practical knowledge about organization.
-To
understand the major functions along with products and services of the
organization.
Types of
internships
Internships
exist in various industries. Here are two primary types of internships that
exist.
1.
Work experience internship: Most
often this will be in the third or fourth year of the University. The placement
can be from 2 months to sometimes even one full academic year. During this
period the student is supposed to use the things he/she has learned in
College/University and put it in practice. This way the student gets work
experience in their field of study. The gained experience will be helpful to
finish up the last year of the study.
2. Research internship (graduation) or dissertation internship: This is mostly done by students who are in their last year. With this kind of internship a student does research for a particular company. The company can have something that they feel like they need to improve, or the student can choose a topic within the company themselves. The results of the research study will be put in a report and often will have to be presented.
Why Intern?
Each year, students take advantage of
internships to explore careers, to gain professional experience, and to earn academic
credit. Internships give an opportunity to:
• Find out what it is like to work in a
specific field.
• Make contacts with professionals in the
field.
• Gain academic credit. Student must work
with a faculty and register in advance to receive academic credit.
• Strengthen your resume. Related experience
is often necessary before an employer/graduate program will consider your
application.
• Jump-start your full-time job search.
Employers often hire their interns for full-time employment after graduation.
Benefits of Internships
Some internships in industry and in the executive area of may pay a reasonable stipend. Many sector pay little or nothing; however, if you are work-study eligible you may be able to negotiate a salary at the nonprofit of your choice. Either paid or unpaid, the experience in an internship can be extremely valuable. Reports from a variety of sources show that Compared to the average students who participate in internship programs:
n They do better in
education
n They are more
likely to graduate
n They are ahead in
preparation for their field
n They are viewed as
better candidates in job interviews
n They receive more
job offers
n They earn higher
starting salaries
n They likely to get
the job with the employer they want after graduation
n They have better
communication skill
n They know how to
think critically,
n They have teamwork
ability ,
n They have
leadership capacity,
n They are self
managed
n They are fast
learner, interpersonal diversity, ethics, social responsible,
n and they have technical knowledge.
How to Find and Apply for an Internship
n Determine the type of internship you would
like to have.
Your major, personal interests or career goals can determine the type of
internship that interests you. If you have questions about which career field
to enter, get help from advisor.
n
Ways
to Find an Internship
Browse through company
directories. You can send a letter of inquiry to the contact person asking if
they have any internship positions available. Use personal relationships.
Check your department bulletin boards for postings to be eligible for
on-campus recruiting with employers that are looking for student’s employment.
This also allows you to be included in resume referrals to companies hiring
internship students.
n
How to Apply
Each internship has a different way
of applying, but most require a cover letter, resume, and an interview. You
need to write a cover letter. Once you have a typed draft, feel free to make an
appointment at the Career Center to have it critiqued by one of the counselors.
n
On the Job
In order to get the most out of your experience ask questions, research
your areas of interest, and get involved. Always think about what you are
learning and what you have learned from your experiences. Have confidence in
your ideas and abilities. It is normal to lack confidence when you enter
into a new environment; it may take some time to feel comfortable at the work
site. Pay attention to the people around you, notice who is the best person to
answer your questions, observe how the people interact with each other, and get
to know the people you work with; they may be valuable contacts for you one
day.
Opportunities for Experiential Learning and
Internships
Most students are unsure of what they want to
do for a profession. Those who think they know may not know how to get where
they want to be, or what skills they need in order to be successful in their
chosen field. The first step is to explore and experience a field through one
of University’s many Experiential Education and Internship Programs.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program
Participating students work with University
faculty and research staff in a wide variety of investigative projects, across
all disciplines. Students can learn the valuable technical and collaborative
skills necessary for future occupations.
Student/Alumni Externship Program
The Alumni Association’s Student/Alumni
Externship Program gives students a chance to meet and work with alumni, gain
marketable job experience, and explore companies that could become potential
employers. Students join alumni in their workplace and get a first-hand look at a profession.
Current undergraduate and graduate University students are welcome to apply to
the Externship Program.
What do you
want to accomplish from Internship?
Set
goals and make sure your supervisor is aware of it. Seek out opportunities to reach these
goals.
• Clarify expectations between you and your
supervisor/work team.
• Be open-minded and observant.
• Meet people who might serve as mentors.
• Develop good work habits and make a good
impression. You may want to work for this company upon graduation or need a good
recommendation.
• Learn all you can about the industry and
occupation.
Evaluate the Experience
• What did you
like about the job?
• How did you feel
about the work environment?
• What did you
learn from the internship experience?
• How will you
follow up? (A similar internship or one in a completely different field)
• What did you
learn about yourself?
Internship Checklist
• Determine the right internship for you.
• Identify
potential areas of interest
Explore Your Options
• Research to learn more about careers.
•Participate in activities that connect you
to professionals in the field.
• Attend Career Fairs and company
presentations to learn more about employers.
• Do research for academic credit.
• Join professional associations and student
groups.
• Develop a list of contacts to begin
networking.
• Connect with
alumni.
Preparation and Searching 
• Develop an Internship Search Strategy
-
Meet with a Career Counselor to help you plan your strategy.
• Determine what types of employers you will target and how you will
contact them.
• Prepare a résumé and have it critiqued.
• Attend the workshop to learn the basics of
résumé writing and Cover Letters.
Enhance your
Interview Skills
• Attend the Career Center’s Interview Workshop to learn the essentials
of interviewing.
• Practice interviewing