INTERNSHIPS

• Benefits
• Internships for Academic Credit
• Scholarships

Searching for Internships

On-Campus Interviews are conducted for Internships as well as full-time jobs - see Career Connection for upcoming schedules

Interviewing Tips for Internships

BENEFITS OF INTERNSHIPS

  Test potential career paths without a permanent, full-time commitment.

• Develop competencies and gain knowledge that employers seek when hiring college graduates.
• Explore and clarify your major and career goals with professionals in your field.
• Establish a network of professional contacts and mentors who may serve as references and assist you with your professional, full-time search.
• Increase your marketability for your full-time employment and admission to graduate school.
• Take responsibility for your own learning and create a more rewarding college experience.

ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP PROGRAM - FOR CREDIT

The Academic Internship Program at John Carroll is an optional academic program available to students in all majors. The program is designed to promote individual career development and self-awareness by integrating classroom learning with practical work experience. Participating students are employed in jobs relating to their major or career goals while they complete their academic program. Most students elect to work 15-20 hours per week during the school year and/or full time in the summer.

Once the student has been hired, the student has the option to select academic credit or noncredit for the work assignment. Whether a student is paid or not, has no bearing on earning credit.

To earn academic credit, students must work a minimum of 135 hours per semester for one hour of credit or a minimum of 280 hours per semester for two hours of credit. A maximum of three credit hours may be earned during the course of a student's academic career. Students who elect to receive credit must define learning objectives, produce a field report, and complete an hourly log. Students earning 2 credit hours must also complete a special project.

All students who participate in the internship program will be asked to complete an evaluation of the experience. Employers are also asked to complete an evaluation of student performance.

DEADLINE DATES FOR ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP PROGRAM - Spring 2007

Friday, February 23, 2007 Deadline for Internship Application

Friday, March 16, 2007 Deadline for submission of Internship Agreement

Tuesday, May 1, 2007 Deadline for Field Work Report and Special Project, if applicable

Tuesday, May 11, 2007 Deadline for Employer and Student Evaluation Forms and Log of Hours

DEADLINE DATES FOR ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP PROGRAM - Summer 2007

Tuesday, May 1 , 2007 Deadline for Internship Application

Tuesday, May 15 , 2007 Deadline for submission of Internship Agreement

Tuesday, August 14, 2007 Deadline for Field Work Report and Special Project, if applicable

Tuesday, August 21, 2007 Deadline for Employer and Student Evaluation Forms and Log of Hours

TRANSCRIPT NOTATION INTERNSHIP PROGRAM - NON-CREDIT

In order to have this experience listed in your transcript, you will need to fill out the Non Credit Internship Program contract. A career advisor will enroll you in a noncredit course (CE-199). There is no cost associated with this option, and the only requirements are that you and your supervisor each fill out an evaluation at the end of your work assignment. In order to qualify for CE-199, you must work the equivalent of 10 hours/week for 14 weeks (a total of 140 hours.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NON-PAID INTERNSHIPS

We promote two scholarships to reimburse students for their out of pocket expenses.

The Belda Fund Scholarship Program is available to all Liberal Arts majors interested in exploring not-for-profit careers by volunteering with organizations serving the areas of health care, social service, criminal justice, law, government, advocacy, cultural institutions, international and the environment. Students volunteer for 8 to 10 hours a week or between 60 and 125 hours a semester. Upon completion of the experience the student will receive a scholarship of up to $500. The amount of the scholarship depends upon the number of hours completed. Applications are available at the Center for Career Services.

The Michael J. Lavelle Community Partnership Fellowship is awarded to Juniors and Seniors in any major interning in administrative or managerial positions in the not-for-profit sector working approximately 200 hours per semester. Students will be eligible to earn $8.00 an hour, up to $1600, applied directly to their tuition. This scholarship can be repeated as long as the student is full time. Applications can be directed to Mr. Robert Ginn (216-397-4788) in the Boler School of Business.

SEARCHING FOR INTERNSHIPS:

Career Connection should be your first stop in the quest for an internship. There are many opportunities there in various career fields posted by employers who want to specifically hire JCU students. In addition, many of them will come to campus and conduct interviews for internships. You can also use Career Connection to get a sample of the kinds of internships available in order to compare information you receive from other sources.

Students are encouraged to make an appointment to get help strategizing an internship search with a Career Center staff member. JCU students have such a variety of interests and priorities when it comes to finding the right internship, and we would like to assist you as you move forward in the search process. There are plenty of opportunities out there, but sometimes students do not know the appropriate resources to connect with the right opportunities. You may even decide that you need to talk over your plans and values with a staff member or take an assessment to determine a best-fit. Just call x4237 to set up an appointment - we look forward to working with you!

Participating in Career Center events, taking advantage of networking opportunities with employers and others willing to share important information on the job search can greatly assist in securing a best-fit internship.

Other resources, such as discussing your plans with faculty and academic advisors and browsing other search engines and job postings can also be helpful. The Career Center has some recommended online resources, as well as hard copy sources available in our library room. The main JCU library also has resources available to you.

INTERVIEWING FOR INTERNSHIPS Adapted from JobWeb

Interviewing for an internship or co-op assignment does not have to be a scary process. Think of it as a conversation between you and an internship representative to see if there is a fit between your goals and the internship position. Doing your homework prior to your interview is the key to a successful interview 'conversation.' Taking the time to lay the groundwork increases the odds that your meeting will be productive.

Begin by researching the organization, including the web site, brochures, annual reports, and other published literature.

When you attend the interview, dress like the serious professional you will soon be. Choose dark colored suits. Practice your interview basics: handshake, posture, and smile. Rehearse/role play answers to typical questions you may be asked. Don't memorize your responses word-for-word.

Typical questions you could be asked in an interview for an internship, "What made you interested in our company? Why should we hire you for our program? Do your grades reflect your true ability? Why or why not? How will this internship help you meet your career goals?"

Prepare questions to ask. This is your chance to make sure that a particular internship will meet your needs and goals. Suggested questions include: "Could you list some tasks or projects I would be involved with? Should I expect training or an orientation prior to my internship? Would I receive a wage, stipend, or reimbursement for my expenses?"

Bring along samples of your work. Show the interviewer articles you've written, programs from events you have planned, photographs of activities you have organized, and any other supporting evidence to your qualifications. Use these as visual aids to help convey information about your skills that otherwise would not be known.

You might get an offer on the spot if your interview goes well. It is recommended that you allow yourself at least a few days to weigh the pros and cons of this position and consider your other options. Be sure to leave the interview with the interviewer's business card and contact information. Always send a thank you letter to thank the interviewer for his/her time and remind him/her of your strengths.