Black Collegian Career Center

Your college life has probably seemed like an endless stream of preparation activities: You examined your options before you chose a school, you gave careful consideration to the major you declared, and studied in preparation for an endless stream of papers and exams. And as graduation nears, there is another type of preparation that must take place: preparing to begin your career. One of the best ways to prepare for this milestone and to be sure you're making the right career decision is through internships and co-ops.

Internships and co-ops are opportunities that allow students to apply classroom education to practical situations. While gaining this experience, you can also get a sneak preview of what your future may be like in your chosen field, and do some company research too.

There are two types of internship assignments: academic and non-academic. Your school is a major player in academic internships, as they often maintain relationships with companies that welcome interns and offer students good practical training. Your school can also help you select the best internships for you, based on how relevant the training will be to your studies, and help you arrange a schedule that is balanced with your class load and study schedule. The school will also determine whether academic credit will be awarded, based on the number of hours you work, your assigned duties, and/or your performance.

Non-academic internships are usually sought by the student, and arranged between you and the employer. Look for gaining experience only if you arrange this type of internship, as they normally offer little to no pay, or academic credit. However, this is an excellent option if you cannot arrange an internship through your school. Non-academic internships are also a great option if you are hoping to work for a particular company after graduation.

Cooperative education combines your class load with paid employment. Many employers hire students from their co-op programs immediately after graduation. These programs also offer you a chance to gain insight into your field, and they allow you to measure your level of on-the-job performance.

Co-op assignments can be arranged around your school schedule, so that you may complete both the assignment and your studies within a specific time frame. Options include:

• Alternating a semester of full-time work with a semester of full-time study
• Attend classes full-time while working part-time
• Work full-time while attending classes part-time

Be sure to plan your schedule carefully, keeping in mind that classroom time replaced by work hours may extend your time in school. Whether you choose an internship or co-op program, each offer benefits that you can use not only to land the job you want, but also to develop yourself as a professional.

As she studied for a degree in Surgical Technology, Arkesha Davis (right) eagerly anticipated her internship assignments, knowing nothing would prepare her for a job better than the opportunity to bring textbook theory to life in an operating room.

"It allowed me hands-on experience in a field that I would be working in. It provided me with in-depth knowledge of what to expect once I entered that profession. I believe that internships are great opportunities for those who are serious about obtaining and growing in a professional career." Arkesha was able to identify what her strengths were, and what areas she needed to work on. This is one of the greatest advantages that interns have as they compete for positions; they have become aware of the areas they excel in, and can identify those strengths on their resumes, and in job interviews. This is what sets them apart from the competition.

When a company hires you as an intern, they will look for not only your understanding of classroom theory, but your all around performance as an employee. Here are some of the characteristics employers hope to observe in their interns:

• Understanding--How well can you convert theory into practical skill?
• Communications—How well do you interact with co-workers and clients?
• Professionalism—Do you arrive on time? Complete assigned tasks?
• Drive--Are you asking questions? Asking to help on other projects?

As they observe these traits and others, employers will be making a determination of whether to invite you back for another internship assignment, or for permanent employment. You will probably be wondering what they think of your performance. Academic internships and co-ops normally offer periodic evaluations, by either the employer, the internship coordinator at your school, or both. While you are being evaluated, use this time to perform an evaluation of your own. Remember, an internship is also a chance to get a sneak peek into your field and the company, to be sure you are making the right choices for yourself.

Ask yourself some questions about the company and your daily working experiences. Is this the kind of atmosphere you want to work in? Do they welcome ideas and creative input? What would your typical schedule be? Do you follow many routines, or do things change from day to day?

These are some of the types of questions you may want to find the answers to as you work. You can also examine the industry as a whole, to see if this is the kind of work to which you wish to dedicate your time, energy, and creativity.

This is the kind of planning that will help you decide what kind of company you want to work for, and which internships will best train you for those companies. Your sophomore year is the best time to begin searching for companies to intern for, as it will take time to select a company, and receive an assignment. Starting soon after declaring your major will help you to decide if you made the right choice. There are several ways to find internship and co-op opportunities:

• Visit your school's Career Services Office. Career counselors can help you determine what kind of assignment would best suit your schedule, and which companies would give you the best training and insight into your field.
• Visit college and career Web sites. For example, black-collegian.com and collegegrad.com offer helpful information on companies and their internship opportunities.
• Read business magazines and newspaper business sections. Reports on business trends and company news and profiles can help you decide on internships, and target companies with which to seek employment.
• Follow business and employment trends related to African Americans and women, to identify companies looking to diversify. Companies such as The Aerospace Corporation, Bell Laboratories, and Texas Instruments offer internship opportunities to minority science and technology majors.
• Use a placement service, such as INROADS. This non-profit organization recruits, screens, and matches minority students (high school and college) with companies for internship assignments. They hold students to a high performance standard, and offer ongoing support throughout your assignment.

The application process for assignments can be easy, straightforward, or rigorous. Your counselor may simply call a company that the school has a relationship with, and send you right over. Or you may be required to submit, grades, recommendation letters, and interview more than once. This is based on company policies and how competitive the internship may be.

When interviewing for an internship, act as if you are interviewing for a permanent position. Dress appropriately, prepare questions for the employer, and be on time. Employers are looking at you for possible long-term employment. Therefore, they won't just select you because you are studying a related major. Most employers set very real criteria for evaluating students for internships. According to Ty Stepter, CEO of Engineering Communications and Technologies in Atlanta, GA, there are standards for adding any new person to a team:

"ECT, Inc. finds gratification in providing interns with important opportunities for intellectual, moral, ethical, career, and leadership development. We consider interns by making a determination based upon the criteria below:

1. Choose an intern who is suitable for the projects or assignments.
2. Choose an intern that has a keen familiarity with trends and other facets of the industry.
3. Determine the intern's flexibility and adaptability.
4. Determine levels of past responsibility within school or other organizations.
5. Match the personality with the customer business culture and goals of our organization. Determine the proper fit.
6. Determine if required skills and responsibilities sufficiently challenge the intern.
7. Is the work appropriate for an intern?
8. Will we be able to offer sufficient learning opportunities?
9. Are available and qualified supervisors on site to coach interns?"

Clearly, with criteria like this, internship opportunities should be taken very seriously. Again, consult your school's Career Services office to help you apply and prepare for interviewing.

After accepting a position, treat it like a permanent assignment. Remain professional, taking any issues or concerns you have to your supervisor or internship coordinator. Leaving a positive lasing impression will probably get you invited back to continue your assignment next year, and may create a place for you in the company after graduation, and for years to come. Remember, career building starts the moment you declare your major.

For more information, visit your career center, or contact the following resources:

INROADS, inc.
229 Peachtree Street, Suite 2100
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 586-0352
www.inroadsinc.org

The National Society for Experiential Education
3509 Haworth Drive, Suite 207
Raleigh, NC 27609-7229
(919) 787-3263
www.nsee.org

The National Commission for Cooperative Education
360 Huntington Avenue, 384 CP
Boston, MA 02115-5096
(617) 373-3770
www.co-op.edu

Or visit these Web sites with internship listings and information:

www.black-collegian.com
www.imdiversity.com 
jobweb.org
nebhe.org
Internshipprograms.com