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Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an internship? English Internships are supervised on-the-job working-and-learning assignments for undergraduate English majors and minors (juniors/seniors) and graduate students. Internships provide specific opportunities for students to utilize the research, critical thinking, and professional writing skills they have learned in their courses. Additionally, these experiential education assignments help students to focus their career choices and professional goals. Why should I apply for an internship? Employers want to know that a potential employee will be able to perform the job. Students often have the education, but lack actual experience. Internships act as a bridge between academics and the “real world.” The experience gained during an internship shows employers that the student has already successfully encountered situations similar to the job. Students can now enter the job-seeking process with confidence, knowing they have the experience and knowledge necessary to interest potential employers. Opportunities: § Apply classroom knowledge and skills in specific work assignments. § Learn new related skills for success in the professional field. § Acquire essential job-search skills for use in seeking employment after graduation. § Develop greater independence, maturity, and confidence. § Establish professional contacts for later full-time employment searches and letters of reference. § Clarify and/or focusing career choices and professional goals. § Earn academic credit for working-and-learning assignments. How long does an internship last? Internships are generally contracted for a 15-week semester or a 10-week summer term; they may be part-time or full-time, and students may earn up to 12 semester hours of academic credit, 3 of which can be counted towards an English major or minor (the basic formula for assigning credit: 10 hrs/week for a 15-week semester earns 3 credit hours). Students are encouraged to apply for more than one internship during their college career to receive a variety of experiences. Where can I find an internship? Any job that involves English skills (research, writing, editing, etc.) can be considered an internship. Even if an organization does not currently have an internship program, you can still receive internship credit as long as the position involves the use of your English skills. To help with your internship search: § Click on the links below or stop by the English Department Programs Office (RB 295) to pick up a packet of materials with everything you’ll need to get started: * Internship information: for Student Intern for Employer * Internship Midterm Report form (for job-site supervisor) * Internship Final Report form (for job-site supervisor) § Check this list for job site contacts and other resources. § Visit the Career Resource Center in LU 220 or visit their web page at http://www.bsu.edu/careers § Search the internet for internships. Are there organizations you would like to work for? How do I propose an internship? Using the information provided above, find an internship that you think sounds interesting or rewarding and either call or email the organization. If you know of somewhere else where you would like to intern, contact them. Either way, be sure you are prepared to sound professional and be thorough in both your inquiries and responses. Familiarize yourself with the internships program so that you can answer any questions they might have. Additionally, be sure to get to know the organization you are contacting. Visit their website and show them that you’ve done your homework. Consider using the following script when calling or emailing your potential employer: "Hello. My name is [name]. I am currently a [junior/senior/graduate student] at Ball State University. As part of the English department, we are encouraged to gain professional experience [in reading/writing/editing] through the English Internships Program. I am familiar with [name of organization] and I believe that my classes have provided me with a set of skills that would make me an asset to your organization. I would be happy to send you information about our internships program that details your role in the partnership. You can also find the information on our website. I can be reached by phone at [number] or by email at [email address]. Thank you for your time." How do I set up an internship? After the employer agrees to provide you with an internship, follow these 3 easy steps: 1. Contact Shawna Sewell in the English Department Programs Office for the name of the acting Director of Internships. He or she will serve as your faculty supervisor. 2. Turn in the following materials to the Director of Internships in the English Department Programs Office (RB 295): § Completed Internship Application § Internship Agreement signed by your work site supervisor § Course request form signed by your faculty supervisor 3. Register for credit: the course reference number must be obtained in the English Department main office (RB 297) to register for the approved number of credit hours in: § ENG 369 Undergraduate Internship § ENG 669 Graduate Internship Requirements for credit? For internships to be translated into academic credit, the student intern must fulfill the requirements and expectations of both the job-site supervisor and the faculty supervisor. Expectations of the Intern: 1. Accept and complete internship assignments. 2. Ask questions if any assignment isn’t clear. 3. Be professional (dress appropriately, arrive on time, etc.). 4. Cooperate with other staff. 5. Use good judgment. If uncomfortable or faced with an ethical question, contact your faculty supervisor. 6. Learn from your job-site supervisor’s suggestions and criticism. 7. Take initiative.
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