Work-Based Learning

What is an Internship?

NACE defines an internship as a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional workplace setting (across in-person, remote, or hybrid modalities). Internships provide students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience, develop social capital, explore career fields, and make connections in professional fields. In addition, internships serve as a significant recruiting mechanism for employers, providing them with the opportunity to guide and evaluate potential candidates.

Types of Internships

• Traditional Summer Internships: These usually begin in May and conclude at the end of July or early- to mid-August.
• Year-round Internships: Some — particularly in the legal, science, and some business realms — can last up to a year. You'll typically work less than 20 hours per week with no benefits.
• Semester Internships: Many internships coincide with the school calendar and allow students to work during the semester.

Where Do I Find an Internship?

• Job Boards — Search platforms like Monster, Handshake, Indeed.com, Company websites, etc.
• Social Media — linkedin.com
• Career Fairs — Schools, Workforce Solutions, local employers, local organizations, etc.
• Company Websites — Some companies don’t post internships on job boards, but instead list them on their official websites' career pages.
• Local Businesses and Startups — Small businesses and startups may not advertise internships widely, but reaching out directly can sometimes lead to opportunities.

Federal Internship Sites

• U.S. Department of State: https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/student-internship-program/
• USA Jobs: https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students
• Department of Defense Civilian Careers: https://www.dodciviliancareers.com/civiliancareers/internships

Self-Awareness

• Identify your top skills, life values, and general career interests. Consider taking a career assessment.
• Target specific jobs in relation to your career interests.
• Go to O*NET to research the typical entry-level jobs, educational requirements, salary, working conditions, geographical location, and future growth prospects for your field of interest.
• Meet with Lee College Student Career & Employment Services staff to clarify your career ideas and direction.
• Participate in internships, extracurricular, and volunteer activities that relate to chosen career field to determine if this is the right career field for you.

Prepare for Background Checks

• Listen to your voice mail: Is your voice mail professional?
• Google yourself to see what employers see when they search your name. Remove any incriminating or unflattering photos, information, and status updates from social network sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snap Chat, and/or Tik Tok.
• Order a free credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com to review your credit report to ensure all details are accurate.
• Understand that some employers require drug tests and use a pass/fail system for hiring.
• Use a professional email address: LHaynes91@gmail.com. (No purplehaze420@gmail.com, etc.)
• If you have a criminal offense on your record, check police reports for accuracy. Be prepared to address this topic during an interview.

Build up your Experiences

• Participate in 1 to 2 internships that relate to chosen career field to make yourself more marketable
• Join several extracurricular activities and develop leadership roles in these groups
• Participate in several volunteer activities and develop leadership in the activities.
• Purchase appropriate clothing for an interview. Get feedback from professionals of their outfit expectations. Suits for both men and women are ALWAYS a safe bet. Exception for those in manufacturing and production positions. Polo shirt and slacks are acceptable.
• Attend as many networking events as possible. Those connections could be your foot in the door for employment.
  • Examples: Career Fairs, Job Fairs, Industry Networking Events, Mock Interviews, Job Readiness Workshops, Professional Career Associations, etc.

Target Potential Employers

• Identify appropriate job search resources for your field through resources such as:
  • Career services websites, newspapers, online search engines, professional associations, networking contacts, instructors
• Sign up for email alerts with various employment websites such as Texas Workforce Commission, Handshake, indeed.com, LinkedIn, monster.com or careerbuilder.com.
• Develop a list of 15-20 employers or companies you want to work for.
• Review available jobs via you job search resources for leads on a daily basis.

Develop Job-Search Strategies

• Get organized. Maintain a detailed listing of your job searches. Record and track employer and networking contacts, the jobs you applied for, and the status of your application for each job.
• Contact your list of employers of interest to set up some informational interviews to uncover the hidden job market.
• Set measurable goals with weekly deadlines: What do you want to get out of this job search? Example: Set a deadline to submit your application, and stick to it.
• Develop and communicate regularly with networking contacts (Instructors, professionals, supervisor, family and friends).
• Join professional networking sites like www.linkedin.com. Be sure to have a polished and complete profile.
• Follow up on every employment opportunity IMMEDIATELY.
• Tell everyone you know you are looking for work; ask them for networking contacts.
• Follow up on each application submission 1-2 weeks after submission.

Apprenticeships offer you employees who can perform specific tasks or business needs. Apprentices understand the principles behind the work they are doing, are often are more adept at problem-solving, and can adapt to new technologies. Apprentices can operate with less supervision than employees who are not apprentice graduates. Apprenticeships typically last two to four years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction to equip the apprentice with expertise and confidence.

Internships increase a company’s visibility within the community, expand the applicant pool, and build a talent pipeline. Forty percent of full-time employees come from a company’s internship program, allowing companies to create a pipeline for future full-time employees in a competitive labor market. Internships vary in length and responsibility, and the benefits extend to both the employer and the intern. Interns bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

Co-ops play a pivotal role in higher education by providing students with hands-on learning experiences directly related to their fields of study. The programs are designed as a partnership between educational institutions and employers, offering academic credit for these structured work experiences.

Job-Shadowing is a temporary hands-on learning opportunity that usually involves "shadowing" — or observing — one or more professionals. These opportunities are generally shorter, varying from one day to a few weeks, and are available in a variety of career fields.