English Department Internships

Dr. Russell WillertonENGL 198

Feb. 1, 2012

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Why go to college?

To learn new things To become a better citizen To get a job You need to consider the role that

internships can play in helping you reach your college goals.

You need to consider the role that majoring in English can play in helping you reach your college goals.

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Outline

1. Define internship

2. Discuss benefits of internships

3. Identify frequent sponsors of English department internships

4. Discuss process of starting and completing an English department internship

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Defining “internship”

An internship is a pre-professional work experience that provides students, recent graduates, and career changers with a chance to find out more about a certain career without a permanent commitment. For students, internships provide a way to gain work experience, supplement academic classes and, in some cases, earn college credit.—jobsearch.about.com

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Defining “internship”

An internship is an opportunity to integrate career-related experience into an undergraduate education by participating in planned, supervised work. —polisci.osu.edu

Note: Just because they call you an intern, that doesn’t mean they are providing an internship.

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Benefits of an internship

Explore or confirm a career option Network with professionals in your field Gain practical work experience Gain a competitive edge—get things you

can talk about in a job interview Apply course concepts to the workplace Add to your professional portfolio Earn credits toward your degree* (if you register)

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Frequent English internship sponsors

On campus Off campus

Arbiter/Student Media Boise Weekly

BSU News and Marketing Shake It Up After School

BSU Linguistics Lab St. Luke’s, St. Al’s

BSU Writing Center Idaho DEQ

Melville’s Marginalia Online Morris Hill Neighborhood Assoc.

BSU Women’s Center Healthwise

BSU Faculty Rediscovered Bookshop

Ahsahta Press Ada County Sheriff’s Office

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The internship process1. Reach junior status (58+ credits).2. Find an internship site/supervisor.3. Complete the online application. 4. Turn in the printed, signed form to the registrar’s

office.5. Pay for the credits.6. Complete the internship during the designated

semester: fall, spring, or summer. 7. Work conscientiously under the direction of your

agency supervisor.8. Complete the required assignments in Blackboard.

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Representing BSU and the English department

The value of your Boise State diploma is directly related to how the local community perceives BSU faculty, staff, students, and graduates. As an intern, you are representing BSU, the English department, and English majors.

Maintain the value of your degree and ensure internship opportunities for future English majors by behaving in a professional manner in all interactions with people in our community.

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Ask yourself:

Can you afford to complete an internship as part of your coursework?Costs: time; money; opportunity to take another class

Can you afford to not complete an internship as part of your coursework?Costs: loss of workplace knowledge and experience, loss of knowledge about a potential career, fewer networking contacts

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Learning more

Contact Dr. Willerton:

russellwillerton@boisestate.edu

Search ‘English Dept. Internships’ in Blackboard

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Employee Wanted:Bookish person with disdain for Corporate America. Sarcasm and quick wit are a must. Preference given to those who treat every human encounter as a “text” to be analyzed. English degree required; lack of electives in other subjects is a definite plus. Even though you have no prior experience, we know you will “flip the switch” and start producing excellent work to benefit our company. Pay = lots of $$$!

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Orientation outline

1. Understanding the value of an academic internship

2. Meeting English internship requirements

3. Getting the most out of your internship

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Your responsibilities1. Find an internship site/supervisor2. Complete the online application 3. Register at Boise State University for internship

credit4. Complete the internship during the dates specified 5. Comply with general rules, policies, and

procedures of the organization6. Work conscientiously under the direction of your

agency supervisorcont.

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Your responsibilities, cont.

7. Comply with the rules of confidentiality of the organization or business

8. Report serious problems, including physical, safety, and personnel, to your agency supervisor and English internship coordinator

9. Complete all academic assignments and course work related to the internship

10. For your protection, it is recommended that you carry Boise State Student Health Insurance or other private health insurance

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Value of an internshipThe importance of the academic internship has increased significantly in the past few years. Consider the following:

In the early 1980s, only 1 in 36 students completed an internship or other experiential learning program. In 2000, one study found that approximately 86 percent of college students had completed internships, with 69 percent reporting having had two or more.

—Grimsley, K. “For Today’s College Grads, It Isn’t Just About Money.” Washington Post, 5 May 2000, sec H, p. 1.

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English internship course assignments

Activity log Internship journal Progress report Intern questionnaire

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IncompletesUnless you have discussed your situation with the English Intern Coordinator, do not start an internship with the intention of requesting an Incomplete.

Requesting a grade of Incomplete might be appropriate if you experience a documented medical situation that prevents you from completing your internship. Likewise, if conditions beyond your control change at your internship and prevent you from completing your internship, an incomplete might be appropriate.

However, poor time management, lack of planning, and unsatisfactory performance are not appropriate reasons to request a grade of Incomplete. Read the course policies for specific details.

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Orientation outline

1. Understanding the value of an academic internship

2. Meeting English internship requirements

3. Getting the most out of your internship

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Meeting your employer’s expectations

According to a 2005 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers want to hire people with the following skills:

Quality or Skill Rank1

Communication skills 4.7

Honesty/Integrity 4.7

interpersonal skills 4.5

Strong work ethic 4.5

Teamwork skills 4.5

Analytical skills 4.4

Motivation and initiative 4.3

Flexibility and adaptability 4.2

Computer skills 4.1

1Scale: 1= not important, 5= extremely important

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Meeting your employer’s expectations, cont.

Communication skills Business ethics Work ethic

Unfortunately, this same survey revealed that employers feel that students entering the workforce lack the following qualities of character and skills:

The following slides contain advice and tips to help you demonstrate that you have the qualities of character and skills that employers value.

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Working as an intern

Acknowledge that you are an intern­ Take advantage of opportunities to learn­ Listen more than you talk­ Be willing to “get your hands dirty”­ Show appreciation of those working with you

Recognize that you are a contributing team member­ Show a willingness to participate­ Share your knowledge­ Recognize that you are adding value

Working as an intern is a balancing act:

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Protecting confidential material

In your work as an intern you might have access to personal information (e.g., health or financial data), sensitive technical data, or proprietary commercial information. Your sponsor depends on you to handle such information is a responsible manner. You are accountable for using and protecting confidential data according to the guidelines established by your sponsoring organization.

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Understanding non-disclosure agreements

Establish guidelines by which you will handle the confidential information

Protect sensitive information from disclosure to others Prevent the forfeiture of valuable patent rights by an

organization Define exactly what information can and cannot be

disclosed Limit your use of the confidential information

An organization might ask you to sign a non-disclosure (confidentiality) agreement. These agreements perform several functions:

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Understanding non-compete agreements

A non-compete agreement states that you will not work for any other companies who compete in the same industry for a specified period (often a year) after you leave a company.

It is not reasonable, in my view, for an intern to sign one of these in a small market like Boise.

If you ever have doubts about a document you are asked to sign, get help before you sign it.

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Managing your time

1. Create a daily and weekly task list

2. Assign priorities to each task

3. Check off items as they are completed

4. Refer to completed lists when writing about your accomplishments

Juggling an internship, courses, family, and whatever else life throws your way can be a challenge. I recommend keeping a to do list. Consider the following strategy for managing your time and increasing your productivity:

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Learning more

In the Information folder at the English Internship Blackboard site, you can find several short articles addressing topics such as business meeting etiquette, communication tips, cubicle etiquette, cell-phone etiquette, e-mail etiquette, networking, and mentoring.

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Learning more

Contact Dr. Willerton:

russellwillerton@boisestate.edu