Show nuT Internships open doors to hidden opportunities Jason Flurer Contributing Writer Students who want to get ahead inthe in inthe inthe the business world need only one thing to stand out from the crowd an intern intern- ship As the American job market grows more competitive and the number number number num num- ber of college graduates increase it often takes more than a degree and determination to land a dream job Many students have discovered that the hand first-hand experience and knowledge gained through an intern intern- ship can offer a competitive edge in the workforce Emily Fowden a former fonner student student student stu stu- stu- stu dent was recently hired at a doctors doctor's office after her semester-long semester intern intern- ship Without my internship through the Employment office I wouldn't have been able to get such a great job and make so many contacts Fowden said The Employment office provides a variety of services and resources for students exploring internships in their field of study Wendy Potter the Redwood campus employment specialist specialist specialist helps student find internships ina in ina a variety of fields For some students I will have immediate internships others I will have to search for Potter said Students searching for paid internships internships internships intern intern- ships generally have a difficult time because companies seek to hire non- non paid interns Obtaining a paid internship internship internship intern intern- ship can be as competitive as obtaining a job with the company The Employment office mostly deals with paid non-paid internships which include certain benefits to students As an unpaid intern students can receive up to four hours of elective credit Many unpaid interns even get hired on after their internship since they have already received the training and experience necessary for the job The first step to obtaining an internship internship internship intern intern- ship is an appointment with one of the employment offices After meeting with one of the specialists students Internships Cont on Page 2 Internships Cont from front then coordinate with a faculty member who will supervise the progress of the internship Students must keep progress of a learning journal and according to the instructor complete an essay or project about the ence Grades for the internship I are divided between the instructor tor and the site on-site supervisor According to Potter before applying for an internship students students students stu stu- stu- stu dents should consider a number of factors If I set up an internship with witha a student and they hate it it it doesn't doesn t help It wont won't be effective for anyone Students need to do their research Next students need to narrow down their choices to a specific job If students have no idea what they want to do its it's hard to help them Tests are available to help students choose Potter said Interest inventory tests arc available through the acad academic mic advising office for students who would like to explore their par par- interests experience in the i. i Fowden's Fowden s doctors doctor's office gave her more y ythan than just a job J My internship not only provided provided provided pro pro- educational I vided me with an experience but helped me realize realize realize real real- ize what I enjoy doing and what 1 I am good at I |