Get your feet wet in the professional world… with internships!

1. Get your feet wet in the professional world… with internships!

2. Why consider an internship? A college degree is no longer a guaranteed ticket to success *61.9 % of the class of 2004 had internship experience* Experience=key to competing

3. From the mouths of interns… “The experience that I gained from the internships I have had are invaluable to me; they have made me more comfortable in a business setting, they have honed my skills in my field, and they have made me more marketable to future employers.” --Jason Hardy, RIC client & frequent intern

4. Why take an internship? You will… Strengthen your resume Develop marketable skills Network! Apply your class work Test a potential career

5. What is expected of me? Develop goals & objectives Self-evaluate and reflect Communicate with your mentor Maintain professional & ethical standards Ask Questions!

6. Where do I start looking? • Your school’s Career Services Department • Faculty Advisors, Professors and Student Organizations • Career/Internship Fairs • Networking Events • Company Websites • Internship Search Sites such as: www.ric-swpa.org

7. What are the steps involved in finding an internship? Define your goals & priorities Conduct a search Create a resume and cover letter Contact employers Prepare for interviews Follow-up on all interviews

8. How will I be compensated? • Paid • Recent Survey of Pay: • Academic Credit • Contact Career Services to determine pre-requisites and eligibility – BEFORE you talk to your employer • Alternatives • Travel reimbursement, special events tickets, etc.

9. From the mouths of interns… “The experience is the most important part of the internship—not the money nor the credit hours.” --Ashley Greco, RIC client, former intern and new hire at Enterprise Bank

10. When should I start looking? • Fall or Spring Semesters • Summer Break • Take an internship when you are ready!

11. How do I get the most from my internship? • Keep a journal • Maintain a portfolio • Meet regularly with your supervisors • Ask to attend meetings • Seek constructive criticism

12. The Regional Internship Center (RIC) • Serves as centralized internship system • Increasing the number of internships in Southwestern PA • Catalyst of student retention • FREE!! http://www.ric-swpa.org

13. How does the RIC serve students? • Connects students to internships opportunities in SW PA • Offers career-planning resources • Staff is available for personal guidance & feedback

14. Can my internship lead to a job? • 74 % of employers offer internships to recruit entry-level talent • 36% of interns become full-time hires --National Association of Colleges & Employers 2005 Experiential Education Survey. • In 2004 40% of RIC employers offered their interns full-time positions

15. Any other real-life benefits? • 44.9% of employers said they offer higher salaries to incoming hires with internship/co-op experience than they offer to those without such experience --National Association of Colleges and Employers 2005 Experiential Education Survey

16. From the mouths of interns… “My first internship let me know exactly what I didn’t want to do with my life. My second internship gave me an idea of the kind of workplace environment that I needed to be happy. My third internship taught me invaluable skills that I use to this day.” --RIC intern Eric Verprauskus

17. Any questions?Erin BakerStudent & University Relations Associate412.258.2687ebaker@coro.org