One of the skills each of you is evaluating during your experience this summer is that of problem-solving. Different organizations approach problem-solving using different methods. Some prefer a team approach, while others assign individuals to evaluate a problem. In fact, there are probably as many methods of solving problems as there are problems to solve.

In your comments, please share an example of one method of problem-solving you have seen used in your current internship. While maintaining confidentiality and a positive frame of mind, what have you learned about effective problem-solving through your work or observations?

Welcome to Summer Internship Conversation with the Office of Career Programs and Student Development at Presbyterian College! We're excited to begin another term of hands-on learning, with a diverse group of students completing internships in some exciting places. I invite each of you to introduce yourself and tell everyone where you'll be interning this summer. Let us know what your greatest hope for the summer experience is. Then, read the comments from other interns to see what else is out there. You will be invited to comment on a series of blogs this summer, but there are a few guidelines I'll try to remind you of each time:

1. This is a public forum. Faculty members, employers, and the general public will read what you say. This is not a place to air dirty laundry or to report problems. The proper way to communicate about such issues is directly with me in private conversation.

2. This is a public forum. The questions are asked so that you can share and compare a variety of settings - give informative details which will help other interns (current and future) learn about the variety of workplaces which are represented. Share, share, share relevant details which give insight into working in a particular type of setting.

3. This is a public forum. Privacy matters. Remember confidentiality issues related to your internship.

4. Most importantly, this is a public forum. You are representing yourself and Presbyterian College to future employers and the world. Do yourself proud.

Now - GO BLUE HOSE! Do your best and have a great summer!

Spring 2012 Seminar 3 - Finishing STRONG!

Each semester we use the final seminar to pull all the details together from the entire semester, particularly to share the most valuable lesson or skill you will take with you from this internship.

In the comments section below, please share some of the most important lessons you've learned - particularly about time management, work ethic, networking, and overcoming obstacles. Then, write a sentence or two about your plans and dreams following this semester and a shout-out to students you believe should explore a similar internship in the future. Finally, what is the most important thing you learned from your experience?

Spring 2012 Seminar 2

Those of you who missed our Internship Seminar last week missed an opportunity to practice your interview skills. We explored the common questions you can anticipate in graduate school or job interviews, and ways to highlight your internship experience during these.

For your make-up assignment, write a comment which shares your answer to one of these potential interview questions:
1. For students who anticipate seeking a job after graduation -  "What skills have you used during your internship which you believe will help make you a stronger asset to your future employer?"
2. For students who anticipate applying to graduate/professional school after graduation - "How has your internship helped you get more out of your classroom experience?"
3. For students who need a back-up question - "Tell me the most important thing you have learned about working with others."

I look forward to your comments!

Spring 2012 INTERNS Galore!

The Spring 2012 semester promises to be an exciting one for internships at Presbyterian College. Not only are there more students completing internships in the spring than the fall, but also, many of these internships are for longer hours.

Students who are completing an internship this semester are invited to introduce themselves in the comments to this post, and to tell a little about your internship and what excites you about the opportunity.  Faculty intern advisors and employers are also invited to read along, comment in our discussions, and contribute to the internship community-wide discussion.

Please keep in mind that this is a public forum, using discretion when discussing any challenges, particularly maintaining confidentiality with workplace-related specifics. Contact me directly by phone or email if you have an internship-related problem which needs to be addressed.

End-of-Semester Workshop

During the last week of classes, fall interns came together to discuss and reflect on their experiences this semester. Students marked the office map with a flag showing their internship location, wrote down challenges which they overcame and which will help them face future challenges, and illustrated their transferable skills in pictorial fashion. They also created a list of the most important or best thing about their experience and a summary of accomplishments which they can list on future resumes.

Fall intern discussion - The Workplace Environment

Each work setting has its own personality, so to speak. You use knowledge related to the industry requirements. An example would be the vocabulary related to that field. You also develop new skills, some of which are specific to a field  (such as use of certain software), but many which are transferable to a wide variety of locations and fields. These two areas are fairly easy to identify and descibe.

More difficult, though, is trying to describe the underlying attitudes or values of a particular workplace. How do individuals interact with those who have different backgrounds or cultures? What value systems are overtly expressed - or are there subtle values which are harder to identify?

During your internship this semester, we will be exploring your own development in all four areas: knowledge, transferable skills, attitudes, and values. One part of this will be comparing your current experience to previous experiences and observations.

As you begin your internship, reflect on other workplaces you have observed or experienced, and comment on the use of academic knowledge, transferable professional skills, personal or faith values, and attitudes towards others in those locations. Also, comment on where you anticipate being in your own professional growth in five to ten years.

Remember, this is a public forum, so if anything you wish to say should be kept confidential, please email me instead of posting here.