OSU STU EMP 105-04: Internships - During the Internship

Eligibility

Enrollment Criteria

Current university students or recent OSU graduates are eligible for participation in most internships.  Additional eligibility requirements will be outlined in the position description and by the academic department when granting credit for the experience.  International students should contact International Student & Faculty Services for written employment authorization prior to participating in an internship.  See STU EMP 104-01: International Students - Eligibility.  Current internship opportunities are maintained on the Career Services website.

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Definition

Internship

A high-quality, field-related experience that supplements academic training and education. 

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Background Information

Internships bridge the gap between the academic environment and the practical world of employment by providing students the opportunity to build worthy professional experience before graduation.  In addition, internships challenge or hone interpersonal and transferable skills and enhance the student’s understanding of workplace culture.  An internship is designed to build a partnership between student, field supervisor, and academic supervisor to ensure the student’s experience is valuable and contributing to skill development.  For additional information, please read “Benefits of Participating in Internships” located on the Career Services web site.

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Information

End of Internship

At the end of an internship, several steps will continue to enhance the value of your experience:

1. Request an exit interview to share your impressions and experiences and to receive feedback that will help you professionally. Written documentation of final projects and feedback will be the most helpful later.
2. If appropriate, ask supervisors if they would be willing to serve as professional references for your future job search.  It can also be wise to request letters of recommendation for your own records upon departure.
3. Ensure that all requirements have been met for receiving academic credit, if applicable.
4. Find out how the work you did will be used by the organization in your absence.  The ability to talk about the relevance of your contributions will be useful in future job interviews.
5. Soon after your internship has ended, be sure to update your resume with specific responsibilities and gained professional skills.

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