Internships

Welcome to Otterbein College's online source for internship information! Here you will find valuable information about what an internship is, why it is beneficial, how you can find one, and some resources to help you get started. You can also view the complete Otterbein Internship Manual and program forms and link to numerous on-line resources from a list organized by field.

What is an internship?
An internship, as defined by the Otterbein College Internship Program, is a structured academic opportunity that allows students to apply academic skills and knowledge in the workplace. Focused experiential education that is guided by a set of learning objectives helps students to prepare to meet career responsibilities after graduation. Your learning objectives will be defined and agreed upon by each party at the beginning of the experience. An internship can be part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid, and can take place during any quarter of the year. The arrangements will vary for each internship. For more information on Otterbein's Internship Program, please see the [link to] Internship Manual.

Why should you find an internship?
An internship will enhance your education in many ways. It will give you an opportunity to explore career fields through first-hand experience and apply theory to practice. You will learn about the job search process and therefore be better prepared for your post-graduation career search. You will also have professional experience to include on your resume which will improve your marketability to a potential employer. Interning will also give you a wonderful chance to network with other professionals in the field that may lead to future employment. This opportunity will also promote the development of decision-making and analytical skills, confidence, maturity, responsibility, and interpersonal skills.

How do you find an internship?
Many resources are available to you in your quest. However, before you start, you will want to reflect on your skills, interests, and values, what you hope to gain from your internship experience, and what types of careers are of interest to you. Some questions to ask yourself:

• What are my personal interests and career goals?
• What kind of work experience do I want?
• What kind of skills would I like to acquire?
• What kind of organization or work environment appeals to me?
• What are my special skills/limitations and what kind of contribution would I like to make?
• Where would I like to pursue my internship: Locally? Nationally? Internationally?

If you need help answering these questions, you may want to make an appointment at the Career Center or talk to faculty in your department. You may also want to consider asking the Career Center to help you develop a plan for conducting your internship search.

Strategies to locate internship opportunities will vary depending on your internship area.
Looking for an internship is very much like looking for a full-time job, and you will need to use those wonderful research skills that you are gaining in your classes! The Career Center has a website, Cardinal Careers, which lists internship and job openings from various companies. There are also several binders of internship "archives" organized by career field that allow you to research local companies that have offered internships in the past. In addition, several directories and resource books in the library at the Career Center will aid you in your search:

Check out the "Guidelines for Students" section (starting on page 7) of the Internship Manual for more ideas as well. You may also want to check out the online resources for searching for a summer job or internship.

Also, for local and national internship opportunities, check out these sites:

www.ColumbusInternships.com

www.groupereye.com