Expect More. Achieve More.
Internship Program
Internships are a wonderful way to gain career-related experience while in college. Survey after survey indicate that career related experience is necessary and important in finding the first professional position. Employers look favorably on interns who have worked in the field and have proven themselves as effective employees. Some organizations use their pool of interns to select full-time employees. Whether you do an internship through your academic major for credit or as a volunteer the experience you will gain is invaluable.
Why should students do internships?
Develop new skills
Determine your likes and dislikes
Make valuable networking contacts
Resume builder
Sources of letters of recommendation
May lead to full-time employment after graduation
Helps candidates learn more about their field
Learn essential teamwork skills
Apply classroom theory to real world work situations
Personal and social growth
Why do organizations/companies want interns?
Brings vitality to organizations
Provides employers the opportunity to expand their recruiting pool
Hiring interns leads to higher acceptance-offer ratios
Employers get a chance to observe the work of prospective employees
Interns introduce fresh ideas and perspectives
The Process - Credited Internship Opportunities
Students interested in internships should first check with their academic department if they wish to receive credit. The credited internship usually is tied in with a student's academic major. You will need to have completed a specific number of credit hours and go through a formal approval process before credit can be awarded. Internships for credit might also include payment which is allowed by BSC. Check with your department chair or advisor to find out who your department faculty internship supervisor is for the current semester. To determine possible internship sites check with your department as well as the Career Services Office which maintains a database of hundreds of internship opportunities both locally and throughout the U.S. Some students who choose to do an internship but do not need credit may want to meet with our internship coordinator to help locate opportunities, prepare for the interview, develop a resume and learn important tips for getting the most from the experience. These services are offered to any student looking for an internship whether it is for credit or not. Credited internships require students to have a 2.5 GPA; some departments may require a higher standard.
Tips for Successful Internships
Define the scope of the experience at the onset. Try to get a broad generalists perspective but also have some clearly defined projects for completion.
Plan and set regular staff meetings with your site supervisor to let each other know your progress and where you need support.
Report concerns or problems immediately.
Be on time and be willing to go the extra mile. Show your enthusiasm, professionalism and ability to work well with others.
Keep a journal or daily log of your experience. This will help you to identify your accomplishments more easily at the end of the experience.
Dress professionally. Observe the dress code of the organization.
Learn about the organizational culture, norms and expectations.
Seek out mentors and support people in the organization.
Attend professional association meetings, conferences and staff meetings when appropriate.
Avoid office politics, gossip and romantic relationships.
Treat everyone with respect and kindness including clients, secretaries and constituents.
Be polite and assertive. Have a positive attitude even if some tasks are not what you hope to do in the future.
Be a good listener and establish yourself.
Establish good working relationships with site and faculty supervisors so you can leave with contacts within the field and a strong letter(s) of reference.
Ask for support in your job search efforts or indicate an interest in the organization if it appears to be a place you would consider for employment in the future.
Career Services Internship Database
The internship database maintained by the Career Services Office has hundreds of opportunities for students considering internships. The internships can be searched by career field, geographic location as well as paid and non paid opportunities. Available to current BSC students and alumni only, the database may be accessed online at www.bridgew.edu/careerservices/careerlink. In addition to the database, additional directories and resources are available.
Other Sites:
Federal Government - Student Internship Programs - The Federal Government is interested in finding people from diverse backgrounds who have skills needed to meet its future employment needs. While some agencies have developed agency-specific programs, this internship listing has special programs that can be used for hiring in all Federal agencies.
Healthcarehiring.com - Career training and opportunities in health, medical and biotechnology fields.Idealist - A directory of nonprofit and volunteering resources on the Web, with information provided by 15,000 organizations in 130 countries. Maintained by Action Without Borders.
INROADS - INROADS develops and places talented minority youth in business and industry and prepares them for corporate and community leadership. Preference goes to African American, Hispanic and Native American high school and college students with 3.0 or better grade averages.
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans - Internship Program - I.F. Interns gain experience in the dynamic field of employee benefits, human resources and compensation. The International Foundation offers two options for internships in this field. Visit their website at www.ifebp.org for further information and details.
Internships4you - Find the experience you need to succeed. Market your skills to secure the ideal internship. Access quality internship openings worldwide.
Internship Listings - Feminist Career Center
Internship Programs.com - A national listing of internships throughout the United States.
InternWeb.com - An online resource that is devoted solely to student internships. This site showcases a free national database with hundreds of internship opportunities.
Massachusetts Biotechnology Council - Use this website to explore biotech companies in Massachusetts for internship or employment leads.
National Assembly - Students considering careers in the youth development field can access an online directory to explore internship opportunities with national organizations. National Assembly is a nonprofit association of national voluntary health and human service organizations, including the American Red Cross, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Second Harvest, and the United Way.
T Howard Foundation is a 501 c (3) non-profit organization whose mission is the promote diversity in the satellite and telecommunications industry.
TV Jobs - Broadcast Employment Services - This site lists opportunities in the broadcast field.
Vista Web by Friends of VISTA - Since 1965, over 120,000 Americans have performed national service as VISTA Volunteers. VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) places individuals with community-based agencies to help find long-term solutions to the problems caused by urban and rural poverty. Founded in 1981, Friends of Vista has led national efforts to protect the VISTA program from funding cuts and to promote improvements and expansions in the program. This site provides information services to support current, former and potential VISTAs and Sponsors.
Washington Center Internship Program -The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and Bridgewater State College have agreed to participate in the programs offered by the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. The Washington Center is a non-profit, educational organization that provides full-time internships for college students from more than 800 colleges and universities in the United States and abroad. Students are placed in internships in government offices, communications organizations, law firms, trade and professional associations, human rights groups and a host of other organizations in the DC area. All majors are encouraged to apply. The program requirements consists of a 35 hour internship per week, attendance at a weekly speaker series, three hours per week of academic classes, attendance at a minimum of three Congressional breakfasts, and submittal of a portfolio of experiences which is evaluated at the end of the program.
Check out what Katie Messner '10 had to say about her experience in our nation's capital.
The Board of Higher Education in cooperation with Bridgewater State College has approved nine tuition and fee waivers per year for students to participate in the programs offered by the Washington Center. The Center will also provide each student who qualifies with a scholarship towards tuition and housing for the fall/spring semester. Scholarship funds are also available in the summer.
Application material that describes the program in detail is available in the Career Services Office, Campus Center, Room 8. To learn more about the program visit The Washington Center website.
Last Modified: November 4, 2009
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