Steps to obtain & complete an internship

1. Clarify your goals and objectives. Ask yourself, ”Why do I want an internship? What kinds of things do I want to be doing? What skills do I want to use or learn? What do I hope to accomplish by the end of the internship?”
    
2. Information packet. Receive an information packet with all the necessary information about internships from Rhonda Pole, director of internships. The office of internships is located in the Kelley Center on second floor of Smith Hall, Room 201.
    
3. Talk with your academic adviser or department internship faculty coordinator. Discuss the relationship between your internship and your academic studies and the way in which your internship may develop desired skills and enhance your DWU education. Since an internship for academic credit must have faculty sponsorship, the discussion with your adviser is an important step. Faculty can often help you brainstorm organizations to target in your internship search.
    
4. Identify internship opportunities:

   	Faculty are great resources. Ask them about sites used previously.
   	Check out the internship files in the Kelley Center and search nationwide Web sites for listings (see "Internship Search Sites" on the internship website).
   	Remember, almost any company or organization can benefit from an intern. Brainstorm about your “dream internship,” it can become a reality! The director of internships can help you create an internship.

5. Prepare application materials. If you have not already done so, you will need to develop a resume and a cover letter. Remember that resumes and cover letters must be individually tailored to describe your qualifications and outline your learning objectives for the internship. Diana Goldammer, Director of Student Life, located in the Village will assist students with resume writing assistance. 
    
6. Practice your interviewing skills. Be sure that you're able to discuss your objectives and expectations, why you chose this organization, how you can help them and what they can do for you. Always send a thank-you letter following interviews, thanking the interviewers for their time, advice and assistance.  Diana Goldammer, Director of Student Life, located in the Village will assist students with preparation for interviews.  Ask to do a mock interview!
    
7. Make follow-up contact. A couple of weeks after sending your application materials, follow up with a phone call to reaffirm your interest in the position and check on your status.
    
8. Accept or reject internship: You may find yourself in a position where you are offered multiple internship opportunities and you will need to make a decision. Review your learning objectives and use it as a guide. Accept or reject internship opportunities in a timely manner.
    
9. Clarify expectations. It is important that you clearly understand your responsibilities and the nature of the organization in order to develop and fulfill your learning objectives. If the organization is new to internships, make sure they will use your skills purposefully and know what you can contribute. Receive a job description, if possible.
    
10. Register for the internship: Complete the Registration Form for Academic Credit – Internships and submit it to Rhonda Pole, director of internships. Academic credits range from 1-16, depending on the internship experience and departmental policies. Please note that academic credit may not exceed 16 credits during a semester or summer without permission from the provost.  The department faculty internship coordinator will need to approve the internship for credit.
     
11. Begin work!  
     
12. Establish regular contact with your faculty internship coordinator. Be in regular contact with your faculty internship coordinator and make sure to discuss any questions or problems with them. Ask for an honest appraisal of your work as you conclude your internship; you will gain much from this evaluative experience with your work supervisor. You will also meet with your faculty internship coordinator at the end of your internship to evaluate your progress in meeting your overall learning objectives. Upon completion of your internship, attend an internship follow-up session with the director of internships to discuss your internship.

Contact Rhonda Pole, Director of Internships/Kelley Center, 995.2902 or rhpole@dwu.edu

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