internships: the on-ramp to employment · internships: the on-ramp to employment a guide for...

INTERNSHIPS: THE ON-RAMP TO EMPLOYMENTA Guide for Students with Disabilities to Getting and Making the Most of an Internship

Andraéa N. LaVant

4455 Connecticut Ave, NW Suite 310Washington, DC 20008

ncld-youth.info

National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth

REFERENCES

Eckel, E. (2010, August 17). The 10 best IT certifications: 2010. 10 Things.http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/10things/?p=1751

Employment Digest. (2007, November 28). Surviving the First Week in a New Job. http://www.employmentdigest.net/2007/11/surviving-the-first-week-in-a-new-job/

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (2005, March 21). Job Applicants and the Americans with Disabilities Act. http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/jobapplicant.html#application

Hansen, K., & Hansel, R. S., (n.d.), The Basics of a Dynamic Cover Letter. http://www.quintcareers.com/

Hare, R. (2008). Plotting the Course for Success: An Individualized Mentoring Plan for Youth with Disabilities. Washington, DC: National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth, Institute for Educational Leadership.http://www.ncld-youth.info/index.php?id=16

Luecking, R., & Fabian, E. S. (2000). Paid internships and employment success for youth in transition. Career Development for Exceptional Individuals, 23(2), 205-221.

National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth. (n.d.). Terms in Definitions.http://www.ncwd-youth.info/definitions#name-taxonomy-vtn-term-I

National Association of Colleges and Employers. (2009, October 29). Interns Fare Better in Poor Job Market [Press Release]. Bethlehem, PA: Author.http://www.naceweb.org/Press/Releases/Interns_Fare_Better_in_Poor_Job_Market_%2810-29-09%29.aspx Pink, Daniel H. (1999, August 31). What Happened to Your Parachute? Fast Company. http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/27/bolles.html?page=0%2C4 Potzmann, J., & Guadagnolo, A.(2009). A Guide to Internship Success. Northridge, CA: California State University – Northridge Career Centerhttp://www.csun.edu/career/students/internships.htm

Rhodes, Sallie. (2007). High School/High Tech Program Guide: A comprehensive transition program promoting careers in science, technology, engineering and math for youth with disabilities. Washington, DC: National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth, Institute for Educational Leadership.http://www.ncwd-youth.info/hsht/program-guide

Virginia Tech Career Services. (2010, May 10). Cover letters: types and samples. http://www.career.vt.edu/JobSearchGuide/CoverLetterSamples.html#Sample36

Vogt, P. (2005, November 21). Maybe You Can Get Paid for an Unpaid Internship. http://www.youngmoney.com/internships_seasonal/061/ SUNY Fredonia Career Development Office. (2009, June 1). Researching an Organization. www.fredonia.edu/cdo/j-j6.asp

WetFeet. (n.d.) Defining the Six Most Common Internship Types. http://wetfeet.com/Undergrad/Internships/Articles/Defining-the-Six-Most-Common-Internship-Types.aspx

INTERNSHIPS:THEON-RAMPTOEMPLOYMENTi

INTERNSHIPS: THE ON-RAMP TO EMPLOYMENT

AGuideforStudentswithDisabilitiestoGettingandMakingtheMostofanInternship

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TheNationalConsortiumonLeadershipandDisability/Youth(NCLD-Youth)isayouth-ledresource,information,andtrainingcenterrunforandbyyouthandemergingleaderswith

developmentaldisabilities.TheprogramishousedattheInstituteforEducationalLeadershipalongsideitssistercenter,TheNationalCollaborativeonWorkforceandDisability/Youth(NCWD-Youth),theprimaryauthorofPavingtheRoadtoWork:AGuidetoCareerFocusedMentoringforYouthwithDisabilities.

Developmentofthedocumentwasfundedbyagrant/contract/cooperativeagreementfromtheU.S.DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices,AdministrationonDevelopmentalDisabilities(Number#90DN0224).TheopinionsexpressedhereindonotnecessarilyreflectthepositionorpolicyoftheU.S.DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices.Nordoesmentionoftradenames,commercialproducts,ororganizationsimplytheendorsementbytheU.S.DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices.

Suggestedcitationforthisreport:LaVant,A.(2010).Internships:TheOn-RamptoEmployment.Washington,DC:NationalConsortiumonLeadershipandDisability/Youth,InstituteforEducationalLeadership.Formoreinformationonthis,orotherproductsdevelopedbyNCLD-Youth,pleasecontactAndraéaLaVantat202-822-8405x127orhttp://www.ncld-youth.info.NCLD-Youthpublicationscanbedownloadedforfreefromthewebathttp://www.ncldyouth.info.

©2010bytheInstituteofEducationalLeadership,Inc.

ThiswholedocumentorsectionsmaybereproducedalongwiththeattributiontoIEL.

ISBN1-933493-39-9

Acknowledgements

AspecialthankstoRebeccaCokleyfromtheWhiteHousePresidentialPersonnelOfficeandGaryGoosmanfromtheUnitedStatesBusinessLeadershipNetworkforlayingthefoundationforthisdocumentandofferingtheirvastinternship-relatedknowledge.ThankstoPatrickCokleyandNadiaIbrahimfromtheU.S.DepartmentofLabor’sOfficeofDisabilityEmploymentPolicyandDavidHalefromtheAmericanAssociationofPeoplewithDisabilitiesforsharingtheirpersonalandprofessionalexperiencesofworkingwithinternswithdisabilitiesandofferingtheirinsightonthecontentofthisguide.ThanksalsotoAmyKatzelforcritiquingandofferinghereditingexpertise.

INTERNSHIPS:THEON-RAMPTOEMPLOYMENTiii

Introduction to Internships........................................................ 1Chapter 1 Investigating your Options................................... 3 ExploringYourInterestsandExperience................ 3 ExaminingCareerOpportunities............................ 3 GettingSupport...................................................... 5 ConductingInformationalInterviews...................... 6 Resources............................................................... 8Chapter 2 Gathering the Pieces.......................................... 19 Decidingonthebesttypeofinternship................ 19 Gettingoutsideofyourcomfortzone................... 21 Buildingaproperresume..................................... 21 Chronologicalvs.Functionalresumes.................. 22 Usingyourcareerservicesanddisability supportoffices...................................................... 23 Findinganinternship............................................ 23 Writingacoverletter............................................. 25 The“cold”resumeandcoverletter...................... 26 Resources............................................................. 28Chapter 3 Making Way for the Interview............................. 35 Researchingtheorganization............................... 35 Determiningyourgoals......................................... 36 Interviewing........................................................... 37 Followingup.......................................................... 39 Resources............................................................. 40Chapter 4 Doing your Homework – Before you accept an offer................................. 45 Ensuringyourschoolrequirementsarebeingmet.... 45 Makingsuretheinternshipistherightfitforyou..... 45 Gettingtoyourinternshiplocation........................ 46 Fundinganinternship.......................................... 46 Recognizingtheneedtoadapt............................ 47Chapter 5 Preparing for the Big Day – After you accept an offer.................................... 49 Usingtechnologytoyouradvantage.................... 49 Determiningwhotomeetandwhattobring......... 50 Decidingwhattowear.......................................... 50

Table of Contents

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Chapter 6 Now that I am Here, what do I do?..................... 51 Survivingthefirstweekasanintern..................... 51 Creatingaworkplan............................................. 53 Exploringtheorganization.................................... 54 Exploringthecityaroundyou............................... 55 Resourcemapping............................................... 56 Evaluation............................................................. 57 Resources............................................................. 58Chapter 7 Skills for Success............................................... 69 Speakingup:Findingyourinnervoice................. 69 Representingtheorganization.............................. 70 Networking............................................................ 70 Doingyourhomework........................................... 72 Businesscards..................................................... 72 Findingandusingamentor.................................. 73 Navigatingthetransportationsystem................... 74 Takingtimeoffwork.............................................. 74 Disclosingyourdisability...................................... 75 Resources............................................................. 76Chapter 8 That was fun…Now what?................................. 79 Gettinglettersofrecommendation....................... 79 Sayingthankyou.................................................. 79 Keepingyournetworkstrong................................ 79 Reflectingonyouraccomplishments................... 80 Updatingyourresume.......................................... 81 Resources............................................................. 82Chapter 9 Personal Assistance Services........................... 87 FindingaPersonalAssistant................................ 87 Beingtheemployer............................................... 88 Consideringthecost............................................. 88 Determiningyourneeds....................................... 88 Talkingtoyouremployer....................................... 89 Helpfulhints.......................................................... 89Chapter 10 Resources & Publications.................................. 91References ..................................................... InsideBackCover

INTERNSHIPS:THEON-RAMPTOEMPLOYMENT1

Introduction to Internships

Bychoosingtousethisguide,youaremakingaveryimportantchoiceforyourfuture.Foryoungpeoplewithandwithoutdisabilities,internshipinvolvement

isaveryimportantsteptowardgettinganidealjobinyourcareerfieldofchoice.Participatinginexperienceslikementoringprograms,jobshadowingandinternshipsaregreatwaystomakeyoustandoutamongotherjobapplicants.Decidingtoseekoutandcompleteaninternshipwillhelpyouasyoudecidewhattypeofcareeryouwant,dobetterinschoolandultimatelyallowyoutomakemoremoneywhenyougetoutintotheworkingworld!

What is an Internship?AnInternship isanopportunitytoexpandandconnectclassroomlearninginafull-time/part-timesupervised,work-basedsetting.Internshipsarebasedinexperientiallearning,meaningtheyprovideopportunitiestolearnbyactuallycompletingspecifictasks.Thereisgenerallyanemphasisonreflection,orthoroughlythinkingthroughwhathasbeengainedandlearned.Internshipsareintendedtoprovidetheinternwithhands-onprofessionalexperienceinanoccupationalcareerfieldheorsheisconsidering.

Manyemployersseejobapplicantswhohaveinternshipexperienceasacutabovetherestbecausetheyhavedemonstratedthattheyhaveadesiretoworkandgrow.Theinternshipexperiencecanalsoservetogetyourfootinthedoorwithprospectiveemployerswhowouldliketohaveyoudoatrialrunbeforetheyhireyoupermanently.Itisalsoprovidestheopportunitytogrowyournetworkorlistofcontactsbymeetingemployerswhomaybeabletohelpyoufindpermanentemploymentwhenyouleaveschoolandarereadyfortheworkforce.

Evenresearchhasproventhatparticipationininternshipsleadstopermanentemployment.Onestudyfoundthatregardlessofthetypeorseverityofthedisabilityorneedforaccommodations,approximately77percentofyoungpeoplewhofinishedastandardwork-basedinternshipprograminhighschoolwereofferedjobsattheplaceswheretheycompletedtheirinternships.Thecompanieshadactuallymadenopriorcommitmenttokeeptheinternsaftertheinternshipwasover,butchosetoanyway.Atthecollegelevel,resultsarequitesimilar.TheNationalAssociationofCollegesandEmployersreleaseda2009 Student Survey thatfoundthatofthe2009graduateswhohadinternships,23percenthadsuccessfullylandedajobbygraduation.Meanwhile,only14percentoftheotherstudentswithoutinternshipshadfoundjobs.Inotherwords,ofthestudentswhohadjobsbygraduation,morethan2/3hadhadinternships.

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Otherbenefitsassociatedwithinternships,specificallyforyoungpeoplewithdisabilities,include:

• Learningskills,includingcomputerskills,directlyrelatedtojobsinyourcareerfieldofinterest;

• Gainingself-confidence;• Earningapaycheckandlearninghowtomanagethemoneyyou’veearned;• Gaininganunderstandingofthebenefitsofworkandhowindividualeffortcontributesto

acommongoal;• Gaininganunderstandingofhowwhatyouarelearninginschoolisrelevanttotheworld

ofwork;• Learningtousepublictransportationortotravelindependently;• Developingaresumeandobtainingrecommendations;• Learningabouttheimportanceofpunctuality,appropriateattireandprofessional

behavior;• Establishingrelationshipsthatmayleadtootherinternshipsandpermanentorfuture

employment;• Meetingpeoplewhoaresuccessfulinyourcareerfieldofinterest;• Learningaccommodationneedsintheworkworld;• Connectingwithemployeeswhohavedisabilities;• Obtainingcredittowardsgraduationrequirementsasappropriate.

Thereisreallynodownsidetoparticipatinginaninternshipandaddingittoyourlistofexperienceandqualificationsasyouprepareforacareer.Forastudentwithadisability,notonlyarethereopportunitiestogainthebenefitsalreadymentioned,butalsointernshipsprovideanopportunityforanemployertorealizethebenefitsofhiringapersonwithadisability.Thisincludesseeinghowapersonwithadisabilitycanworkindependentlyandasapartofateam.

Ultimately,thegoalofaninternshipiseducation,forboththeinternandtheemployer.Aninternshipisnotfreeorcheaplabor,norisitajob.Althoughinternsarerarelypaid,ifyouviewitfromtheperspectivethatyouaremakinganinvestmentinyourfuture,youwillbereadytotakefulladvantageofthiscareerprepexperience.

Allthatbeingsaid,thepurposeofthisguideisnotjusttotellyouthebasicsonhowtogetaninternship.Infact,themainpurposeistoequipyouwiththetoolsyouneedtohaveacompetitiveadvantageoverotherswhoalsorecognizethebenefitthatparticipatinginaninternshipprovidesbeforegoingintotheworldofwork.

INTRODUCTIONTOINTERNSHIPS


Chapter 1 Investigating Your Options

Exploring Your Interests and Experience

Whiledecidingtopursueaninternshipisabigstep,figuringoutwhat

typeofinternshipyou’dliketocompletemaybeanevenbiggerone.Thismeanstakingtimetofigureoutwhatyourinterests,skillsandknowledgebasesare.Italsomeansreallythinkingthroughthetypeofcareeryouwantwhenyoufinishschool.Forsome,especiallythosefinishingcollegeorotherprogramsafterhighschool,youmayhaveaverygoodideaofthetypeofjobyouwant.Forothers,thinkingaboutaninternshipmightalsobeyourfirsttimethinkingaboutemployment.Eitherway,seekingoutaninternshipistheidealtimetovisualizeandplanforyourfuture.

Thegoodthingaboutaninternshipisthatyouhavetheopportunitytofigureoutthekindofworkyoudoanddon’tenjoywithoutmakingapermanentcommitment;however,youwillwanttomakeeveryefforttomakesurethatyoulookforaninternshipthatwillenableyoutousewhatyouknowandaregoodat,andwillenableyoutobuilduponthoseskillsandabilities.

Beforethinkingmorein-depthaboutthecareeryoudesire,simplythinkthroughtheinterests,skills,goalsandexperiencesyouhavethatwillhelpyougetaninternship.Activity1A,“ExaminingMyInterests,”intheResourcessectionattheendofthischapterhasalistofthoughtsforyoutoconsidertomaketheprocessabiteasier.Aftercompletingthis,youwillhaveaclearerideanotonlyofwhattypeofinternshiptogoafter,butyouwillalsohaveagoodlistofskillsandexperiencestohelpyoucreateyourresumeandmakeyourselfmarketabletopotentialinternshipcoordinatorsoremployers.

Examining Career OpportunitiesAsmentioned,anotherstepinfiguringoutwhatinternshipyouwanttocompleteisconsideringtheactualcareerfieldyouwouldliketoenter.Thiscanbeabittrickybecausenewcareersareemergingeveryday.However,gettingageneralideaofthetypeofcareeryouwanttopursuewillhelpyounarrowdownyouroptionsandhelpyouthinkaboutthepathyoushouldtake(includingeducation)togetintothatfield.

Activity1B,“WrittenInterestAssessment:CodingInterests,”intheResourcessectionofthechapterwillhelpyouconsiderhowyourinterestslineupwithdifferentcareers.Itwillalsogiveyousomeideasofpotentialcareersthatmaybeagoodfitforyou.

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Afterthinkingaboutthecareeryou’dlike,youshouldthinkmorein-depthaboutthecareeropportunitiesavailabletoyou,specificallyifyouplanonlivinginaspecificarea.Forexample,asmuchasyoumightdesiretobeamarinebiologist,ifyoudonotliveordonotplanonlivingneartheocean,thisisprobablynotagoodcareeroptionforyou.

Fromhereyoumustdeterminewhatskills,includingthoseyoualreadyhave,arenecessaryforthejob.Thisincludesfiguringoutwhattechnical/computerskills,analytical/researchskills,leadershipskills,etc.willberequired.Itishighlyunlikelythatyouwillhaveeveryskillneededtoenterthecareeryouwantatthispointinyourjourney,sodon’tfret.Figuringthisoutnowwillhelpyoufindoutareaswhereyouneedgrowthsothatyoucanthinkaboutthewaysthatyoumightgaintheseskills.Thismightincludetakingclassesspecifictotheskillareaorfindingsomeonethatisalreadystronginthatareaandaskingthemtomentoryou.Asmentioned,muchofthepurposeofaninternshipistodeveloptheskillsnecessaryforyoutogetthejobyouwant.

Youwillalsoneedtofigureoutwhattypeorlevelofeducationistypicallyrequiredforpeoplethatworkinyourfieldofinterest.Forexample,whilemanyemployersdorequiresomelevelofcollegeeducationforcomputerspecialistpositions,oftenthismaynotmeanabachelor’sdegreefromafour-yearcollege.Instead,thiscouldmeanreceivinganassociate’sdegreefromatechnicalcollege,alongwithanycertificationsnecessarytocompletespecifictasks(i.e.theA+certificationthatcertifiesyouasacomputertechnicianandcoverstopicslikehardware,operatingsystems,andnetworks).Ontheotherhand,ifyouplanonpursuingacareerinlaw,medicine,oreveninhigherlevelmanagementoreducation,justtonameafew,youshouldmostlikelyplanongettingagraduatedegreeafteryourbachelor’s.Whenlookingforin-depthinformationaboutaspecificcareerfield,visittheO*NetResourceCenter,awebsitesponsoredbytheUSDepartmentofLabor/EmploymentandTrainingAdministration.Thesiteisagreatplacetolearnaboutcareerfields,specificskillsrequiredforthem,andeven

hasassessmentsyoucantaketofigureoutwhatcareerbestfitsyourinterests.

Althoughmoneyshouldnotbethesolefactoryouconsiderwhenponderingoverthetypeofcareeryouwouldliketopursue,itshouldbeoneofthefactorsyouthinkaboutalongsidetheeducationalrequirements,skillsetneeded,andyouroverallpassionforthekindofworkinvolved.Considerthelifestyleyoudesireoraremostfamiliarwith.Wouldyoubewillingtoforegoluxuriesforacareerinafieldthat,incomparisontoothers,doesn’tpayasmuch?Thenagain,asyouconsidersalary,alsoconsiderthetimecommitment.Whileasurgeonthatisgenerallyon-callmaymakeasignificantlylargesalary,apositionlikethisrequiresmanyyearsofschoolingandevenafterfinishingoftenmeansworkinglongdayswithlittletimeoff.Thoseinteachingcareers,however,generallygettotakeadvantageoftheirstudents’schoolschedules,includingholidayandsummerbreaks.

Finally,whenthinkingaboutyourcareeroptions,whichwillultimatelyhelpyoudecidethetypeofinternshiptogoafter,youshouldconsidertheoverallworkenvironmentthatyoumaybeworkingin.Areyouthetypeofpersonthatpreferstoworkinanoffice,outdoors,orabitofboth?Doyouliketoworkaloneorasateam?Wouldyouliketotravelforyourjob,orwould

INVESTIGATINGYOUROPTIONS

You will also need to figure out what type or level of education is typically required for people that work in your field of interest.


youratherstickwiththeareayouliveinwhenitcomestoyourwork?Doyouprefera9-to-5workenvironment,whereeveryonecomesinatthesametimeeachmorningandleavesinthesamemannereachafternoon,ordoyoupreferaflexibleworkschedulethatallowsyoutoworkwithinatimeframethatyouselectaslongasyoucompleteyourtasks?Doyouenjoyamorefast-pacedenvironmentwherethereareavarietyofrolesandresponsibilitiesandalwaysmanyprojectstotackle?Or,wouldyouratherworkinaofficewhereyouhaveassigneddailydutiesthatremainfairlyconsistent?Ofcoursetherearemanyvariationswhenitcomestoworkenvironments,andoftentheymaychangesimplybasedontheemployerandnotthecareerfielditself.Again,thesearejustmorethingstothinkaboutwhenplanningforyourcareer.

Getting SupportAfinalimportantaspectoffiguringoutthetypeofinternshipyouwanttolookforisfiguringoutwhoandwhatcanhelpyoulearnmoreaboutyourcareerfieldofinterestandmaybeevenhelpyougettheinternshipyoudesire.First,considertheimmediatenetworkofpeoplethatyoucomeintocontactwithfrequently.Yourfamilymembersandfriendscangenerallybeofhelpinmorewaysthanone.Notonlycantheysupportyoubyhelpingyoufindinformationregardingthefieldyou’reinterestedin,buttheymightalsobeabletohelpyoulookforandidentifyspecificinternshipopportunities.Sometimesfamilyandfriendsmayevenbeworkinginthatsamefieldorhaveacloseconnectionwithsomeonewhodoes,andcanserveasyourdirectpointofcontactforgettingyourfootinthedoorforaninternship.

Afterconsultingwiththoseclosesttoyou(yourinnercircle),shareyourinterestingettinganinternshipwithothersthatyouencounterwhomightbeabletopointyouinthedirectionoftheidealinternship.Thisgroupwouldincludethoseatyourschool,placeofwork,andvolunteer/extracurricularactivities.Inthinkingaboutyourvolunteeractivities,youshouldalsoconsideranystudent/professionalorganizationsthatyouareapartof.The“SupportNetwork”sheetintheResourcessectionattheendofthechapterwillhelpyouthinkmorestrategicallyaboutwhothesepeopleareandhowtoaddressthem.

Finally,considergettinginformationfrompeopleandplaceswhosespecificroleistohelpyouwithyouremploymentneeds.TheseincludeOne-StopCareerCenters,universitycareercenters,andinternship/careerfairs.Althoughtheseplacesaretypicallyusedbypeoplecomingtoaskaboutpermanentemployment,they’regreatplacestogotofindoutwhoyoucanconsultaboutyourparticularcareerfieldofinterest.Oftentheyhavelistingsofinternshipsalongwiththeiremploymentlists.

One-Stop Career Centers provide job seekers with a full range of assistance under one roof. One-Stops operate in all 50 states offer training referrals, career counseling, job listings, and similar employment-related services. To find the One-Stop in your area, visit careeronestop.org.

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Conducting Informational InterviewsOneofthemostbeneficialwaystolearnmoreaboutaparticularfieldandlearnaboutpotentialinternshipopportunitiesisbyleadinginformationalinterviews.ThetermitselfwascreatedbycareercounselorandauthorRichardBollesandisaverysimpleconcept,asitjustinvolvestalkingtopeopleabouttheirjobsandaskingthemforadvice.Itisalsoagoodwaytofindoutmoreaboutaparticularorganizationinwhichyoumaybeinterested.Aninterviewshouldincludethepersonwhowantstolearnaboutacareer(thatmeansyou)andapersonworkinginthatfield.Typicallytheylastbetween20-30minutes.

Whenconsideringwhoyou’dliketointerview,considercontactingthesamenetworkthatyouhavealreadytappedintowhenyoufirstexploredyourcareeroptions.Thismayincludefamily,friends,teachers,careercentersandschoolalumniassociations.Inaddition,considerresearchingprofessionalassociationsthatareaffiliatedwithyourfieldofinterest.Forexample,ifyouareinterestedinworkingforanon-profitorganizationtohelpraisefunds,considercontactingtheAssociationforFundraisingProfessionals.Tofindalistingofassociationsthatmaybeofinteresttoyou,visitwebsitessuchaswww.asaecenter.org,thesitefortheAmericanSocietyof

AssociationExecutives,whichhasamembershipof20,000associationprofessionals.Findoutwhethertheyhavemembershipdirectoriesorothermeansofcontactingassociationmembersinyourareathatyoumightconductaninterviewwith.Ultimately,youcouldalsojustcallanorganizationyou’reinterestedinandasktospeakwiththepersoninthedepartmentthatyou’dliketolearnmoreabout.Generallyyoushouldtrytomeetwithapersonwhohasthesamelevelofresponsibilitythatyouwouldhaveifyouenteredthefield.Thismeansthatifyouwouldstartoutinanentry-levelpositionsuchasaprogramassistantorcoordinator,youshouldrequestaninterviewwithsomeoneatthislevel.

AkeyaspecttokeepinmindabouttheinformationalinterviewisthatthepurposeisNOT TO GET A jOB!Thisisthesamemessagethatyoushouldrelaytothepersonyouwouldliketointerviewwhenyourequestthemeeting.Generallypeoplehavenoproblemsharinginformationabouttheircareersandexperienceswhentheyknowthatthepersonseekingtheiradvicesimplywantstolearn.Therearethreemainwaystoaskforaninformationalinterview:throughamutualcontact,byletter,orbyphone.

Mutual contact –Asmentioned,startingbyaskingyourcontactswhotheyknowinyourfieldofinterestisagreatwaytoinitiateaninformationalinterview.Thismaymeanaskingthemtomaketheinitialrequestfortheinterview,oryoucouldaskyourcontactifyoucanmentionhisorhernamewhenyoumaketherequestfortheinterview.

Letter –Sendingaletterisanotherwaytorequestaninformationalinterview.Interviewee’softenpreferlettersbecauseitallowsthemtoreviewtheirschedulesbeforecommittingtoaparticularmeetingtime.Alettershouldincludewhoyouare,thepurposeofthemeeting,andhowlongyouexpectthemeetingtotake.Alsobesuretomentionanymutualcontactsyoumayhave,andthatyouwillfollowupwithacallwithinafewdaystosetupatimetomeet.(SeeSample1Dintheresourcesattheendofthechapterforasampleletter).Whenyousendtheletter,DONOTenclosearesume.Remember,youarenotapplyingforajob.


A key aspect to keep in mind about the informational interview is that the purpose is nOT TO geT a jOb!


Phone–Youmayalsochoosetosetupaninformationalinterviewbydirectlycallingapotentialinterviewee.Aphonecalllikethisshouldincludeeverythingthatyouwouldputintoaletter,includingprovidinganintroduction,sharinghowyoureceivedhisorherinformation,andgivingyourpurposeforcalling.

Justascanhappenwitharequestforajobinterview,thereisapossibilitythatyouwillspeakwithsomeonewhoisnotwillingtoparticipateinaninformationalinterviewwithyou.Iftheopportunitypresentsitself,tryaskingwhetheritwouldbemoreconvenienttoholdaphoneinterview.Ifthepersonstillopposes,askiftheycouldrecommendanotherpersonthatyoucouldspeakwithabouttheoccupation.Ifnoneofthesetacticsyieldpositiveresults,kindlythankthemforspeakingwithyouandmoveontoyournextpotentialinterviewee.

Beforeheadingtoyourinterview,youshoulddosomegeneralresearchaboutthecompanytofamiliarizeyourselfwithitswork.Youshouldalsodevelopalistofquestionsthatyouwouldliketoasktheintervieweethatwillhelpyoulearnmoreabouthisorheroccupation.Itisalsoimportanttoaskquestionsthataddressanyassumptionsyouhaveaboutthefieldtomakesuretheyareaccurate.Forexample,ifyou’regoingtospeakwithanattorney,speakwiththemaboutanyexpectationsoflongdays,alongwithchallengesinpreparingforlawschoolexamsliketheLSAT.Yourquestionsshouldaskaboutjobtasks,workingconditionsandspecificstepsthatyoushouldtaketoprepareforacareerinthatfield.CheckoutthesampleinformationalinterviewquestionsincludedintheResourcessectionattheendofthechapter.

Whenit’stimefortheinterview,remembertodresstoimpress.Althoughtheinterviewisnotasformalasanactualjobinterview,itstillpresentstheopportunitytomakeagoodfirstimpression.Agoodruleofthumbistowearsomethingthatyouwouldwearonadayatworkwhenyouhavesomeimportantmeetingstoattend(nottooformal,butnojeans).Alsobringanotepadandpensothatyoucantakenotes.Overall,itisimportanttoshowyourinterestduringtheinterview.Thiswillmakethepersonyou’reinterviewingmorewillingtoshareasmuchastheycan.

Besuretowatchthetimeandpolitelybringittoacloseunlesstheintervieweefeelsotherwise.Atthecloseoftheinterview,endbyexpressingyourgratitudetothepersonfortakingtimeouttospeakwithyou.Thenbesuretoaskthefollowingtwoquestions:CanyousuggestotherpeoplethatIcouldspeakto?MayImentionyournamewhenIspeaktothem?After,doyourbesttosendafollow-upnoteorlettertothankthepersononceagain.

Finally,itisimportanttoprocessandreflectupontheinformationyoulearnedattheinterview.Whatwouldyoulikeaboutthecareer?Whatwouldyoudislike?Doyouliketheoverallworkenvironments?Howcanyouapplytheadviceyoureceivedasyoupreparetolookforaninternshiporbegintowork?Wouldyoubehappyinthisfield?Withallofyourthoughts,makesureyoudon’tbaseyouropinionsononeinterview.Conductmorethanonetomakesurethattheinformationyoureceiveisconsistentacrossthefieldandnotuniquetoonesituation.The“InformationalInterviewAssessment”intheResourcessectionattheendofthischapterhasaformyoucanusetoassesstheoutcome(s)ofyourinformationalinterviews.

“ConductingInterviews”sectionadaptedfromwww.bls.gov/opub/oog/2002/summer/art03.pdf

When it’s time for the interview, remember to dress to impress.

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Chapter 1 Resources



activity 1a examining My Interests

Interests, Skills, and Abilities

Inmyfreetime,Iliketo:

1.

2.

3.

Iamverygoodat:

1.

2.

3.

Iwouldliketobebetterat(orlearnto):

1.

2.

3.

Extracurricular and Work Experience

SomejobsIhavealreadyheldinclude(paid,unpaidand/orvolunteer):

1.

2.

3.

Whileparticipatinginspecificvolunteer/extracurricularexperiences,Iparticipatedin(teams,activitiesand/orprojects):

1.

2.

3.

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Career Goals or Areas of Interest

SomejobsandcareersIwouldliketolearnmoreaboutinclude:

1.

2.

3.

Foreachjoblistanytraining,educationoraccommodationsyoumayneedtoconsidertoachieveyourgoal.

Goals and a Plan of Action/Study

Goal: “I want to learn, do and/or get…”

Next Steps: “So, I need to…”

Due Date: “I will do this by…”

Status: “So far, I have…”

ThisdocumentwasadaptedfrombytheNationalCollaborativeonWorkforceandDisabilityforYouthandtheNationalYouthEmploymentCoalition,fundedbyagrant/contract/cooperativeagreementfromtheU.S.DepartmentofLabor,OfficeofDisabilityEmploymentPolicy(Number#E-9-4-1-0070).TheopinionsexpressedhereindonotnecessarilyreflectthepositionorpolicyoftheU.S.DepartmentofLabor.Nordoesmentionofanytradenames,commercialproducts,ororganizationsimplytheendorsementbytheU.S.DepartmentofLabor.



activity 1b Written Interest assessment: Coding Interests

Instructions

• Inthetableonthefollowingpage,circleanyactivitiesthatareofinteresttoyou.• Countthenumberofcircledactivitiesineachcolumn(identifiedbycategorysuchas

R-Realistic)andwritethetotalsinthespacesprovided.• Iftherearenottwomainareasthatinterestyou,askyourselfifthenon-chosenactivities

are“interesting”or“veryinteresting.”• Keepgoinguntilthetoptwoareasofinteresthavebeenidentified.• Compareyourcodetothedefinitionsonthefollowingpage.

1 2 3 4 5 6

A Fix mechanical things

Work on a scientific project

Sketch, draw or paint

Work as a volunteer for a

charity

Operate my own business

Operate office machines

B Take a Woodworking

class

Study the stars through a telescope

Play in a band or orchestra

Help others with their personal problems

Serve as an officer of a

group

Computer business figures

C Take an Auto Mechanics

class

Solve a mathematical

problem

Create photographs

Work as a speech therapist

Supervise the work of others

Take an Accounting

class

D Work outdoors Investigate a crime scene

Take an Art class

Work as a nurse

Lead a group to accomplish

a goal

Take a Commercial Math class

E Operate motorized

machines or equipment

Read scientific books or

magazines

Act in a play Teach children Read business magazines or

articles

Work in an office

F Build things Do a lot of thinking

Design fashions

Teach or train others

Meet important

people

Write a business letter

G Work alone Use a microscope

Design interiors

Lead a group discussion

Give a talk or speech

Use a computer

H Tend/Train animals

Do complicated calculations

Read fiction, plays or poetry

Play a team sport

Sell things Keep accurate records

I Pitch a tent Understand physics laws and theories

Attend concerts, the theater, or an

art exhibit

Help others resolve a dispute

Promote or spread an idea

Be responsible for details

12NCLD| YOUTH INVESTIGATINGYOUROPTIONS

1 2 3 4 5 6

J Solve mechanical

puzzles

Interpret formulas

Work on crafts Participate in a meeting

Win a leadership or sales award

Type or use word

processing software

K Plant a garden Learn about a new subject

area

Work according to

your own rules

Are good with words

and talking to people

Take on a lot of

responsibility

Work with numbers

L Read a blueprint

Use computers

Use your imagination to do something

original

Work with young people

Participate in a political campaign

Be very well organized

M Play a sport Perform lab experiments

Write stories and poetry

Plan and supervise an

activity

Convince people to do things your

way

Set up a system

for doing something and

stick to it

R

______

I

_______

A

_______

S

_______

E

_______

C

______


activity 1b (cont.) Coding Interests explanations

Thetwocolumnswiththemostitemscircledwillindicatewhatyourcodesare.

R______ I_______ A_______ S_______ E_______ C_______

Realistic Investigative Artistic Social Enterprising Conventional

AccordingtotheRIASECsystem,weallhaveamixtureofinterestswithoneortwotypesusuallydominating.Usethetablebelowtofindoutmoreaboutyourcodesandsomesampleoccupationsthatmayinterestyou.Remember,thesearejustafewoftheoccupationsforeachtype–therearemanymoreintheO*NetTMCareerExplorationToolsInterestProfilerhttp://www.onetcenter.org/tools.html.

RIASEC Type Description Sample Occupations

R Realistic

Mechanical and athletic abilities; like working outdoors with tools and objects; prefer dealing with things rather than people

• Carpenter • Truck operator • X-Ray Technician

I Investigative

Math and science abilities; like working alone and solving complex problems; like dealing with ideas rather than people or things

• Chemist • Microbiologist

A Artistic Artistic ability and imagination; enjoy creating original work;

like dealing with ideas rather than things

• Musician • Interior Designer • Actor

S Social

Social skills; interested in social relationships and helping others solve problems; like dealing with people rather than things

• Counselor • Clergy Member • Elementary Teacher

E Enterprising

Leadership and speaking abilities; like to be influential; interested in politics and business; like to deal with people and ideas, not things

• Lawyer • Retail Store Manager • Financial Advisor

C Conventional

Clerical and math ability; prefer working indoors and organizing things; like to deal with words and numbers rather than people and ideas

• Production Editor • Bookkeeper • Data Processor

Source: America’sCareerResourceNetwork.(n.d.).Career Decision Making Tool. RetrievedOctober20,2009fromhttp://cte.ed.gov/acrn/decision.htm

14NCLD| YOUTH

activity 1C building Your Support network

MyVolunteer/Work

Connections:

MyExtracurricularConnections:

MyCo-Workers:

MyTeachers/Professors/SchoolOfficials:

MyFriends:

MyFamilyMembers:

My Inner Circle

Events(CareerFairs,InternshipFairs,etc.):

One-Stops,CareerCenters,etc.:



Sample 1D Informational Interview Request Letter

March22,20XX

Ms.GlendaLaneRevolutionaryMarketing,Inc.7432WindsideLanePortland,OR97201

DearMs.Lane:

IamastudentatOregonStateUniversity,beginningthefirstsemesterofmysenioryear.Iamamarketingmajorandhavebecomeveryinterestedintheonlinemarketingindustrysincetakinganinternetmarketingcourselastyear.Yourfirmhasanoutstandingreputationinthisfield.

AsIpreparetograduateinthespring,Iwouldappreciatetheopportunitytomeetwithyoubrieflytodiscussyourfirm’sworkintheonlinemarketingarena.Iamespeciallyinterestedinyourviewsregardingemailmarketingandeffectivewebdesignanddevelopmentstrategies.Anyfurtherinsightsyouhavewouldbegreatlyappreciated.

IwillcontactyourofficetheweekofApril5tosetupamutuallyconvenienttimeforthisinformationalmeeting.Themeetingshouldtakenomorethan30minutes.

Sincerely,

DevinThompson

16NCLD| YOUTH

Sample 1e Informational Interview Questions

ThequestionsbelowcanbeusedduringanInternetsearch,aninformationalintervieworajob-shadowingvisit.Itisnotnecessarytouseallofthesequestions.Considerthecriteriathat’smostimportanttoyouinajob/careerandadaptthesequestionstogettheinformationyouneed.

• Onatypicaldayinthisposition,whatdoyoudo?

• Whattrainingoreducationisrequiredforthistypeofwork?

• Whatpersonalqualitiesorabilitiesareimportanttobesuccessfulinthisjob?

• Whatpartofthisjobwouldyoufindmostsatisfyingandmostchallenging?

• Howdoyougetthisjob?

• Whatopportunitiesforadvancementarethereinthisfield?

• Whatentry-leveljobsarebestforlearningasmuchaspossible?

• Whatisthesalaryrangeforvariouspositionsinthisfield?

• Howwilljobsinthisfieldbechanginginthefuture?

• Isthereademandforpeopleinthisoccupation?

• Whattypesoftrainingdocompaniesofferpersonsenteringthisfield?

• Whatarethebasicprerequisitesfordifferentjobs/positionsinthisfield?

• Whichprofessionaljournalsandorganizationswouldhelpmelearnmoreaboutthisfield?

• HowdoestheexperienceI’vehadapplytomyenteringthisfield?

• Whataretheproblemsinworkinginthisfield?

• Withmyeducation,skillsandexperience,whatotherfieldsorjobsshouldIresearchbeforemakingafinaldecision?

• Howdoesmyresumecorrelatetothiscareer?Arethereanygapsorproblemareas?WhatcanIdotoimprovemyresumeforthiscareer?

• WhomshouldItalktoinordertolearnmoreaboutthiscareer?

Source:AdaptedfromWisconsinJobsCenter.(2002).Informational Interviewing. RetrievedOctober20,2009fromhttp://www.wisconsinjobcenter.org/publications/9407/9407.pdf



activity 1F Informational Interview assessment

Usethefollowingquestionstofigureouthowyourinformationalinterviewcanhelpyoudeterminethetypeofinternshipyou’dliketopursue.Youmaywanttocopythisformsothatyoucanuseitforeachinterviewyoudo.

Thebestthingaboutthiscareer/positionis:

Theworstthingaboutthiscareer/positionis:

Themostinterestingthingaboutthiscareer/positionis:

OnethingIdidn’tknowaboutthiscareer/positionis:

Iwouldliketoknowmoreaboutthefollowingasrelatestothiscareer/position:

Icould/couldnotseemyselfinthiscareer/positionbecause:

18NCLD| YOUTH

There are also internships that may be necessary for completion of your college degree, which may require assistance from your university to both find the internship and ensure you receive appropriate college credit.


Chapter 2 gathering the Pieces

Deciding on the best type of internship

I nternshipscomeinvariousformsandsomeevenofferopportunitiestobepaidfortheworkyoucomplete.Somearejustforonepersontocomeandcompleteapredeterminedsetoftasks.OtherinternshipsarerunthroughprogramsliketheAmericanAssociation

ofPeoplewithDisabilitiesCongressionalInternshipProgram,whichplacescollegestudentswithdisabilitiesintocongressionalofficesinWashington,DCduringthesummermonths.(See“Ch.10–ResourcesandPublications”forlinkstotheAmericanAssociationofPeoplewithDisabilitiesinternshipprogramsandotherinternshipprogramsdesignedspecificallyforpeoplewithdisabilities.).Althoughemployerswilltypicallyhaveasetofgoalsandtasksthattheywouldlikeyoutocomplete,theidealinternshipisonethatwillallowyoutocreateyourowngoalsandworkwithyoursupervisortoseehowthesecanbeincorporatedintoyourdailyactivities.

Therearealsointernshipsthatmaybenecessaryforcompletionofyourcollegedegree,whichmayrequireassistancefromyouruniversitytobothfindtheinternshipandensureyoureceiveappropriatecollegecredit.Youshouldexplorealloftheseopportunitieswithyourcareercounselor,teachersandfamilymemberstogainafullunderstandingofwhatmightbebestforyoubeforedecidingwhattypeofinternshipyoushouldpursue.Youmayalsofindthatyoucanbenefitfrommorethanoneoftheseoptions.

Throughoutyourschoolexperience,bothinhighschoolandincollege,youmayhearavarietyoftermsusedinreferencetointernships.Thesetermsarebasedonthetypeofexperienceyouarelookingfor.Thefollowingarethesixmostcommontypesofinternships.Usethesedescriptionstohelpwithyoursearchandhelpyoudecidewhichtypewouldbebestforyou.Then,talkoveryourthoughtswithyoursupportnetwork:

Cooperative Education (co-op) –Aco-opisathree-waypartnershipbetweenastudent,anemployerandateacher/professororcollege.Itallowsthestudenttogainworkexperiencerelatedtotheirareaofacademicstudyforcredit.Forexample,ifyouareinterestedinstudyinganimalbehaviororzoology,aco-opmightmeangettingapart-timejobatyourlocalzoo.Manycollegessupportco-opsbypartneringwithemployerstoprovideopportunitiesrelatedtospecificcareers.

Field Experience –Alsocalledfieldwork,thistypeofinternshipistypicallyforstudentspursuingcareersinscienceorsociology.Thegoaloftheseexperiencesistodevelopresearchskillsbyobserving,recording,mappingandinterpretingdata.Theactualresearchportionmaybelimitedtoonesubject,suchasmalepenguinbehaviororcross-culturalinteraction,oritmaymeanexaminingavarietyofdifferenttopics.

Quiteoftenfieldworkissaidtobeoneofthebestwaystoapplytheknowledgeandtheoriesthatyoulearnintheclassroomtoapracticaltest.Thebestfieldworkexperiencesbringtogethersupervisionandeducation(lecture,note-takingandobservationbytheteacher/professor)withindependentresearchpractice(creatingaresearchmethod,collectingandrecordingdata,anddrawingconclusionsthatprovethehypothesisiseithercorrectorincorrect).

20NCLD| YOUTH

Practicum –Apracticumisanotherinternshipmodelthatprovidestheopportunityforstudentstoapplytheiracademicexperiencetoareal-worldproject.Studentsworkinteamsorindividuallyunderthesupervisionofbothanemployerandaschooladvisor.

Asamplepracticummightassignagroupofbusinessstudentstoasemester-longprojectinanaccountingfirmwheretheyaresupervisedbyafacultymember.

Settingupapracticumusuallyrequiresmeetingwithyouracademicadvisorordepartmentchairpersontodiscussoptionsofplacesthatwouldmeetyourpersonal,educationalandcareergoals.

Service Learning –Inrelationtoaninternship,servicelearningallowsyoutoworkonorganizedcommunityserviceproject(s).Thistypeofexperiencemightbeorganizedbyyourschoolorcollege,orthroughaspecificserviceprogramornon-profitorganization.

Whenorganizedalongsideclassroomcurriculum,generallyaservicelearninginternshipincludesanoutlineofgoalsandobjectivesforyourtermofservice,performingtheactualservicework,andpresentingconclusions/reflectionsbasedonanalysisofyourexperiences.

Potentialservicelearningprojectscouldincludeassistingwithalocallibrary’sliteracyprogram,workingatashelterforbatteredwomen,restructuringacommunityplaygroundorrunningatutoringprogramatalocalelementaryschool.

Externship –Externshipsareuniquebecausetheyareusuallyveryshort-termassignments.Generallystudentsspendaroundonetothreeweeksobservingandworkingwithprofessionalsintheircareerfieldsofinterest.Thisprovidesanopportunityforstudentstoexperienceatypicaldayonthejobandobservetheworkenvironmentanddemandsofthecareer.

Externshipsaremostcommoninlegalandmedicalprofessions.Pre-medstudentstypicallycompleteexternships,whichinvolveshadowingamedicaldoctorinplaceslikeanemergencyroomorverybusyclinic.First-yearlawstudentsoftencompletelegalexternships,whichareoftenbriefclerkshipswhereintheyhandledocumentsandfilepetitions.

Apprenticeship –Apprenticeshipsaregenerallyofferedfortradesthattakequiteabitofskill.Theseincludeculinaryarts,graphicart,clothingdesign,electronicstechnology,etc.Apprenticeshipsprovidebothpracticalexperienceandin-schooltraining.Theyarepaidandwagesincreaseastheapprenticegainsexperience.Apprenticeshipscanlastanywherefromonetofiveyears.(WetFeet,n.d.)

Setting up a practicum usually requires meeting with your academic advisor or department chairperson.

GATHERINGTHEPIECES


Getting outside of your comfort zoneDecidingtoparticipateinaninternshipprogramisabigstepandanimportantdecisioningaininganadvantagewhenenteringtheworldofwork.Itcanalsobeamajorstepoutsideofyourcomfortzoneandcanvarygreatlyfromtheschoolenvironment.Manystudentsusetheirinternshipastheirfirstprofessionalworkexperience,andoftenthenewandfast-pacedworkenvironmentissomethingthey’renotusedto.

Gettingoutsideofyourcomfortzonecanbeagreatfeeling.Itgenerallyprovesthatyouarereadyforworkandhavethedesiretogaintheskillstobeaself-sufficientindividual.Itcanalsobeabitintimidatingbecauseyoumaybeunsureofwhatliesaroundthecornerorifyouwillbehappywhereyougotowork.Youmightfeelnervousaboutworkingwithpeopleyoudon’tknowandbeingtrustedwithimportantresponsibilities.However,rememberthatthesefeelingsarenormal,andthatovertime,theseexperienceswillstrengthenyourcharacterandmakeyoubetterpreparedfortheworldofworkinthefuture.Occasionallyyouwillhavetoputyourselfinasituationthatyouarenotusedtoandtakearisksothatyoucanproveyourownabilitytoyourself.

Building a proper resume Whenbuildingagreatresume,itisimportanttoremembertomakesurethatitisbothrelatabletotheinternshipthatyouareapplyingforandoutcome-orientedbasedonwhatyouhavebeenabletoaccomplishthusfarinyourlife.Ifyouareapplyingforaninternshipwhereinyouwillbeworkingasanassistanttoanaccountant,onyourresumemakesuretoincludeanybookkeepingorclassworkthatisrelatabletosuchaposition.Itisalwayshelpfultoshowthattheskillsyoualreadyhavematchwellwiththeresponsibilitiesoftheinternshipyou’reapplyingfor.Donotdiscreditanyofyourexperiences,eveniftheyweren’tspecificallygainedatajobthatyou’vealreadyhad.Ifyouhaveworkedonaproject,completedclassworkorevenservedasavolunteerwithanorganizationthatwouldberelevanttotheinternshiparea,includethisinformationonyourresume.

Dependingonthescopeofyourexperience,therearetwotypesofresumesthatyoushouldconsider.Achronological,or“experience-based”resume,outlineswhatyou’vedonebasedontheplaceswhereyou’veworkedandthelengthoftimeyouwerethere.Afunctional,or“skills-based”resume,focusesonyouroverallskillsthatyouhavedevelopedovertheyears,includingleadershipexperiences,specialprojectsandpositivepersonalitytraits.Afunctionalresumeisgenerallyabetterchoiceforthosewhodon’thaveasmuchworkexperience,orwhohaven’tbeenabletostayatjobslongduetoschoolandotherschedulecommitments.

22NCLD| YOUTH

Chronological vs. Functional Resumes (Rhodes, 2007)

Chronological/“Experience” resumes may include

•name,address,phone/faxnumbers,e-mailaddress;•careerobjective;•education(dates,institution,city,degree/majorspecialties);•employment(dates,company,city,jobtitle,detailsofposition,

descriptionofaccomplishments—includeinternshipsandvolunteerjobs!);

•summaryofqualifications;•languages;•computerskills(programsyoucanoperate);•awardsreceived;•interests/activities;and•references(supervisorsandteachers).

Functional/“Skills” resumes may include

•name,address,phone/faxnumbers,e-mailaddress;•careerobjective;•functionalskillssummary(includesskillsfromschool,positive

personalitytraits,gradesifgood,specialprojects,etc.);•volunteerexperience(dates,locations,city,detailsofposition,

descriptionofaccomplishments—includein-schooljobs!);•languages;•computerskills(programsyoucanoperate);•awardsreceived;•interests/activities;and•references(fromsupervisorsandteachers).

Nomatterwhichresumestyleyouchoose,itisimportanttomakesurethatyourresumeisclear,conciseandleavesnoquestionabouttheworkandaccomplishmentsthatyouhavealreadymade.Anotherimportantpartofyourresumeshouldbeanyvolunteerworkorawards/recognitionthatyouhavereceived.Employerswanttobringwell-roundedindividualsontotheirteamandyoushouldshowonyourresumethatyouareagoodfit.Remember,beforeyoucanevengetintoaninterviewto“sell”yourselfandexplaintoanemployerwhyyouarethebestpersonfortheinternship,theemployermustfirstbelievethatthisisapossibilitysimplybyreadingyourresume.ExamplesofbothchronologicalandfunctionalresumescanbefoundintheResourcessectionofthischapter.

No matter which resume style you choose, it is important to make sure that your resume is clear, concise and leaves no question about the work and accomplishments that you have already made.

GATHERINGTHEPIECES


Using your career services and disability support officesYouruniversitycareerservicesofficeisanexcellenttoolthatyoushouldusetogainskillstowardfindingemployment.Thesecenterswerecreatedtoassistyouinimprovingyourinterviewingskills,buildingyourresumeandfindinginternships,amongprovidingmanyothertoolsandresources.Theyalsohavemanycommunityconnectionsandcanassistyouingettingincontactwithanemployerearlysothatyoucanstartworkingtowardyourinternship.

Yourdisabilitysupportofficeisalsoagreattoolforgainingadeeperunderstandingofyourdisabilityandwhateffectitmayhaveintheemploymentsetting.Asastudent,youaremostlikelyaccustomedtothetypesofaccommodationsthatareusedintheclassroom;however,thosesameaccommodationsarenotalwaysavailableintheworkforce.Generally,thereareparallelaccommodationsthatcanbemade.Yourdisabilitysupportofficecanalsoassistyouinpreparingforthetime(s)whenyouwillneedtoletyouremployerknowaboutyourdisability.Theyalsomayhaveemploymentorinternshiplistingsthatmaybeinteresttoyou.

Finding an internshipTheprocessoffindingtherightinternshipcanseemlikeajobwithinitself,buttherearemanysourcesthatyoucanusetofindtherightinternshipforyou.Itcanoftenbetimeconsumingtolookforvariousresources,findcontacts,customizeresumesandcoverletters,andparticipateininterviews.Hereareafewplacesandpeopletoconsiderwhensearchingforaninternship:

1. Career services and disability support offices –Bothoftheseofficesatyourschoolaregreatplacestobeginbecausetheytypicallyhavecareercounselors,listservsandemployerconnectionstoassiststudentsinfindinginternships.

2. Major/minor departments and professors–Listsofinternshipsspecifictoaparticularareaofinterestareoftenmaintainedbyuniversitydepartments.Specificfacultymembersmayberesponsibleforinternships,sobesuretocheckwiththem.Inaddition,manyemployersseekoutprofessorsforrecommendationsofpossibleinterns.

3. Alumni office –Oftenalumniwillinformtheiralmamatersofinternshipopportunitiesintheirnetworks.Somecollegesevenasktheiralumnitosponsoranintern,whichisagreatwaytobeintroducedtoanorganization.

4. Internship/Career Fairs –Mostcolleges,andevencitiesasawhole,sponsorcareerfairsatleastonceayear.Thesefairsbringrecruitersandpotentialemployerstogetherintoonesettingtoprovideinformationaboutavailablepositionsandtheirorganizationasawhole.Evenifyouaren’treadytobeginaninternshipatthetimeoftheevent,itisanidealopportunitytofamiliarizeyourselfwithspecificorganizationsthatyoucanlaterapplytoforaninternship.Tofindoutaboutinternship/careerfairsinyourarea,visityourlocalcollege/universities’websites,orvisit www.nationalcareerfairs.com and www.careerbuilder.com,

24NCLD| YOUTH

5. Member organizations/associations –Youshouldalsolookintoorganizationsofwhichyouareamemberorassociationsthatareapartoftheindustrythatyouwouldlikeaninternshipin.AsmentionedinChapter1,agreatplacetolookforassociationsis www.asaecenter.org.

6. Tofindoutmoreaboutothermemberorganizations,utilizeasearchengineandtypeinkeywordsrelevanttoyourfieldofinterestalongwiththephrase“membership.”Forexample,apersoninterestedinaccountingcouldgotoasearchenginelikeGoogleandtypein“accounting+membership.”SuchasearchyieldsinformationabouttheAmericanAccountingAssociationandahostofothergroups.

7. The Internet/company web pages–TheInternetwillalsoopenmanydoorstopossibleinternships,justasitwillwhenyouaresearchingforfull-timejobs.Manycompaniesposttheirinternshipinformationontheirwebsitesandhavethemlistedonjobsearchpages.

8. Government Internship websites –Interningwiththefederalgovernmentisagreatwaytogainexperienceandfindoutmoreabouttheinnerworkingsofthegovernment.Therearevarietyofgovernmentfundedprogramsanddepartmentsthatbringoninternsthroughouttheyear.TheFederalInternshipDirectoryisagreatplacetobeginlookingforgovernmentinternships.Itcanbeaccessedbyvisiting http://www.makingthedifference.org/federalinternships/directory.Afewotherplacestolookincludewww.students.gov,www.usajobs.com,www.dcjobsource.com/fedinterns.html,www.careers.state.gov/internships/,andwww.whitehouse.gov/about/internships.

GATHERINGTHEPIECES


Writing a cover letterAfteryouhavedecidedwhereyouwouldliketoapplyforaninternship,youthenmustwriteacoverletterrelevanttothepositiontowhichyou’reapplying.Coverlettersareimportantbecausetheyserveasyouropportunitytotellthepotentialemployerwhyyou’reapplyingfortheinternshipandtosellyourselfandyourqualificationsbeyondtheresume.Youshouldnotcreateagenericcoverletterthatyouuseforeachinternshipyouapplyfor.Instead,youshouldtailoreachletterfortheposition.Althoughitmayseemtimeconsuming,writingaspecializedletterwillnotonlydemonstrateyourwritingability,butwillhighlightyourrelevantexperiencethatwillbemostbeneficialtotheorganization.Thecoverletteristhetimetohighlightyouruniqueness,andeventoexplainthingsthatyourresumecan’t(Hansel&Hansel,n.d.).Forexample,ifyouhadagapinemploymentorithastakenyouabitlongerthannormaltocompleteyourdegree,thecoverletteristhetimetoexplainthis,butinapositivemanner.Ingeneral,thepurposeofacoverletteristomakeapotentialemployerorinternshipcoordinatorwanttoknowmoreaboutyouandinviteyoutocompleteaninterview.Coverletterexamplescanbefoundinthe“Resources”sectionofthischapter.

In general, use the following format for writing your cover letter:

DearMr./Ms./Dr.LastName:

Opening paragraph:Statewhyyouarewriting;howyoulearnedoftheorganizationorposition,andbasicinformationaboutyourself.2nd paragraph: Tellwhyyouareinterestedintheemployerortypeofworktheemployerdoes(Simplystatingthatyouareinteresteddoesnottellwhy,andcansoundlikeagenericletter).Demonstratethatyouknowenoughabouttheemployerorpositiontorelateyourbackgroundtotheemployerorposition.Mentionspecificqualificationswhichmakeyouagoodfitfortheemployer’sneeds.(Focusonwhatyoucandofortheemployer,notwhattheemployercandoforyou.)Thisisanopportunitytoexplaininmoredetailrelevantitemsinyourresume.Refertothefactthatyourresumeisenclosed.Mentionotherenclosuresifsucharerequiredtoapplyforaposition.

3rd paragraph: Indicatethatyouwouldliketheopportunitytointerviewforapositionortotalkwiththeemployertolearnmoreabouttheiropportunitiesorhiringplans.Statewhatyouwilldotofollowup,suchastelephonetheemployerwithintwoweeks.Ifyouwillbeintheemployer’slocationandcouldoffertoscheduleavisit,indicatewhen.Statethatyouwouldbegladtoprovidetheemployerwithanyadditionalinformationneeded.Thanktheemployerforher/hisconsideration.(VirginiaTechCareerServices,2010)

26NCLD| YOUTH

The “cold” resume and cover letter

Itmayseemthatthemostpracticalwaytoapplyfororgetaninternshipwouldbetosubmitaresumeandcoverletterbasedonapositionannouncementthatyou’veeitherseenorheardabout.Insomecircumstances,companiesandorganizationschoosenottoadvertisetheirinternshippositions.Thismaybebecausetheyprefertobringininternsthatalreadyhaveanaffiliationwiththecompany(i.e.afamilymemberofanemployee)orliketoreceivedirectrecommendationsfromemployeesandcolleagues.Somecompaniesjustpreferthatpotentialinternsseekthemoutasopposedtoreleasingapositionannouncement.Thisisanimmediatewaytorecognizesomeone’sabilitytotakeinitiative.Moreover,sometimescompaniesororganizationsmaynotevenhaveaformalinternshipprogram,butmaybewillingtobringoneinforasemesterormorebecausetheyareimpressedbyanapplicant’sskillsandabilities.

Becausethisisapossibility,ifthereisacompanyororganizationthatisofparticularinteresttoyou,itdefinitelydoesnothurttosendthemaresumeorcoverletter.Beginbyaskingyourteachers,professors,advisors,andevenfamilymembersandfriendswhethertheyhaveanyconnectionswithyourcompanyofinterest.Ifyoudofindsomeonewhocanassistyouingettingyourfootinthedoor,askthemtohelpguideyouthroughtheprocess,whetherbytellingyouwhotosubmityourresumeandcoverlettertoorevenrequestingthattheysetupaninterviewwiththeappropriatepersonatthecompany.Ifyouareunabletofindanyonethathasaconnectiontothecompany,beginbyfindingageneralphonenumberoreventheinformationforthehiringmanager.Calltofindouttowhomyoushouldaddressacoverletter.Ifyouareinterestedininterninginaparticulardepartment,whenyoucall,bespecificabouttheareainwhichyouwishtoapply.

GATHERINGTHEPIECES


Yourconversationcouldgosomethinglikethis:

SCENARIO 1:

Receptionist/Hiring Manager: Goodmorning.ThankyouforcallingXYZ.ThisisSheila.HowcanIhelpyou?

You:Hello.Mynameis____.I’mcallingtofindoutwhetherXYZiscurrentlyacceptinginternshipapplications.I’minterestedinapplyingforaninternshipinthemarketingdepartment.

Receptionist/Hiring Manager:Idobelievethemarketingdepartmentiscurrentlyacceptingapplicationsforasummerintern.

You:Great!WillyoupleasetellmewhoIshouldaddressaresumeandcoverlettertoforthisposition?

Receptionist/Hiring Manager:Yes.Addressitto…

You:Thankyousomuch!Haveagreatday.

SCENARIO 2:

Receptionist/Hiring Manager: Goodmorning.ThankyouforcallingXYZ.ThisisSheila.HowcanIhelpyou?

You:Hello.Mynameis____.IwascallingtofindoutwhetherXYZiscurrentlyacceptinginternshipapplications.I’minterestedinapplyingforaninternshipinthemarketingdepartment.

Receptionist/Hiring Manager:I’mactuallynotsurewhetherwearecurrentlylookingforinterns.Asamatteroffact,Idon’tthinkwetypicallyhaveinternshereatXYZ.

You:Ok.WouldyoumindtellingmetowhomIwouldaddressaresumeandcoverletterinthemarketingdepartment,justincasetheywouldbewillingtobringonaninternforthesummer?

Receptionist/Hiring Manager:Sure.SueDavisisthemarketingdirector.Theaddressis…

You:Thankyousomuchforthisinformation.Haveagreatday!

28NCLD| YOUTH

Chapter 2Resources

GATHERINGTHEPIECES

Begin by asking your teachers, professors, advisors, and even family members and friends whether they have any connections with your company of interest.


Sample 2A: Chronological/”Experience” Resume

PERRY jAMESON1515StanleyDrive#62

Hometown,[email protected]

(913)555-1938

OBjECTIVE Toobtainknowledgeoftheday-to-dayworkingsofacommunications,publicrelations,orpublishingfirmthroughasummerinternship.

EDUCATION CompletedthreeyearsatHometownHighSchool.Graduationdate:May2011.G.P.A.3.85.Top5%ofclass.

EXPERIENCE Newspaper Staff Member,HometownHighSchool

• Aug 2009 - present.Featureseditorofcampusnewspaper.

• Aug 2007 - Aug 2009.ResearchedinformationfornewsarticlesusinglibraryandWebsources.Composedandeditedinformationalarticles,columns,editorials,andadvertisingcopy.

Yearbook Committee Member,HometownHighSchool• Aug 2009 - present.Editor-in-chiefofyearbookstaff.Leaderofdesignand

publicationteamsfrominitiallayoutthroughfinishedproduct.

• Aug 2007 - Aug 2008.Yearbookstaffmember.Experiencetakingphotographs,designinglayout,andwritingcaptionsandsidebars.

RELEVANT HIGH SCHOOL STUDIES Technicalwriting;advancedcomposition;debate;videoproduction;computerclassesprovidingknowledgeofwordprocessing,desktoppublishing,andWebsoftware.

HONORS, AWARDS, AND MEMBERSHIPS• U.S. Media Association Scholarship recipient

Scholarshipbasedonacademicachievement,communityservice,andcampusparticipationandleadershipinhighschoolcommunicationsprojectsandstudies.

• 2010 Best High School Newspaper Design winner CentralStateRegionalCommunicationsContest,sponsoredbytheCommunicationsDepartment,StateUniversity.

• President Future Communicators of America (FCA), 2009 - present Member,2003-present.

*AdventuresinEducation:http://www.aie.org/finding-a-career/sample-resumes-and-templates

30NCLD| YOUTH

Danielle W. Silva

Current Address:115SlusherHall,VirginiaTechBlacksburg,VA24061(540)[email protected]

Permanent Address:1234ForestLane

Frederick,MD20872(301)555-6677

OBjECTIVE CooperativeEducationinternshiprelatedtomanufacturing

EDUCATION B.S.MechanicalEngineering,Expectedgraduationasacoop:May2012Minor:StatisticsVirginiaPolytechnicInstitute&StateUniversity(VirginiaTech),Blacksburg,VA

COMPUTER SKILLS

Software: Languages:AutoCADTKsolver

MiniTabMathematica

FortranVisualBasic

PowerCC++

EXPERI-ENCE

Waiter,Boudreaux’s,Blacksburg,VAFall2010–present• Work20hoursperweektohelpfundcollegeeducation.

Self-employed,Lawncarebusiness,Frederick,MDSummer2009• Solicitedbusinessthroughcoldcallsandvisits.• Increasedcustomerbasethroughreferralsforqualitywork.• Performedallnecessaryequipmentmaintenanceandrepairs.• Coveredallexpensesandyieldednetprofitof$4000.

Server,FamilyRestaurant,Frederick,MD,2005–2008,Highschool&summers• Trainedonandusedexcellentcustomerservicepracticesinfastpaced,work

environment.• Participatedincorporateprogramtoincreasesales;achievedallsalesgoals.• Worked40ormorehoursperweekinsummers;worked15hoursperweek

duringschoolyear.

ACTIVITIES StudentEngineersCouncil(SEC),MembershipCommitteeChair,2008-09SymphonicBand,VirginiaTech,2007-presentBigBrother,BigSisterProgram,2007-2009HighSchoolVarsityVolleyballTeam,2005-2007

HONORS MarylandDistinguishedScholar,HonorableMention,2010ScholarAthleteAward,2009-2010MeritAward,HonorableMention,2008MediaFestival,PhotographyDivision

*VirginiaPolytechnicInstituteandStateUniversity:http://www.career.vt.edu/jobsearc/resumes/formats.htm

Sample 2B: Chronological/”Experience” Resume

GATHERINGTHEPIECES


ALEXANDER M. MATTHEWS

Local Address123TurnerSt.#5Champaign,IL61820(217)961-2469Email:[email protected]

Permanent Address4097BackCreekRd.Chicago,IL60604(312)512-3167

OBjECTIVE Toobtainapositioninthedesignfield,withemphasisoncontinuingdevelopmentoftechnicalandcomputerskills.

EDUCATION Bachelor of Architecture,May2011UniversityofIllinoisatUrbana-Champaign,Champaign,ILGPA:3.1/4.0Dean’sListlast3semestersChicago Architecture Consortium,Champaign,Illinois,Summer2010• Extensivestudiesofarchitecturewithintheurbanenvironment• ConstructionsitevisitstoChicagohistoricrestorationprojectsEuropean Study Abroad Program,Fall2009• Traveledthrough10Europeancountriesexploringawidevarietyofcultures• Studiedarchitecturethroughphotography,painting,andsketching

COMPUTER SKILLS

HTML,AutoCADR14,AdobePhotoshop,AdobePagemaker,AdobeIllustrator,MicrosoftWord,PowerPoint

DESIGN SKILLS

Sketching,modeling,photographyanddarkroomprocedures,photographicmanipulation,woodandmetalshopexperience,graphicprintmaking,pottery

EXPERIENCE STLV Architects,Chicago,IL,Summer2009• WorkedondesigndevelopmentforRampControlTower,Chicago/O’HareInt’l.Airport• Draftedsiteplans,floorplans,sections,andelevations• CreatedsiteandbuildingmodelsforpresentationsBrown Residence Renovation,Champaign,IL,Summer2008• Workedwithownertocreatenewdesignforhouserenovationproject• CreatedamodelofthenewdesignforownerCrittenden & Associates,Chicago,IL,Summer2006,January2007• Produceddrawingsandcoloredrenderingsforawidevarietyofprojects• Responsibleforalteringred-linedconstructiondrawings,aswellascreatingnewconstruc-

tiondrawingsfromonsitemeasurements.• CreatedaproposalwhichwonamajornewcommissionforthefirmChenoweth & Co., Champaign,IL,Spring2006• Assistedinthecreationofadvertisingcampaigns• Producedlayoutsandgraphicsforprintedadvertisements

ACTIVITIES & AWARDS

AmericanInstituteofArchitectureStudentsHabitatforHumanityVolunteerGammaBetaPhiNationalHonorSociety

*VirginiaPolytechnicInstituteandStateUniversity:http://www.career.vt.edu/jobsearc/resumes/formats.htm

Sample 2C: Functional/”Skills” Resume

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RITA GRAND2349RetnerStreetBerkeley,CA94704(510)399-0102Email:[email protected]

Objective: Internship as a Physical Therapy Aide

SUMMARY

• Volunteerforfouryears,gainingexperiencewithdisabilityissues.

• Completingcourseworkinhumananatomyandhumanphysiology

• Creativelyresolvedeverydayproblemsfacedbydisabledpatients.

• Familiarwithawiderangeofdisabilities,bothvisibleandhidden.

• Long-termgoaltopracticeasaregisteredPhysicalTherapist

VOLUNTEER WORK HISTORY

2009-presentTeacher’s Aide–HARDWOODDAYSCHOOL,OAKLAND,CA• Assistedwithspeechtherapyinclassroomforlanguage…children,asavolunteer,

andoccasionallyasapart-timepaidassistant.

• Helpedcustomizeaspeechtherapyprogramforstudents.

2008-2009Instructional Assistant–PUBLICSCHOOLS,Eugene&Springfield,OR• Assistedinsupervisingrecreationactivitiesofchildrenandadultswithmental

healthneeds,asvolunteeratcity-sponsoredspecializedrecreationprogram

2006-2008Developmental Assistant –EASTERSEALSCHOOL,Eugene,OR• Servedasaphysicalvolunteerworkingwithstudentswithsignificantdisabilities

• Performedbasicphysicaltherapyroutinestopromotephysicaldevelopment

EDUCATION & TRAINING

B.S. Physical Therapy,Expectedgraduation:May2011Minor: Physical EducationUniversityofCalifornia,Berkeley

*ModifiedfromThe Resume Workbook for Adults Entering the Workforce/ A Fill-in the Blanks Guide –YanaParker,2001

Sample 2D: Functional/“Skills” Resume

GATHERINGTHEPIECES


2343BlankinshipRoadWestLafayette,IN24060317/[email protected]

January12,2011

Ms.SylviaRangeSpecialProgramsAssistantMarionCountyFamilyCourtWildernessChallenge303CenterStreetIndianapolis,IN46278

DearMs.Range:

ThissemesterIamajunioratPurdueUniversity,workingtowardmybachelor’sdegreeinfamilyandchilddevelopment.Iamseekinganinternshipforthissummer2011,andwhileresearchingopportunitiesinthefieldofcriminaljusticeandlaw,Ifoundthatyourprogramworkswithjuveniledelinquents.Iamwritingtoinquireaboutpossibleinternshipopportuni-tieswiththeMarionCountyFamilyCourtWildernessChallenge.

Myworkbackgroundandcourseworkhavesuppliedmewithmanyskillsandanunder-standingofdealingwiththeadolescentcommunity;forexample:

• 10hoursperweekasavolunteerhotlineassistantforalocalinterventioncenter.Aftera50-hourtrainingprogram,Icounseledteenagersaboutpersonalconcernsandreferredthem,whennecessary,toappropriateprofessionalservicesforadditionalhelp.

• Residencehallassistantinmyresidencehall,whichrequiresmetoestablishrapportwithfiftyresidentsandadvisethemonpersonalmatters,aswellasuniversitypolicies.Inaddition,Idevelopsocialandeducationalprogramsandactivitieseachsemesterforupto200participants.

Myenclosedresumeprovidesadditionaldetailsaboutmybackground.

IwillbeintheMarionareaduringmyspringbreak,March6-10.IwillcallyounextweektoseeifitwouldbepossibletomeetwithyouinearlyMarchtodiscussyourprogram.

Thankyouforyourconsideration.

Sincerely,

(handwrittensignature)

StacyLeeGimble

*http://www.career.vt.edu/JobSearchGuide/CoverLetterSamples.html#Sample36

Sample 2E: Cover Letter Sample

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March14,2010

Ms.CharlenePrinceDirectorofPersonnelLargeNationalBankCorporationRoanoke,[email protected]

DearMs.Prince:

AsIindicatedinourtelephoneconversationyesterday,Iwouldliketoapplyforthemarket-ingresearchposition(#031210-528)advertisedintheMarch12thRoanokeTimesandWorldNews.Withmyundergraduateresearchbackground,mytraininginpsychologyandsociol-ogy,andmyworkexperience,IbelieveIcouldmakeavaluablecontributiontoLargeNationalBankCorporationinthisposition.

InMayIwillcompletemyB.S.inPsychologywithaminorinSociologyatVirginiaTech.Aspartoftherequirementsforthisdegree,Iaminvolvedinaseniormarketingresearchprojectthathasgivenmeexperienceinterviewingandsurveyingresearchsubjectsandassistingwiththeanalysisofthedatacollected.Ialsohavecompletedacourseinstatisticsandresearchmethods.

Myexperiencealsoincludesworkingpart-timeasabookkeeperinasmallindependentbookstorewithanannualbudgetofapproximately$150,000.Becauseofthesmallsizeofthisbusiness,Ihavebeenexposedtoandparticipatedinmostaspectsofmanagingabusiness,includingadvertisingandmarketing.Asthebookkeeper,Iproducedmonthlysalesreportsthatallowtheowner/buyertoprojectseasonalinventoryneeds.Ialsoassistedwiththede-velopmentofideasforspecialpromotionaleventsandcalculatedbooksalesproceedsaftereacheventinordertoevaluateitssuccess.

Ibelievemycombinationofbusinessexperienceandsocialscienceresearchtrainingisanexcellentmatchforthemarketingresearchpositionyoudescribed.Enclosedisaacopyofmyresumewithadditionalinformationaboutmyqualifications.Thankyouverymuchforyourconsideration.Ilookforwardtoreceivingyourreply.

Sincerely,AlexLawrence250PricesForkRoadBlacksburg,VA24060(540)[email protected]

ResumeattachedasMSWorddocument

*http://www.career.vt.edu/JobSearchGuide/CoverLetterSamples.html#Sample36

Sample 2F: Cover Letter Sample

GATHERINGTHEPIECES


Chapter 3 Making way for the Interview

Researching the organization

Y ouhavesubmittedyourresumetothecompanyororganizationthatyouwouldliketocompleteyour

internshipwithandtheyhaveaskedyoutocomeinforaninterview.Congrats!However,there’sstillquiteabittodo.

Firstthingsfirst,youneedtohaveanunderstandingoftheorganizationthatyouareinterviewingwith.Whenyouareintheinterview,youaregoingtobeaskedalotofquestions.Itwillbeimportanttobeabletorelatetheanswersyouprovidewiththingsthecompanyororganizationhasorisdoing,asthisisagreatwaytoshowthosewithwhomyouareinterviewingthatyouareengagedandhaveagreatunderstandingofwhattheydo.Youshouldalsoknowaboutthedivisionorteamthatyoucouldbeworkingwithand,ifpossible,knowwhotheinterviewerswillbe.Justlikeinschool,homeworkisimportant.Themorethatyouconnectwiththepeoplewhoareinterviewingyouandthemorethatyouknowabouttheinternshipthatyouwanttoparticipatein,themoretheorganizationorcompanywillfeelcomfortablewithyou.

Researchoftheorganizationshouldgenerallybeginwiththoroughlyreadingthrougheachsectionofthewebsite.Searchthewebsite,orevenmakeadirectphonecalltotheorganization,toinquireaboutreceivingcopiesofspecificpublications.Ifcallingdirectly,tryconnectingwiththepublicrelationsofficeorpersonresponsibleforexternalcommunications.Tellthatyouwillbeinterviewingsoonandaskiftheywouldsendyouanyprintedmaterialsthatwouldhelpyoulearnmoreaboutthem,aswellasprepareforaninterview.Mentionanyofthefollowingasthetypeofinformationyouseek:

• Annual Report-summarizestheyear’sperformanceandaccomplishments;includesfinancialstatements,fundingsources(fornon-profitorganizations),productsand/orservices,namesofkeypersonnelandanarrative.

• Organization Chart-showsalldepartmentsandhowtheyreporttoandrelatetooneanother;sometimesisincludedintheAnnualReport.

• 10-K Report-adetailedfinancialdisclosurerequiredannuallybytheU.S.SecuritiesandExchangeCommissionforpubliclytradedcompanies.

• Recruiting Brochures-producedprimarilybylargerorganizationsforthepurposeofattractingcollegegraduatestotheorganization.

• Other Publications-in-housenewslettersormagazines,brochuresdescribingservicestoclientsorcustomers,pressreleases,etc.(SUNYFredoniaCareerDevelopmentOffice,2009)

36NCLD| YOUTH

TheCareerDevelopmentOfficeatFredoniaUniversityalsosuggestsusingthefollowingresearchmethodsforlearningmoreaboutanorganization:

• Libraries – Iftheorganization(company,governmentagency,non-profitemployer)isprominentenoughtogetnewsspace,The Reader’s Guide, The New York Times Index,andThe Wall Street Journal Indexcanhelpyoufindstoriesaboutit.AlsouseInfoTrak,acomputerdatabasethatsurveysmostnewspapers,magazinesandtradejournals.Talktothereferencelibrarianforsuggestionsaboutspecificpublicationsthatmaybehelpful,suchasDunandBradstreet’sMillion Dollar Directory.

• Career Services Offices–Manycareerservicesofficeshouseemployerdirectoriesthatcontaininformationaboutproducts,services,sizeandlocation.Otherskeeprecruitingliteratureandannualreports.

• Professional or Trade journals and Newspapers–Whenyouknowthefieldyouwanttoworkin,makeitahabittoreadtherelatedtradeandprofessionaljournals.Manybooksoncareersidentifytheprimaryprofessionalassociationsforeachfield.ReferalsototheSubjectIndexoftheNational Trade and Professional Association Directory(foundinmanycareerservicesoffices).Makeitahabittoreadlocalnewspapersforinformationaboutorganizationsincommunitiesinthegeographicregion(s)inwhichyouwillbejobsearching.

• People as Resources–Sometimespeoplearethebestsourcefortheinformationyouseek.Thisisespeciallytrueforsmall,localorganizations,privatelyheldcorporationsandsomenon-profitorganizations.Beforeyouasksomeoneforhis/hertime,however,besureyouhaveconsultedthewrittensourcessothatyouarenotaskingforinformationthatcanbeeasilyobtainedelsewhere.

• General Internet Search–Whenallelsefails,makesureyoucompleteageneralInternetsearchbygoingonwebsiteslikeGoogleorYahoo!andtypinginthenameoftheorganizationalongwithanyotherrelevantkeywords.(SUNYFredoniaCareerDevelopmentOffice,2009).

Determining your goalsBeforeyousitdownfortheinterview,youshouldalsotakesometimetothinkaboutthegoalsthatyouwillhaveforyourselfifyougettheinternship.Thesegoalsshouldbeachievableandrealisticforthepositionthatyouwillbeworkingin.Havingthesegoalspreparedbeforeyourinterviewisbeneficialbecauseithelpsyouanticipatetheinterviewer’squestionsandprepareresponsesaccordingly.Itisalsoagoodwaytoreflectaftertheinterviewisovertoconsiderwhethertheinternshipisreallyonethatwillhelpyouachieveyourgoals.Sometimesafteryouinterviewforaninternship,youwillfindthattheinternshipdutiesarenotwhatyoureallythoughttheywouldbe.Ifyougetacceptedfortheinternship,youcanalsousethislistofgoalswhentalkingwithyourbossaboutwhatprojectsyouwanttoworkonwhileyouarethere.Itwillshowthatyouaredeterminedtodoagoodjobandprovideresults,whichmakesyouagoodinvestmentforyouremployer.Mostlikelyyouwillcreatemoreconcretegoalsonceyoubeginyourinternshipandhaveabetterunderstandingofwhatyouwillspecificallybeworkingon,butpreparingsomepriortoisagoodplacetostart.Usethe“MyInternshipGoals”worksheetintheResourcessectionofthechapter.

Before you sit down for the interview, you should also take some time to think about the goals that you will have for yourself if you get the internship.

MAKEWAYFORTHEINTERVIEW


InterviewingThetwomostcommontypesofinterviewsthatyouwillhaveforaninternshipareatelephoneand/orin-personinterview.Itistypicallymorecost-effectiveforemployerstoholdtelephoneinterviewswheninternshipcandidatesareinalocationfarfromwheretheinternshipwilltakeplace.Ifyouareclosetotheinternshiplocation,thecompanyororganizationwilltypicallyaskforanin-personinterview.

In-personinterviewscanbeone-on-oneorinapanelsetting.Thismeansthatyoumaybemeetingwitheitheronepersonoragroupofpeopleduringtheinterview.Whetheryourinterviewisin-personorbyatelephone,itisimportanttomakesurethatyouareconfidentandpreparedtotalkaboutyourselfandwhatyouwillbringtothecompany.Agoodwaytoprepareisbycompletingmockinterviewseitherwithacareercounseloratyourschool’scareerservicesofficeorwithateacher.Thesearetypicallydonejustasarealinterviewwouldbeandwillenableyoutoreceiveconstructivefeedbacktohelpasyougetreadyforthe“realthing.”

Ifyourinterviewisin-person,makesuretobringcopiesofyourresumeforthepeoplewhowillbeinterviewingyou.Youcan’tpresumethattheywillhaveacopyorhaveevenseenyourresumeaheadoftime.Thisalsoprovidestheopportunitytoupdateyourresumeifsomethingoccursinbetweenthetimewhenyouinitiallysentinyourresumeandthedayoftheinterview.Ifyouareinterviewingoverthephone,youshouldmakesuretoemailyourresumetoyourcontactpersonatthecompanyororganizationsothatthosecompletingtheinterviewwillhaveanupdatedelectroniccopy.ItisimportanttoknowthattheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActallowsyoutorequestaccommodationsduringtheapplicationprocessandfortheinterviewifnecessary(EqualEmploymentOpportunityCommission,2005).Itisbesttoonlyrequesttheaccommodationsthatyouneedfortheinterview,notalloftheaccommodationsthatyoumayneedfortheinternship.Theimportantthingtohighlightwheninterviewingisyourabilitytodothejobwell.Youcantakecareoftheadditionaldetailsafterbeinghired.

38NCLD| YOUTH

TheEqualEmploymentOpportunitiesCommissionprovidesthefollowinginformationonrequestingaccommodationsforaninterview:

Reasonableaccommodationcantakemanyforms.Onesthatmaybeneededduringthehiringprocessinclude(butarenotlimitedto):• providingwrittenmaterialsinaccessibleformats,suchaslargeprint,braille,or

audiotape;• providingreadersorsignlanguageinterpreters;• ensuringthatrecruitment,interviews,testsandothercomponentsoftheapplication

processareheldinaccessiblelocations;• providingormodifyingequipmentordevices;• adjustingormodifyingapplicationpoliciesandprocedures.

Example: John is blind and applies for a job as a customer service representative. John could perform this job with assistive technology, such as a program that reads information on the screen. If the company wishes to have John demonstrate his ability to use the computer, it must provide appropriate assistive technology as a reasonable accommodation.

Example: An employer requires job applicants to line up outside its facility to apply for a job, a process that could take several hours. Tara has multiple sclerosis and that makes her unable to tolerate prolonged exposure to temperatures in the 90s. Tara therefore requests that she be allowed to wait indoors where it is air conditioned until the human resources department is ready to take her application. The employer would need to modify its hiring procedure to accommodate Tara.(EqualEmploymentOpportunityCommission,2005)

Finally,itisimportanttobothtakenotesduringyourinterviewandaskquestions.Takingnotesisgoodbecauseitdisplaysyourattentiontodetailandyourunderstandingofwhat’sbeingshared.

Itisalsofinetobringalongalistofquestionstoaskthepeopleyouareinterviewingwith.Infact,askingappropriatequestionsduringaninterviewisoftenappreciated,asthoseinterviewingyouwillrecognizeyourinterestandwillseethatyouhavedoneyourhomeworkbeforecomingin.However,youmustbecareful.Askingtoomanyquestionscanbeabitoverwhelmingfortheinterviewer,andmaysometimesappearasifyoudon’thaveastronggraspontheoverallmissionoftheorganizationortherolethatyouwillbeplaying.Itisalwaysbesttodopracticeinterviewswithacareercounseloror

teachersothatyoucanfeelouttheappropriatetimestoaskaquestionduringaninterview.Sometimesyouwillfindthatinterviewerswouldprefernottobeinterrupted,astheywanttogetthroughtheirlistofquestionsbeforeyouaskyours.

Eitherway,youshouldalwaysbereadywithquestionsattheendoftheinterviewthatfollowuponwhatwasstatedduringyourconversation.Thiswillreallyshowtheinterviewersthatyouwerepayingattentionduringtheinterviewandthatyouhavestronganalyticalskills.Immediately,itshowsthatyouhavetheabilitytolistenandanswerquestionswhilealsoformulatingyourownquestions.Whatagreatskilltohave!

Asking too many questions can be a bit overwhelming for the interviewer, and may sometimes appear as if you don’t have a strong grasp on the overall mission of the organization or the role that you will be playing.



Intheresourcessectionofthisguide,youwillfindinformationonsampleinterviewquestionsfromtheRegionalInternshipCenterofSouthwesternPennsylvania.Thesequestionsareagreatwaytopreparefortheinternshipandtoseewhattypesofquestionsanemployermightaskyouduringtheinterview.Thisinformationislistedunder“Interviewing 101: General Questions to Expect from the Employer.”

Following UpAftercompletinganinterview,followingupaboutapotentialinternshipopportunityispossiblyjustasimportantastheinterviewitself.Withinnomorethantwobusinessdays,youshouldsendathankyounoteorcardtothoseyouinterviewedwith,oratleasttoyourmainpointofcontact.Thisiscriticalforavarietyofreasons,includingthefollowing:

• Allowsyoutoshowappreciationforthecompany’sinterestinyou.• Reiteratesyourinterestinthecompanyandthepositionforwhichyouinterviewed.• Providesanopportunityforyoutogooverorremindtheinterviewer(s)ofyour

qualifications.• Allowsyoutoprovideanynecessaryfollow-upinformationtheinterviewer(s)mayhave

requestedofyou.

Intoday’stechnology-drivensociety,youwillmostlikelybetemptedtosendyourthankyounoteviaemail.Whilethisiscertainlyappropriateincertaincircumstances,especiallywhenemailhasbeenyourprimarymeansofcontactwiththeemployer,oryourpointofcontacthasrequestedthatyouspecificallymaintaincontactinthatmanner,sendingahandwrittencopyofyournoteisgenerallyconsideredmorepersonal.Somepeoplemaychoosetosendatype-writtenhardcopyoftheirthankyounote(especiallyiftheirhandwritingisn’tsogreat),sothisisanoptionaswell.Visittheresourcessectionofthischapterforsamplethankyouletters.

Whenyouinitiallycompletedtheinterview,theemployershouldhaveletyouknowwhen,bywhom,andinwhatmanneryouwouldbehearingfromthemregardingtheposition.Ifyouhavenotheardbackaboutyourpotentialinternshipafteraweek,itisappropriatetopolitelyinquireviaphoneoremailaboutthestatusoftheorganization’sdecision-makingprocess.Whenyoucontactthemtofindoutaboutthestatusofyourapplication,besuretomentionthenameofthepersonyouinterviewedwith,thetimeandplaceoftheinterview,andthepositionyouappliedfor.

40NCLD| YOUTH

Chapter 3 Resources



Ifeelthatnowisthetimeformetodoaninternshipbecause:

Myspecificcareerinterestsare:

Myspecificcareergoalsare:

Myidealworkenvironmentwouldinclude:(Example:Smalloffice,flexibleworkschedule,team-oriented)

Theideallocationforaninternshipwouldbe:

Iamlookingforaninternshipthatis:(Circle)Paid/Unpaid/ForSchoolCredit

Incompletinganinternship,Iwouldliketogainthefollowingskills:(Example:Organizationalskills,problem-solvingskills,technicalskills)

Incompletinganinternship,Iwouldliketohavethefollowingexperiences:(Example:Gettoattendnetworkingevents;Gettoparticipateinstaffmeetings)

Incompletinganinternship,Iwouldliketocompleteassignmentssuchas:(Example:Attendclientmeetingsandparticipateinnegotiations;Reviewandanalyzecontracts)

Activity 3A - My Internship Goals

42NCLD| YOUTH

1225WarrenStreetConcord,NH03301(603)228–1919August2,20––HenryP.Clandin,Esq.Grolsh&Donner,P.A.671FirstStreetBoston,MA02145DearMr.Clandin:ThankyoufortakingthetimetomeetwithmeinAtlanta.Myinterestinworkingforyouhasonlygrownafterlearningmoreaboutyourfirm’sworkinadmiraltylawandyoursummerassociateprogram.Ifyouwouldlikeanyadditionalmaterialtohelpyouevaluatemyapplication,pleaseletmeknow.Ilookforwardtohearingfromyousoon.Sincerely,Patrice Franklin

Revised from Franklin Pierce Law Center -http://www.piercelaw.edu/careertoolkit/interview-thank-you.php

Sample 3B – Interview Thank You Letter



12489LantinStreetManchester,NH03101603.664.5980SheilaBennett,AccountExecutiveFiveandNineMarketing28ThorntonStreetConcord,NH03301June11,20––DearMs.Bennett:Itwasapleasuremeetingwithyouandexperiencingtheopportunityyouhavetooffer.Iappreciateandthankyouforprovidingmewiththetimetointerviewforthischancetobecomeyourmarketinginternthissummer.Sinceourmeeting,myinterestandexcitementaboutthepositionhasonlyintensified.IfeelasthoughIhaveathoroughunderstandingoftherequirementsandresponsibilities,aswellasanewappreciationforthechallengesandopportunitiesthatthispositionaffords.Iamparticularlyimpressedwiththerangeofworkyouperform,andthevarietyofclientsyouserve.Iamconfidentthatmywide–rangingskillsetandexperiencewillenablemetomakeavaluablecontributiontoyourteam.

IhopeIwasabletoprovideyouwithsufficientinformationaboutmyqualificationsandexperiencetogiveyouaclearpictureofwhatIhavetoofferyou.Ifyouhaveanyotherquestions,pleasefeelfreetocallme.Thankyouagainforyourtimeandconsideration.Sincerely,JacobArdys

Revised from Franklin Pierce Law Center - http://www.piercelaw.edu/careertoolkit/interview-thank-you.php

Sample 3C - Interview Thank You Letter

44NCLD| YOUTH

23HunterDriveSanDiego,CA91901February16,20––BaileyHendersonWebSupervisorSmith&Smith1001E.ClevelandAvenueW.Farmington,NY10005DearMs.Henderson:IwouldliketothankyouandtheothermembersofSmith&SmithforthewarmreceptionIreceivedduringmyrecentvisit.YourinterestinmywebdesignworkwasencouragingandIamfollowinguponyoursuggestions.MeetingwithAlexScott,MarjorieBarry,SamRhodes,BobUmbergerandAllisonReevesprovidedimportantinsightsintothecompany’spractice.Pleaseextendmythankstothemfortheirtimeandtheinformationtheysharedwithme.MyrecentvisitconfirmsmyenthusiasmaboutstartingmywebsitedevelopmentcareerwithSmith&Smith.Yourpracticeareas,theoutstandingreputationoftheaccountexecutives,andthecompany’scommitmenttodeliveringqualitywebsitestoavarietyofclientscreatesanidealenvironmentforprofessionalgrowth.Thankyouagainforyourhospitality.Ilookforwardtohearingfromyouinthenearfuture.Sincerely,

DanaHolt

Sample 3D - Interview Thank You Letter with Multiple Interviewers



Chapter 4 Doing your Homework– Beforeyouacceptanoffer

Ensuring your school requirements are being met

I nchapter1,thevarioustypesofinternshipswereexplained.Ifyouareinadegreeprogramthatrequiresyoutoobtainaninternship,itisimportant

thatyoureviewtheinternshiprequirementsbeforeyouacceptanoffertoensurethattheinternshiplinesupwiththedegreeyouareworkingtowards.

Therearethreegreatwaystomakesurethatyourinternshipmeetstheprogramrequirementsforthedegreeprogramyouareworkingtowards:

• Selectyourinternshipfromapre-approvedlistofinternshipsthatyourschoolprovides.

• Checkwithacounseloratyouruniversitytomakesurethattheinternshipwillfittheprogramrequirements.

• Doananalysisyourselfbasedonyourprogramrequirementsanddeterminewhethertheinternshipyouarepursuingwillfulfillthem.

Afteryouhavemadesurethattheinternshipwillfitwithinyouracademicrequirements,itistimetothinkaboutwhethertheinternshipistherightfitforyouandforwhatyoudesiretogetoutoftheinternshipexperience.

Making sure the internship is the right fit for youAfteryouhavecompletedtheinterviewanddouble-checkedtomakesuretheinternshipfitswithinanyrequirementsyourdegreemighthave,itistimetoreflectoncemoreandconsiderbothwhatyouhavelearnedabouttheinternshipandifitwillworkfortheneedyouaretryingtofulfill.Thisisoneofthereasonswhyitisimportanttobringquestionstoyourinterviewandtotakenotesaswell.Thisprovidestheopportunitytocomparevariousinternshipoptions,ifyouhavemorethanone,andrefreshesyourmemoryonwhatwassaidduringeachinterview.Ifyouonlycompletedoneinterviewforaninternship,eitherbecauseyoureallylikedaspecificinternshipprogramorbecauseitwastheonlyoneavailableatthattime,youcancompareyournotestowhatyouroriginalexpectationsoftheinternshipwere.

Oneofthemajorcomponentstoconsiderwhenreflectingistocomparewhatyouwouldliketogetoutofyourinternshipandwhatyouhopetoofferthecompanyduringyourinternship.Whatiswrittenupinaninternshipsummaryorbrochureisnotalwayswhatyouwillget,soitisimportanttothinkaboutthatafteryouhavecompletedyourinterviewandbeforeyouacceptanoffer.

46NCLD| YOUTH

Getting to your internship location Sometimesthebestinternshipopportunitiesareinadifferentcity,andpossiblyevenadifferentcountry,thantheoneinwhichyouarelocated.Eventhoughtheoffermaybeareallygoodoneandtheinternshipmayseemthatitwouldprovideyouwiththebestexperience,youalsoneedtoconsiderwhetheryouarementallyandfinanciallypreparedtorelocateforanylengthoftime.Movingcanbeexpensiveandtemporaryhousingcanbeevenmoreexpensive,especiallyincitieswheretemporaryhousingiscommonbecauseoftheinfluxofinternsthatcomeeachyear.Beforeyoudecidetoacceptaninternshipofferyoushouldconsiderhowyouwillgettothecityinwhichitislocatedandhowyouwillcoveryourexpenseswhileyouarethere.Itisdefinitelyeasierifyourinternshipprovideshousingaspartoftheircompensationpackage,butmanydonot.Manyuniversitiesrenttheirdormroomsduringthesummertointernsforsummerhousingandmanyinternsfindroommatesusingtheinternet,whichhelpskeepcostslower.Whenlookingforhousingorroommates,checkoutlocalandcollegenewspapers,communitybulletinboards,andtheInternet.Popularhousing/roommatewebsitesincludewww.rent.com,www.apartmentfinder.com,www.roommates.com,www.ratetheroomie.com,andwww.roomster.com.

Transportationisanothermajoritemthatyouhavetothinkaboutbeforeyouacceptanofferforaninternship.Ifyouaremovingtoanewcity,howwillyougetaround?Makesuretoplanhowyouwillgetaroundinadvancesothatyouarenotdisappointedorinabindwhenyouarrive.Eveniftheinternshipisinyourcityortown,youmuststillconsiderwhetherthecommutewillrequireacarorpublictransportation,forexample.Ifyouhaveadisabilitythatrequiresaccessibletransportation,istheresomeavailabletoyouwhereyouwillbelivingandworking?Willafriendorfamilyneedtotransportyou?Ifso,howmanytimesperweek?

Funding an internshipTypically,nomatterhowbeneficialyoubelieveaninternshipwillbe,acriticaldecidingfactorregardingwhetheryoucanacceptanofferiswhetheryoucanaffordtodoso.Thisisespeciallythecasewhendeterminingwhethertoparticipateinanunpaidinternship.Notonlymightyouhavetocontinuetopayanybillsyouhadpriortobeginningtheinternship,butifyouplanonrelocatingtocompleteit,youwillalsohavetoconsideranynewexpensesyouwillhave.Thisincludeshousing,transportation,food,personalattendantcare,andahostofotheritemsandactivities.

Popular housing/roommate websites include www.rent.com, www.apartmentfinder.com, www.roommates.com, www.ratetheroomie.com, and www.roomster.com.

DOINGYOURHOMEWORK


Beforemakingafinaldecision,considersomeofthefollowingstrategiesforovercomingtheno-moneydilemma:

• School/University Funding –ManycollegesanduniversitiesaroundtheUShaveestablishedprogramsthatprovidefundingtostudentswhowanttopursueunpaidworkexperiences.Quiteoftentherearealumni-sponsoredinternshipgrantsavailableforstudentspursuingunpaidinternships.Checkwithbothyourcareerservicesofficeandthefinancialaidofficeregardingtheseopportunities.

• Individual Grants, Scholarships and Fellowships –Manynonprofit,religious,business,orcommunity/civicbasedorganizationsaroundtheUSandworldprovidefundingtohelppayforeducationalexperiencesrelatingcloselytoyourcareerfieldofinterest.Checkoutscholarshipandfoundationgrantwebsitessuchaswww.foundationcenter.org.

• Extra Financial Aid/Loan –Althoughcontinuingtoaddtoyourfuturedebtmaynotsoundappealing,youmayfinditworththesacrificetogetadditionalfinancialaidortakeoutaloansothatyoucantakeanunpaid/low-payinginternship.Thisiscertainlyanideayoushouldtalkoverwithyoursupportnetwork,includingafinancialaidcounselor.

• Part-Time, Paying job –Anotheroptionforensuringyourfinancialstabilityduringyourinternshipisseekingoutpart-timejobopportunitiesthatwouldallowyoutheopportunitytocompleteyourinternshipandworkduringyouroffhours.Inthinkingthroughthisdecision,makesureyouconsiderhowmuchyoubelieveyoucanhandlephysically,mentally,andemotionally.Youdon’twanttoendupdoingpoorworkeitherwithinyourinternshiporyourpaidjobsimplybecauseyouarestressedoroverloaded.Youmayevenconsideraskingyourpotentialinternshipsupervisorwhetheryourhourscanbeshortenedormodifiedinsomemannersothatyoucansuccessfullycompleteyourtasksandworkinapaidpositionaswell.

• Bank of “Mom & Dad” –Whenallelsefails,consideraskingyourparents(orotherrelatives)toprovidefinancialassistancewhileyoucompleteyourinternship.Thiscouldmeaneitheraskingthemtogiveyouthemoneyorloanittoyou.Besuretoemphasizethefactthatmakingsuchaninvestmentinyourfuturewillserveasabenefittoyouandtothem(especiallyifitmeanshelpingyougainyourownindependence).(Vogt,2005)

Recognizing the need to adaptBeforeyouacceptanoffer,ifyourelyonsocialsecuritybenefitsasasourceofincomeandyourinternshipispaid,itisimportanttothinkabouthowitmayaffectthesebenefits.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsonhowanymoneygainedfromaninternshipcanaffectyoursocialsecuritybenefits,contactyourlocalbenefitscounselor.Ifyouareinterestedinworkingwhilereceivingbenefits,informationonsupportsavailablefromtheSocialSecurityAdministrationislocatedintheresourceschapterattheendofthisguide.

Anotherthingthatyouhavetoconsideristhegeographicallocationthatyourinternshipisgoingtobein.IfyouarefromaruraltownandtheinternshipisinanurbancitylikeChicago,haveyoupreparedyourselftoliveandworkinabigcity?Thesamequestionappliesifyouaremorefamiliarwithbig-citylifesuchasthatofNewYork,yetyouplanoninterninginasmalltown.

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Itisequallyasimportanttoconsiderthelocation’sclimate.Dependingonthetimeofyearduringwhichyouwillcompleteyourinternship,yourwillingnessorabilitytohandledifferenttypesofweathermayplayakeyroleinyourdecision.Moreover,considerwhatkindsofinclementweatheryouwouldbewillingtoendure.Ifyoudecidetoparticipateinafallsemesterinternshipinanortherncity,willyoubewillingtocopewithsnowandice?Ifyoutakeasummerinternshipinacitythatreceivesquiteabitofrain,willyoubewillingtoendurethisforaseason?

Itisgoodtoexperiencenewthingsduringyourinternship,andparticipatinginaninternshipinadifferentcityisagreatwaytodothat.Simplymakesurethatyouunderstandthechangesyoumaypotentiallyexperiencebeforeyouacceptanoffersothatyouwillbeprepared.

DOINGYOURHOMEWORK

Typically, no matter how beneficial you believe an internship will be, a critical deciding factor regarding whether you can accept an offer is whether you can afford to do so.


Chapter 5 Preparing for the big Day Afteryouacceptanoffer

Using technology to your advantage

Afteryouacceptanofferforaninternship,itisimportanttobeginlearningthetypesofresourcesyou

canpulltogetherinordertobuildyourownnetworksandquicklygetacclimatedtothecity.Manyorganizationsandtheirstaffutilizevarioussocialnetworkingoutletsandgenericlistservstogetinformationout,bothwithintheirorganizationsandtothegeneralpublic.Itisimportanttolearnaboutwhichlistservsorothertypesofgroupsareavailabletoyouandtojointheonesthatyouthinkaremostappropriate.

Inadditiontolistservsthatareworkspecific,itisalsoimportanttoparticipateinlistservsthatprovideyouanopportunityfornetworkingandsocialinteractionwithpeerswhoarealsointerninginthecitythatyouareinoraremovingto.Thesearealsohelpfultofindthosewhohaverecentlygraduatedandcangiveyouadviceonhowtonavigatetheworkforcesystem.AgreatexampleofthistypeofgroupisHiddenArmyinWashington,D.C.Thisgroupofyoungprofessionalswithdisabilitiesorthoseinterestedinlearningmoreaboutdisabilitiesprovidesoneanotherwithtoolsandresourcestoobtainemploymentandadvanceinwhatevercompanyorfieldtheyarein.Italsoprovidesanoutletformemberstomeetin-personinbothcasualandprofessionalsettings,includingcoordinatingdinnersandparticipatingininformationalsessionstoimproveoneanother’smarketableskills.

Examplesofhowyoucanbenefitfromparticipatinginlistservs:

• Meetsomeofthestaffaheadofyourarrival.• Gainasenseoftheattitudeanddispositionofthecompany.• Startbuildingageneralsenseofcamaraderiebetweenyouandthestaff.• Understandongoingissueswithinthefieldthatyouaregoingtobeapartof.• Accesstovolunteeropportunitiesinthearea.• Findaffordableandaccessiblehousingoptions.

Generallytherearealsolistservsbasedonyourspecificareasofinterestororganizationsthatmayaddressthatissue.Forexample,ifyouhaveaspecificinterestinvolunteerism,thereareavarietyoflistservsthatcanconnectyouwithorganizationsorprojectsthatwillprovidevolunteeropportunities.Thesetypesoforganizationsaregreattoconnectwithduringaninternshipbecausetheynotonlyprovideyouwithanoutlettogivebacktothecommunity,butalsoallowyoutomeetotherinternsorcollegestudentsyourage.

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Determining who to meet and what to bringBeforeyoustartyourfirstdayatyournewinternship,itisimportanttoknowwhoyourcontactpersonwillbe.Youmayhavetobesignedintoabuildingbyastaffmemberandknowingwhotocallwhenyouarrivewillmakethingsaloteasier.Thispointpersonwillalsobegreattoaskanyimmediatequestionsthatyoumayhavebeforeyoustartyourinternship.Forexample,youwillneedtoknowthingslike:Whatisthedresscode?WhattimeshouldIarriveatwork?IsthereanythingspecificthatIshouldbringonmyfirstday(i.e.driverslicenseandsocialsecuritycardfortaxes)?IstherearefrigeratoravailableformylunchifIbringitemsthatshouldbekeptcold?WhereistheclosestbusortrainstopifIamusingpublictransportationtogettowork?

Makesurethatyouunderstandhowtogetfromwhereveryouarelivingtotheofficethatyouwillbeworkinginsothatyouarenotlate.Ifyouarenotcertain,askyourpointofcontact.Thismayinvolvetryingoutyourrouteonadaypriortostartingyourinternship.Ifyoutryyourrouteonaweekendorduringnon-rushhourtimes,justrememberthatduringtheweekwithinspecifictimeframesthecommutemaytakelongerbecausetherewillbemorepeople.

Itwillalsobenefityoutoaskquestionsbeforeyoustartliketheonespreviouslymentionedbecauseitwillshowtheteamthatyouwillbeworkingwiththatyouareorganized,excitedandreadytostartworkingassoonasyouarrive.Showingyourenthusiasmwillonlymakethemallthemoreexcitedaboutyourarrival.

Deciding what to wearWhenyoutalkwithyourpointperson,itisimportanttoaskwhatthedresscodeisfortheinternship.Someinternshipswillrequireyoutoworkoutside,andthereforeyoushouldwearat-shirtandjeans,whileothersincorporateorgovernmentofficesmayrequireyoutodressmoreformally.Whenyoutalktoyourpointpersonaboutthedresscode,youshouldalsoaskiftherearetimeswhenemployeesareexpectedtodressdifferentlythanthegeneraldresscoderequires.Forexample,yourpointpersonmaytellyouthatyouneedtowearashirtandtieordresseveryday.Ifyouaskfurtheryoumayalsofindoutthatonceamonththereisanall-staffmeetingwiththeCEOandmostofthestaffdressinsuits.Ontheotherhand,manycompanieshaveimplementeda“dressdown”day,typicallyonFridays,whenstaffcanwearjeansandothercasualgarments.Ifpossible,itisbeneficialtodressliketheotherstaff,especiallyduringmoreformaltimes,becauseitshowsyouremployerthatyouareprofessionalandcanfitin,whichwillhelpthemdeterminewhethertheywillkeepyouasapermanentemployee,ifthetimecomes.

Ifyourpointpersontellsyouthatinternsarenotexpectedtodressupinasuitatallandthatashirtandtieisfinenomatterwhattypeofmeetingyouareparticipatingin,itmaystillbewisetowearasuittotheimportantmeetingstoshowthatyouhaveavestedinterestinthegoodofthecompanyandthatyouwanttodresstoimpress.Youwillbetakenmoreseriouslywhenyoudresssimilarlytothoseonyourteam.

Itisalsogoodtokeepinmindtheimportanceofdressinginwhatmakesyoufeelgood.Aslongasyourchoiceofclothingdoesnotstrayfromtheguidelinesprovidedbyyouremployer,dressaccordingtowhatmakesyouperformbest.Forsomepeople,thismeanswearingsuitsandtiesordressesandheels.Forothersthismeanswearingdressslacksandbutton-downshirts.Eitherlookisappropriateforthetypicalofficesetting,sodecidebasedonwhatfitsyoubest.

“It is a good rule of thumb not to dress for the job that you have –

but to dress for the job that you want.”

PREPARINGFORTHEBIGDAY


Chapter 6 now that I am Here, what do I do?

Surviving the first week as an intern

M ostlikelyyou’veheardthephrase,“Firstimpressionsareeverything.”Whilethisisnotnecessarilytrueinallcircumstances,

firstimpressionsarecertainlyimportantwhenyoubeginaninternship.Thewaythatyouhandleyourfirstweekwillguidepeople’sperceptionsofyouthroughouttheremainderofyourinternshipexperience.Ultimately,thesefirstdayshavethepotentialtohelporharmyourfuturewithintheorganizationandeventhefieldasawhole.

Considerthefollowing15tipstohelpyoumakeagoodfirstimpression:

Have a Positive Attitude–Leteveryoneseethatyou’reexcitedaboutbeingapartoftheorganizationandlookforwardtointeractingwithyournewco-workers.

Dress Professionally/Blend in With Co-Workers –Intheworkplace,yourdressandoverallupkeeparerepresentationsofyou.Asmentioned,asyoubeginyourinternship,itisimportanttodressprofessionallyeveryday,evenonthosedeemed“casual”days.Atthispointyoustilldon’tknowwhoislikelytoshowuporwhoyoumightbeaskedtomeetwith(i.e.aseniorexecutive)andyouwanttomakesureyou’redressedtoimpress.

Learn Co-Workers’ Names Quickly–Ofcourselearningnamescanbeabittricky,especiallyiftherearequiteafewpeopleinyouroffice.Themostimportantthingistomakesurethatyoulearnthenamesofthosewhoyouwillbeworkingmorecloselywithassoonasyoucan.Ifyoudoforgetaname,simplyapologizeandaskthepersontotellyouhisorhernameagain.

Ask Questions/Ask for Help – Relax!Nooneexpectsyoutoknoweverythingonyourfirstdaysasanintern.It’sdefinitelybettertoinquireaboutsomethingbeforeyoudoitthentomakeamistakeandhavetogobackandcorrectit.BesuretoLISTENandcommunicateopenlysothatyoucontinuetobuilduponyourlearning.

Take Notes/Go to Orientation–Someformalinternshipprogramswithinorganizationsincludeaninternshiporientationtohelpyoulearnmoreproceduralactivitiesandsystems.Thisincludesgaininginformationabouteverythingfromfillingouttimesheets(especiallyifyou’rebeingpaid)tousingthecopymachine.Evenstill,someorganizationsrequiretheirinternstogothroughthesameorientationthatallnewfull-timeemployeesparticipateintogainmorebackgroundaboutorganizationalrulesandprocedures.Whetheryoudoattendaformalorientationsessionorsimplyspeakwithofficestaffabouthowthingsrunwithintheoffice,it’simportanttotakenotessothatyoudon’thavetorepeatthesamequestionoverandover.

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Don’t Rely on Others to Integrate You –Althoughitiscertainlyimportanttoaskquestions,especiallyrelatedtopoliciesandprocedureswithintheoffice,itisimportantthatyoutakeaproactiveapproachinblendinginwithyourteam.Thismeanstakingtheinitiativetointroduceyourselfaroundtheoffice.Yourgoalshouldbetobeseenasapproachableandsociable,sotrytodemonstratethisimmediately(EmploymentDigest,2007).

Observe –Yourfirstweekasaninternistypicallyyouronlyopportunitytoobservethesettinginwhichyouwillworkclearlyandwithoutjudgment.Usethistimetoobserveyoursurroundingsandtheofficeculture.Thiswillhelpyoufigureouthowyourrolefitswithintheteamandhowtointeractbestwithinit.Youprobablywon’thaveanopportunitytodothisafteryoubecomeengrossedinyourassignments.Youshouldcertainlytrynottomakegeneralizationsatthebeginningbecauseyourimpressionsmaynotalwaysbeaccurate,buttheydohavethepotentialtohelpyouduringyourtimeasanintern(EmploymentDigest,2007).

Be a Self-Starter: Take Initiative –Mostlikelyyouwillnotbegivenalotofworkatoncewhenyoubeginyourinternship.Asyoucompletethetasksyou’vebeengiven,taketheinitiativeandaskyoursupervisorformoreassignments.Don’twaitforsomeonetocometoyou,butinsteadshowyourcommitmentanddesiretohelpandgrow.

Work Full Days –It’simportanttoshowyourdedicationtoyourworkbymakingsurethatyouareworkingtheappropriateamountoftimeexpectedofyou.Nomatterwhetheryourinternshipisfullorpart-time,duringyourfirstfewdays/weeksyoushoulddoyourbestnotonlytobeontime,buteventocomeinabitearlyand/orstayabitlate.Youdefinitelyshouldtrynottoleavebeforethemajorityofyourco-workersleave(unlessyouhavespecifiedhoursthatareshorterthanthoseofyourco-workers).

Establish a Good Attendance Record –Itisequallyasimportanttocometoworkeverydayandestablishagoodattendancerecord.Ofcourseemergenciesandillnessesdohappen,butdoyourbesttomakesureyouareatworkeverydayduringthefirstfewdays/weeksofyourinternship.

Avoid Office Politics and Gossip –Rumorsandgossipareapartofanysocialsetting,includingtheworkplace.Yourgoalshouldbetostayclearofallgossipandtryyourbestnottoassociatewiththosewhodoso.Asaninternyouwon’tbeattheorganizationlonganddonotwanttobecomeinvolvedinissuesthatmaypotentiallyharmyourprofessionalcareer.

Keep Personal Business on Company Time to a Minimum –Studiesprovethatmostpeopleconductsomemannerofpersonalbusinessduringworkhours,suchascheckingemails,payingbills,andonlineshopping.Youshouldavoidthisasmuchaspossibleandtrytostayfocusedonyourassignedtasks.

Track Accomplishments–Oneofthegreatbenefitsofaninternshipisgainingavarietyofexperiencesthatwillbehelpfulinyourcareerandwillbegreatforyourresume.Whencompletingyourinternship,youshouldtokeeptrackofthethingsthatyouaccomplish,especiallysothatyouwillbeabletosellyourselftoyourfutureemployer.Usethe“InternshipAccomplishments”worksheetincludedintheResourcessectionofthischaptertokeeptrackofthem.

It is equally as important to come to work every day and establish a good attendance record.

Your goal should be to be seen as approachable and sociable.

NOWTHATIAMHERE,WHATDOIDO?


Show Appreciation –Youcancertainlygofarsimplyshowingabitofkindness.Showyourappreciationthroughoutyourinternshipexperience,butespeciallyduringyourfirstweek.Thisincludeseveryonefromyoursupervisortothereceptionist.

Keep Your Boss Informed– of Everything –Asyouentertheworkforce,itisimportanttokeepinmindthatyourbossdoesn’thavetheabilitytoreadyourmind.Thismeansthatheorshewillnotalwaysknowhowyou’redoingandwhatisorisnotgoingwell.Duringyourfirstweek,youshouldmeetwithyourbossmoretobegintobuildastrongrelationship.Alwaysbeopentoconstructivecriticism,andaskwhatyoucandotomoveaheadorreachyourintendedgoals.(Hansel&Hansel,n.d.)

Creating a work planItisimportantduringthefirstcoupleofdaystocreateaworkplanwithyoursupervisor.Thiswillbeagreattooltousetogaugeyourprogressandensurethatyouaremeetingthecompany’sgoalsforyou.Theworkplanwillalsohelpyoumakesurethatyouaccomplishthepersonalgoalsyoucreatedpriortointerviewingfortheinternship.

Asyoutalkthroughyourplanwithyoursupervisor,makesurethatyouhavebothshort-termandlong-termprojectsonyourplate.Thismeanshavingsomeactivitiesthatmaytakeafewdaysorevenjustafewhours,andhavingsomeprojectsthatyoumayultimatelyspendmuchofyourinternshiptermworkingon.Havingavarietyofprojectsisagreatwaytoensurethatyou’reneverbored!Iftherecomesapointinyourworkwhenitseemsyou’vereachedaslowpoint,youcanfocusonthelong-termprojectsinsteadoftryingtofigureoutwhattoworkonnext.Seethe“WorkPlanTemplate”intheResourcessectionofthischapter.

Afteryouhavefiguredoutwhatyouwillbeworkingonduringyourinternshipterm,youshouldmakesureyouhaveclearinformationregardingwhoyouwillbereportingtoforeachproject.Yourteammanagermightnotbethepersonyouwillbedealingwithonadailybasis,soitisimportanttoalsositdownandtalkwiththepeoplewhoyouwillbereportingtooneachproject.Talkingwiththesepeopleallowsyoutomakesurethatyouareonthesamepagewithregardstoexpectation,justasitwillensurethatwhatyouplanonprovidingiswhattheyexpect.Yourworkplanisalsoadocumentthatisquitelikelytochangeduringyourtimeasanintern.Youmayfindthatyoudonotlikeaprojectatall;inthatcase,youmaywanttorequesttheopportunitytoworkonanotherproject.Yourmanagermayalsoaskyoutoworkonnewprojectsastimepassesduringyourinternship.Agoodteammanagerwillrecognizeyourstrengthsandweaknessesandwillgiveyouprojectsthatwillmaximizeyourstrengthsandhelpyouimprovetheareasthatyouareweakin.

See the “Work Plan Template” in the Resources section of this chapter.

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Makesurethatasyouaretalkingwithyourbossandcreatingyourworkplanthatyoucontinuetorefertoyouroriginalgoalsfortheinternshipandmakesurethatwhatyouwantedtoaccomplishisreflectedinyourgoals.Youmaynotbeabletoreachalloftheminasingleinternship,butyoushouldrequestandworktowardtheopportunitytoaccomplishasmanyofthemasyoucan.Themorethatyoucandoforthecompanyyouareinterningfor,themorethecompanygainsfromhavingyouaroundandteachingyou,andthemoreskillsyougaintomoveyoutowardpermanent,long-termemployment.

Exploring the organizationOnceyouhavesettledintotheorganizationthatyouwillbeinterningwith,itisimportanttogetoutandexploreeverythingthatithastoofferyou.Tosome,thismeansfindingthecafeteriaorthesnackshoporeventheworkoutfacilities,ifthebuildingislargeenough.Whileitisimportanttoknowaboutthesebasics,exploringtheorganizationgoesmuchfurther.

Tobegin,checkthebiographiesofthepeoplethatyouwillhavedailyinteractionwith,andeventhosethatareinhigherleadershippositionsthatyoumaynotseeveryoften.Youshouldalsokeepinmindthatdependingonthetypeoforganizationyou’rein,theoverallorganizationalstructurewilldiffer.Thewaythatanon-profitorganizationrunsisdifferentfromthatofalargecorporation,andthewaythatacorporationrunsisdifferentfromagovernmentsetting.Don’tbeafraidtoaskforaone-on-oneappointmentwiththesepeople.Youwillfindthatasaninternyouhaveanadvantagebecausemanypeoplewillbemorethanwillingtositdownandchatwithyoueitherintheirofficeorduringlunchabouttheircareer.Manytimestheymaysharehowtheyusedaninternshiptogetafootin

thedooratthefirstjobthatstartedtheircareer.CheckoutthesampleorganizationalchartsintheResourcessectionofthechaptertofamiliarizeyourselfwiththetitlesofthoseyouwillwanttomeetwithduringyourinternship.

Thehistoricalandinstitutionalknowledgethatyoucangleanfromsomeofyourcolleagueswillgofarbeyondwhatyoucanlearninaclassroom.Internshipsprovidetheopportunitytohear,seeandfeelhowtheworkofothershasactuallybeenutilizedintheworldaroundyou.Thisistruewhetheryouareataninternshipinacorporatebuilding,federaloffice,non-profitcommunitycenterorapark,justtonameafew.Everyonehasastorytotellandtheyallhavebeenwhereyouaretoday.Theyallstartedsomewhereandworkedtheirwayuptheladder,andbytalkingtothem,youcantaketheskillsthattheylearnedalongthewayandturnitintoSUCCESS!

Itisimportantwhenyouaretryingtotalktopeopleathigherlevelsofleadershipwithinanorganizationtomakesurethatyouutilizetheproperchannelstodoso.Thismeansthatyoumighthaveyourbossoranothercolleaguesetupthemeeting.Thisisnotbecausethehigherlevelmanagermaynotwanttotalktoyou,butitisbecausetheymayreceivemanyrequestsformeetingsandhaveverybusyschedules,soitishelpfulforthemtohaveothershelpthemunderstandwhatmeetingstheyshouldorshouldnotaccept.Havingahigherlevelofficialsetupthemeetingforyouwillprovidetheproperintroductionsothatthepersonyoumeetwithwillbepreparedwhenyoucome.

It is important when you are trying to talk to people at higher levels of leadership within an organization to make sure that you utilize the proper channels to do so.



Priortomeetingwiththeleadersofyourorganizationandwithanyothers,youshouldmakesurethatyouarepreparedineverywaypossible.Considerwhatknowledgeyouhopetogainfromthemeetingorwhatknowledgeyouhopetoprovidethepersonthatyouaremeetingwith.Thequestionsthatyouaskdon’tnecessarilyhavetocoordinatewithwhatyouareworkingonatyourinternship,buttheyshouldreflectyourdesiretolearnandgainsomeinsightfromthepersonthatyouaretalkingto.Youmayconsiderutilizingthesamelistofquestionsyouusedwhenconductingyourinformationalinterviewswhenhavingtheseconversations.

Exploring the city around youOfcourse,yourmainprioritywhileinterningistomakesurethatyouworkhardandmakeanimpactwithinthecompanyforwhichyou’reinterning.However,itisstillimportanttomakesurethatyouembraceeverypartoftheinternshipexperience,includingexploringyoursurroundings.Manyinternshipstakeyoutoanewcity,whichopensuppossibilitiesforahostofnewexperiences.Talktoyourcolleaguesatworkandaskthemwhattheydoontheweekends.Gooutwithotherinternsintheofficeandrelaxafterwork.Itisimportantthatyouhaveanavenuewhereyoucansafelyblowoffsteamafterworkorcanshareaboutyourexperiences.Relaxationandabalancedlifestyleisakeyaspectofanysuccessfulcareer.

Usingthelistservsorothersocialnetworkinggroupsthatyoujoinedisanexcellentwaytofigureoutthingstodoaroundthecity.Happyhourscanbeagreatwaytomeetotheryoungpeopleafterworkandtheydon’thavetoinvolvealcoholifyouarenotoldenoughorsimplychoosenottodrink.Ifyoudochoosetodrinkduringtheseevents,makesuretorememberthateventhoughyouareoutsideoftheworkenvironment,youstillarearepresentativeofyourorganization.Yourinternaffiliationgoeswithyouwhereveryougo.Thismeansthatyoumustberesponsible.Ifyousayordosomethingthatisinappropriateitwillmostlikelygetbacktoyoursuperiors,whichcouldresultinbothshort-termandlong-termnegativeconsequences.

Makesuretoalsoexplorevariousculturalactivitiesandlandmarksinthearea.Ifyourinternshipisinalargecity,typicallyyouwillhaveaccesstomuseums,theatersandavarietyofotherevents.Ifyourinternshipisinasmallercity,checkwithlocalcolleges,newspapersandwebsitestolearnabouteventsorspecialexpositions.Ingeneral,everycityhasahistoryandlocallandmarks,andmanyofthesesitescostlittle-to-nothingatall.Mostcounties

Using the listservs or other social networking groups that you joined is an excellent way to figure out things to do around the city.

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and/orcitieshavewhat’sknownasconventionandvisitorsbureaus(CVB),whicharedesignedtoimprovetheoveralleconomicdevelopmentofanareabyencouragingotherstovisit.CVBsaregreatplacestofindinformationaboutadestination’slodging,dining,attractions,events,museums,artsandculture,historyandrecreation.Someprovidemorein-depthinformation,includingactivitylistsandtopattractions,blogs,freethingstodoandactivitysuggestionsfortheseason.TofindalocalCVB,simplytypethecityalongwiththephrase“conventionandvisitorsbureau”intoanysearchengine.

Theimportantthingtorememberduringyourinternshipexperienceisthatit’snotjustaboutwhatyoucanlearnandsoakupduringtheworkday.Itisalsoabouttheopportunitiesthatitprovidestoyouwhenyouarenotatwork.

Resource mappingAsyouareexploringthecity,itisimportanttoknowwhereyourlocalresourcesare.Dependingonyourdisability,youmayneedtoknowwherethelocalwheelchairrepairshopisorwhereyoucangetothermedicalequipmentifyoursmalfunctions.Incaseofanemergency,youshouldknowwherethenearesthospitalis.Accessyourinsurancecompany’swebsitetodeterminewhattypeofcoverageyouhavewhenyou’reoutsideofyournormalareaornetwork.Thiswillbeimportanttoknowshouldyouhavetovisitadoctorwhileyou’reaway.Ifyourinsuranceisunabletocoveryouwhileyou’reaway,youshouldbepreparedtocoveranymedicalexpensethatcouldarise.

Youwillalsoneedtoknowwherethelocalgrocerystoreisandhowthelocaltransportationworksifitisavailabletoyou.Alsoconsiderthingslikewherethenearestbranchofyourbankis.Ifyourbankdoesnothavelocationsinthecityyou’rein,thinkabouthowyouwillmanageyourmoney.Willyousimplywithdrawmoneyfromanotherbankingcompanyandcontinuetohandleanyotherbankingneedsonlineorlong-distance,oristhereanotheroption?Theseareallgreatwaystousethelistservsandothersocialnetworkinggroupsthatyoujoinedtogaininformation.Youarenotaloneinyournewenvironment.Therearealwaysotherswhoareexperiencingorhaveexperiencedthesamesituationsthatyouare,soitneverhurtstoaskforhelportoseewhatresourcesthattheyusedtomeettheirneeds.Usethe“FindingyourResources”sheetintheResourcessectionofthischaptertohelpyoustartthinkingabouttheplacesyouneedtofindmost.



EvaluationAfteryouhaveaclearunderstandingofyourpositionandwhatanormaldayislikeintheoffice,youshouldmakesuretomeetwithyourmanagerandtalkabouthowyouwillbeevaluated.Sometimes,ifyourinternshipisrequiredasapartofyourdegree’sprogram,youruniversitymayhaveanevaluationformthatyoursupervisorisrequiredtocomplete.Thereisalsoapossibilitythattheofficeyouareinterninginhasitsownevaluationtool.Eitherway,youshouldasktoensurethatyouareprepared.Inmostcases,notonlywilltheprogramyou’reinterningwithcompleteanevaluationofyourperformance,butyouwillcompleteanevaluationbasedonyourexperience.

Ifthoseparticipatingininternshipsinyourofficearetypicallyonlyevaluatedattheendoftheinternshipterm,youmayalsowanttoaskyourmanagerifyoucanbeevaluatedmorefrequently.Thiscanbeausefultooltogaugeyourprogressthroughouttheinternship.Thiscanalsomaketheevaluationprocessattheendoftheinternshipmucheasierbecauseyouwillhaveabetterideaofwhattoexpect.Ofcourse,aboveall,frequentevaluationsenableyoutoimproveinanyareaswhereyoumayoriginallyhavehaddifficulties.

Evaluationsarenotabadthingandshouldn’tbefeared.Theyaredevelopedtoassistyouinbecomingabetteremployeeandtomakesurethatyouarelearningwhatyousetouttolearnwhenyoucreatedyourgoals.CheckouttheResourcessectiontoviewsampleevaluations.

In most cases, not only will the program you’re interning with complete an evaluation of your performance, but you will complete an evaluation based on your experience.

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Chapter 6 Resources



Thisworksheetisintendedtohelpyoubrainstormtheaccomplishmentsyou’vemadeinyourinternshipsothatyouareabletocreateanaccomplishments-drivenresumeandcoverletter.Moreimportantly,seeingyouraccomplishmentsonpaperwilltrulymakeyoufeelproudofyourselfforallthatyou’vecompleted!

Tipsforcompletingthisworksheet:

• Trytolistaccomplishmentsthatarespecificandmeasurable.Thisincludesusingnumbers(quantities)asmuchaspossible(Examples:Servedacustomerbaseof250;Increasedconferenceattendanceby15percent.)

• Usesuperlativesand“firsts.”Usewordssuchas“first,”“only,”“best,”“most,”and“highest.”

• Askyourself,“sowhat?”Foreveryaccomplishmentyoulist,considerhowthisdisplaysyourabilitiesandpotentialinyourfuturecareer.

1. Inyourinternship,whatspecialthingsdidyoudotosetyourselfapart?Howdidyoudothejobbetterthananyoneelsedidorthananyoneelsecouldhavedone?

2. Whatdidyoudotomakethisinternshipyourown?Howdidyoutaketheinitiative?Howdidyougoaboveandbeyondwhatwasaskedofyouinyourjobdescription?

3. Whatspecialthingsdidyoudotoimpressyourbosssothatyouwouldreceiveagoodreferenceorevenbehiredpermanently?

4. Howhastheorganizationbenefitedfromyourperformance?Howdidyou/willyouleavethisorganizationbetteroffthanbeforeyouinternedthere?

Activity 6A – Internship Accomplishments

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5. Whatareyoumostproudofasanintern?

6. Haveyoureceivedanylettersormemosfromyoursupervisor,co-workers,orcustomersthatpayyoucompliments?Doyouhavequotesthatsupportyouraccomplishments?

7. Whattangibleevidencedoyouhaveofaccomplishments–publicationsyou’vewritten,productsyou’vedeveloped,Webpagesyou’vedesigned.

8. Listsituationsinwhichyouwererequiredtojugglemanyprojectssimultaneouslyunderdeadlinepressure.

9. Listsituationsinwhichyouwererequiredtodealwiththepublic.Describeanysituationsinwhichyourespondedtocomplaintsorsmoothedruffledfeathers.

10.Howdidyousolveoneormoreproblemsasanintern?Whatweretheproblemsorchallengesthatyouortheorganizationface?Whatdidyoudotoovercometheproblems?Whatweretheresultsofyourefforts?



Objective #1(Iplantoaccomplish…)

Iwillenhance/gainthefollowingskillsasaresultofachievingthisobjective:

Iwillcompletethefollowingtasks(includestart/enddate)inordertoreachthisgoal:

Tasks and Major Steps Start/End Date

Objective #2(Iplantoaccomplish…)

Iwillenhance/gainthefollowingskillsasaresultofachievingthisobjective:

Iwillcompletethefollowingtasks(includestart/enddate)inordertoreachthisgoal:

Tasks and Major Steps Start/End Date

Activity 6B - Internship Work Plan

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Sample 6C – Corporate Organizational Structure


President/CEO

Business Administration Operations

Clerical ContactsHumanResources

TechnicalSupport

MaterialHandling

Business Development

Financial


Sample 6D – Nonprofit Organizational Structure

CEOExecutive Director

(or President)

FundraisingCommittee

NominatingCommittee

Budget andFinance Committee

Other:Ad Hoc or

Program Committees

Board ofDirectors

Asst. DirectorDevelopment

(or Vice President)

CFOAsst. Director

Finance(or Vice President)

COOAsst. DirectorOperations

(or Vice President)

Asst. DirectorPlanning/Marketing

(or Vice President)

COOAsst. Director

PR/CommunityAffairs

(or Vice President)

Asst. DirectorHuman

Resources(or Vice President)

64NCLD| YOUTH

Sample 6E – Government Organizational Structure


Secretary

Deputy Secretary

ManagementUnder Secretary

Science &Technology

Under Secretary

Health AffairsAsst. Secretary/Chief Medical

Officer

NationalProtection &

ProgramsUnder Secretary

Intelligence & Analysis

Under Secretary

Federal LawEnforcement

Training CenterDirector

PolicyUnder Secretary

OperationsCoordination

Director

GeneralCounsel

Citizenship &Immigration

ServicesOmbudsman

LegislativeAffairs

Under Secretary

Chief PrivacyOfficer

PublicAffairs

Under Secretary

Civil Rights & Civil Liberties

Officer

InspectorGeneral

Counter-Narcotics

EnforcementDirector

Chief of Staff

ExecutiveSecretariat

MilitaryAdvisor

DomesticNuclear

DetectionOfficeDirector

NationalCyber

SecurityCenterDirector

TransportationSecurity

AdministrationAsst. Secretary/Administrator

U.S. Customs &Border

ProtectionCommissioner

U.S. Citizenship& Immigration

ServicesDirector

U.S. ImmigrationCustoms

EnforcementAsst. Secretary

U.S. SecretServiceDirector

Federal EmergencyManagement

AgencyAdministrator

Federal EmergencyManagement

AgencyAdministrator


Ifyoudecidetocompleteaninternshipinanothercity,manyofyourexperienceswillbethoseyouhaveoutsideyourplaceofwork.Youshouldmakesureyouareawareoftheplacesthatwillmakeyourtimemoreenjoyableandrunsmoothly.Completeasmuchofthefollowinginformationeitherbeforeyouheadofftodoyourinternshiporsoonafteryouarrive.RemembertocheckoutthelocalConventionandVisitorsBureauwebsite,andusethesuggestedsearchtermsinyoursearchengineofchoice(i.e.Google,Yahoo!).

NEAREST… INTERNET SEARCH TERM

NAME & LOCATION/ADDRESS

BANK BRANCH “(Bankname)+locations”

HOSPITAL “hospital+city/countyname”

LIBRARY “library+city/county+state”

CHURCH/SYNAGOGUE/MOSQUE, ETC.

“(church

GROCERY STORE “groceries+city/county+state”

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION STOP (I.E. BUS/TRAIN STOP)MEDICAL SUPPLY/REPAIR

GAS STATION

RESTAURANT(S)

VEHICLE MECHANIC

REC CENTER/GYM/YMCA

MOVIE THEATER

MALL/SHOPPING CENTER

OTHER ENTERTAINMENT VENUES (I.E. MUSEUM, ART GALLERY, BOOK STORE)

Activity 6F – Finding my Resources

66NCLD| YOUTH

Intern Name:

Semester: Fall Spring Summer 20___

Business Name

Supervisor Name:

Business Phone #

Please rate the student intern on each of the following categories.

Professional Qualities

Excellent Good Fair Poor N/A

RATINGS 4 3 2 1

Establishesrapportwithsupervisor

Establishesrapportwithstaff

Establishesrapportwithclients

Communicateswell

Seeksnewknowledge

Showsinitiative

Managestimewell

Producesaccuratereports/records

Demonstratesadequateknowledge

I certify that has completed internship hours.

Supervisor Signature Supervisor phone number Date

Sample 6G - Internship Evaluation by Program Manager

Personal Qualities

Excellent Good Fair Poor N/A

RATINGS 4 3 2 1

Ispunctual

Isdependable

AcceptsConstructiveCriticism

DemonstratesEnthusiasm

DressesProfessionally



Student Date

Site Supervisor

Please use a check mark (3) to indicate your responses.

SITE NotAp-plicable

0

StronglyDisagree

1

Disagree2

Neutral3

Agree4

StronglyAgree

51.Thefacilitywasadequate.

2.Thisagencywasclearlysetuptohaveinterns.

3.Theatmosphereattheagencywasprofessional.

4.Wouldyouconsideracceptingemploymentatthisagency?

5.Wouldyourecommendthissitetootherinterns?

SITE SUPERVISOR

Name:

NotAp-plicable

0

StronglyDisagree

1

Disagree2

Neutral3

Agree4

StronglyAgree

51.Internswereencouragedtoask

questionsand/orgiveopinions.2.Thesupervisor’sdevelopmentand

presentationofmaterialwerecon-sistentwiththegoalsoftheintern-ship.

3.Thesupervisor’spresentationofmaterialswasofthehighestqualitylevel.

4.Thesupervisorwasaccessibletoyouandconcernedaboutyourprogress.

5.Thesupervisor’soverallcapabilitywasofthehighestqualitylevel.

6.Iwouldconsiderworkingforthissupervisor.

*Modifiedfromwww.slis.indiana.edu/courses/internship/evaluation.html

Sample 6H - Internship Evaluation by Student

68NCLD| YOUTH

Your title as an intern does not make you any less valuable than any other employee.


Speaking up: Finding your inner voice

Oneofthehardestthingsforaninterntodoisaskquestions.Youmayfeelthatyouarespeakingoutofturnorthatyou

aretakinguptoomuchofyourboss’stime.Remember,youaretheretolearn.Youcan’talwayslearnbyobserving;youneedtoaskquestions,too.Ifyourbossinvitesyoutoameetinganddirectsyoutositinthebackoftheroomtoobserve,thenitprobablyisn’tbesttoaskquestionsduringthemeeting.Don’tbeafraid,however,topullyourbossasideafterwardstoaskanyquestionsthatyoumayhave.

It’simportanttoshowyourteamthatyouarepayingattentiontowhatisgoingonandthatyouaretheretolearnandbeateamplayer.Byaskingquestions,itshowsthatyouarealertandawareoftheinnerworkingsoftheorganizationandthatyouwanttobeanintegralpartofit.Therewillcertainlybeopportunitiesforyoutoofferyourinsightinmeetings,andthesearecriticalopportunitiestoprovideyourthoughtsandproveyourabilitytoaddvaluetoateam.

Forexample,ifyouareinterningwithacompanythatdevelopscollegetextbooks,thisisanidealopportunitytoofferyouruniqueperspectiveasayoungperson.Althoughyoumaynotbefamiliarwiththeactualcontentofthetextbook,youwouldbeabletoofferinsightaboutparticularpreferencesstudentshaveabouttextbooks.Inaddition,youcansharewaysthatyoustudyandhowatextbookdesigncanassistinyourstudyprocess.

Yourtitleasaninterndoesnotmakeyouanylessvaluablethananyotheremployee,evenifyouarenotpaid.Thewayyoupresentyourselfandengageinconversationatanyoffice-relatedfunctioniscriticaltoyoursuccesswithinyourposition.Yourattentionintheseareaswillcauseyoutostandoutamongothersinternsintheoffice.

Chapter 7 Skills for Success

70NCLD| YOUTH

Representing the organizationAnimportantcomponentofworkingorinterningforanyorganizationorcompanyisknowinghowtotalkabouttheorganizationandtheroleyouplaywithinit.Asyourexperiencegrows,youwillbegintorecognizethatdifferenttypesoforganizationspresentthemselvesinavarietyofmanners.Non-profitsareknownfortheirtendencytomentionthenamesofpeopleorfoundationsthatfundtheirmajorprojects.Privatecompaniessometimesliketomentionanewprojectormajorbreakthroughthatmakesthemtheleaderintheirfield.Governmentagenciesmayhavelegalrestrictionsregardingwhattheycanandcan’ttalkaboutwhentalkingtopeopleinthepublic.Itisalwaysagoodideatoaskyoursupervisorandyourcolleagueshowtheytalkabouttheorganizationtopeoplewhentheyareinoutsidemeetingssothatyoucanrepresenttheorganizationwell,too.

Afteryouhaveaclearunderstandingoftheroleoftheorganizationyou’reinterningwith,practicegivingwhatiscalledan“elevatorspeech.”Thisisaconcise,carefullyplanned,andwell-practiceddescriptionaboutyourcompanythatanyoneshouldbeabletounderstandinthetimeittakestorideanelevator.Typically,thismeanswhenyouintroduceyourselfatameetingorevent,youshouldbeabletorelaywhatyoudoandwhereyouworkincloseto30seconds.Keepinmindthatyourspeechshouldbeabletoquicklycatchtheattentionofothersandmakethemwanttomoreaboutyourorganizationandwhatyoudo.Itshouldalsoberelevanttotheaudienceyouarespeakingto.You

wouldn’ttellyoursister’sthirdgradeclass,“IdesignJ2EEsoftwareapplicationstodeliverSOAforF1000companies.”

Here are two strong elevator speech examples:“MynameisDanielArmstrong.I’minterningatPintuk,Inc.Intheaftermathofsomeoftherecentaccountingscandals,Pintukhelpscompaniesmakesurethattheyarefollowingthelaw.NooneelsecanhelpthemcomplyasfastasPintukcan.”

“Ifyou’rearestaurateurandcan’tkeepyourregularscomingback,you’relost.Usingproprietaryonlineandofflinesurveytechniques,GantResearchwillfindouthowyoucanstopthelossesandstartgeneratingprofit.I’mservingasanassistantresearcheratGantforthesummer.”

NetworkingOnceyouhavedevelopeda30-secondspeechbasedonwhatyouwouldsaytoothersaboutthecompanyyou’reinterningwith,makesuretocreateoneaboutyourself.Itisagreattooltouseasyouexploreemploymentoptionsforafteryoucompleteyourinternship.Itwillhelpexplainyouraccomplishmentstopotentialemployers.

An elevator speech is a concise, carefully planned, and well-practiced description about your company that anyone should be able to understand in the time it takes to ride an elevator.

SKILLSFORSUCCESS


Whencreatinganelevatorspeechforyourself,considerusingthefollowingformula:

1. WhoamI?(introduceyourself)2. WhatfieldorindustryamIin?3. WhatpositionamIin?InwhatcapacitydoIserve?4. HowamIunique?Whatmakesmedifferentfromthe

competition?5. Whatbenefitscanemployersgainfrommyskills,

basedontheaccomplishmentsI’vealreadymade?(Hansel&Hansel,n.d.)

Althoughusingaguidelineisimportant,youshouldkeepinmindthattheelevatorspeechisreallyanopportunitytosellyourself,sopretendthatyou’recreatinga30-secondcommercialforyourself.Youhavetocatchtheperson’sattentionrightawaytoensuretheircontinuedinterestinyouandwhatyouhavetooffer.

Herearesomeexamplestogetyoustarted.Usethe“MyElevatorSpeech”worksheetintheResourcessectionofthechaptertocreateyourown:

High School Student Elevator Speech

Hi, I’m Rick, and even though I’m just a senior in high school, my voice is already recognized across the city. This year I’ve been interning at KYZ radio in the programming department. A lot of my responsibilities include scheduling and researching artists, but I’ve had a few opportunities to go on the air. People say they enjoy my calming voice, especially for the evening radio shows. I definitely look forward to majoring in broadcast journalism in college next year.

College Student Elevator Speech

Hi, my name is Lisa. Right now I’m working hard to make sure organizations across the country become richer and richer. I am currently a junior at George Mason University just outside of Washington, D.C. I’m currently majoring in business and am completing an internship at Lucida Finance Group. I’m co-managing files for a series of clients to create financial plans and investment portfolios, and am doing everything from researching and analyzing data, to creating and implementing the plans. I’ve always had a love for numbers, so I know this is the career path that I’d like to pursue. I’ve already worked hard with my supervisor to create plans that are being used at three organizations.

Thesearegreatsalespitchesbecausetheydescribewhattheindividualsarecurrentlyworkingon,accomplishmentsthattheyhavealreadyachieved,andexpressthefactthattheyaregoal-oriented.Thesespeechesarealsopositivebecausetheysharewhattheirspecificskillsetsareandthattheywanttoputthemtouseinthefuture.Itisalsowisetomakesurethattheskillsbeingpresentedarethemostmarketableskillsofinteresttothepersonbeingspokento.

72NCLD| YOUTH

Doing Your HomeworkJustasitisimportanttobepreparedanddoresearchpriortoanyinterviewyouhave,itisequallyasimportanttodothesamebackgroundworkbeforegoingtomeetingsandevents.Figureoutwhowillbeattendingtheseeventsandwhatorganizationswillberepresented.Dependingonthesizeofthemeeting,itmaybenearlyimpossibletorememberallofthepeoplethatwillbethere,butmakealistofthetopfivepeoplewhoyouwanttomeet.Thenaskquestionsaboutthemtothoseyouhavedevelopedrelationshipswithwithinyouroffice.Ofcourse,itisalsogoodtoutilizeanyresources,suchastheInternet,thatmightprovideyouwithahistoryofeachperson’sbackground..Learnaboutanypublicationstheymayhavewrittenorotherworksthey’reknownfor,anddoyourbesttogetyourhandsonacopyofthem.Oftentimes,thesebackgrounditemscanbegreatconversationstarters,andwillgenerallymakeyoustandout.Remember,youmayonlyhaveoneopportunitytosellyourselforevenjustmeetthisperson,somakethemostofit.If the conversation goes well, you can always ask the person you’ve been speaking with to introduce you to other people at the meeting they think you should talk to. This opens the door for you not only to create a relationship with your initial contact, but allows you to continue to build your own network as you are introduced to more people. This may also make the next person you meet more receptive to you because you have a mutual contact.

Business CardsItisalsoalwayswisetoaskfolksyoumeetforoneofhisorherbusinesscards,andtoalsomakesurethatyouprovidethemwithoneofyours.Ifthecompanythatyouareinterningwithdoesnotprovidebusinesscards,don’tfret!Simplygotoyourlocalofficesupplystoreandpurchaseblankonesthatcomewithanonlinetemplate.Printtheseoutandusethem.Inaddition,someprintingwebsitesofferbusinesscarddealsforlittle-to-nocost.Checkoutthefollowingwebsitesforbusinesscards:www.vistaprint.com,www.overnightprints.com,www.freeprintablebusinesscards.net,www.123print.com,www.printsmadeeasy.com.

Rememberthatyouareinyourinternshiptogainexperiencesothatyouhaveagreateradvantagewhenlookingforajob.Thisexperiencealsocomeswiththecontactsthatyouareabletomakeduringyourinternship.Insomecases,youmayencountermanypeopleinagivendayandgathermanybusinesscards,whichmaymakeitdifficulttorememberwhoyoumetwhenyoureferbacktothem.Onewaytotriggeryourmemoryistowritethreekeythingsonthebackoftheperson’scardthatwerememorableabouthimorher.Forexample,ifyoumetDanSneed,thepresidentofalargetechnologyfirm,youmaywritethefollowingonthebackofhiscard:

1. Woretiewithgolfclubs

2. TalkedaboutloveofStarWars

3. Mentionedhavingtwosonsincollege

SKILLSFORSUCCESS


Attheendofeachday,orasoftenaspossible,gothroughthebusinesscardsthatyouwereabletoobtainandsendthankyounotestothosewhotookspecialtimeouttotalktoyou.Youcanalsousethisopportunitytoaskanyfollow-upquestionsyoumayhave.Don’tforgettosendalongaresumeandevenaskforaninformationalinterviewifyou’dliketolearnmoreabouthowyoucanfitintohisorherorganization.

Finding and using a mentorItisalwaysimportanttohavementorsasyouprogressbothinschoolandintotheworldofwork.Amentoratworkdoesn’thavetobeyourbossand,infact,itmaybebettertoensurethatyourmentorissomeonethatisnotyourdirectsupervisor,orevenonyourteam.Sometimes,youmayneedadviceonhowtoworkwithamemberofyourteamoryoumaybelookingforfurtherdevelopmentinanareaofthecompanythatyourteamdoesn’tcover.Thekeycomponentofmentoringis“relationship,”meaningthatwhileinsomesituationsyoumayhavesomeoneyouadmireasarolemodel,amentorisonewithwhomyoucontinuallyinteract.Havingsomeonethatcanhelpyounavigatethepathswithinyourworksettinganddeviseeffectivesolutionstosomeofyourquestionswillbehelpfulinmakingyourinternshipasuccess.

Ifyoudecidethatamentoriswhatyouneed,considerwhattypeofmentoringrelationshipwouldmakethemostsensewithinyourworksetting.Therearefivemaincategories.

1. Traditional One-to-One Mentoring–Amodelofmentoringinwhichoneadultispairedwithoneyoungperson.Typically,therewillbeanextensivematchingprocesstoensureastrongrelationship,anditisexpectedthatthecommitmentwillbeforoneyearorlonger.Thisismostlikelytheformofmentoringyouwillusewithintheinternshipsetting.

2. Peer Mentoring – Amentoringmodelinwhichpeersfromasharedorsimilardevelopmentalstageprovidesupportandadvicetomentees.Peerscanbecloseinageorfartherapart,dependingonthecircumstances.

3. Group Mentoring –Thisformofmentoringmatchesoneormoreadultswithagroupofyouthinastructuredsetting.Thiscouldincludeanindividualorgroupofadultvolunteersworkingwithseveralyouthinaschoolorafaith-basedprogram,oragroupofemployeesfromonecompanyworkingwithstudentsfromalocalschoolinawork-basedmentoringprogram.

4. E-Mentoring –E-mentoringdescribesacontemporarymodelcommonlyusedinschoolsinwhichone(ormore)youthismatchedwithamentor.Theyouthandmentorregularlyexchangee-mailmessagesforadesignated,prolongedperiodoftime.Inidealcircumstances,e-mentoringincludesoccasionalface-to-facemeetingstoprovideamorepersonalconnection.Inmanyinstances,aprogramcoordinator(oftenateacher)willmonitorallcorrespondenceandmeetings.(Paving the Road to Work, NCWD,2005.)

5. Reverse Mentoring–Thisformofmentoringiswheresomeoneolderormoreexperiencedismentoredbysomeoneyoungerorlessexperienced.Typicallythisismorelikelytotakeplaceintheworkplace,buttheremaybeoccasionsforthistooccurinsocialandeducationalsettings.(Hare,2008)

74NCLD| YOUTH

Afteryoufindsomeonethatyouarecomfortablewithandthatyouthinkwouldbeagreatassettoyourinternshipexperience,askthemiftheywouldbewillingtoserveasyourmentor.Therearesomehelpfulresourceslistedintheresourcessectionofthisguidethatwillsharehowtogetthisconversationgoingwithapotentialmentorandhowtocreateamentoringplanthatwillguideboththementorandyouasthementee.Inmanycasesyouwillfindthatastrongmentoringrelationshiplastslongaftertheinternshipisover.Yourmentorcanalsobeanextremelyusefulresourceinhelpingyoufindafull-timepositionafteryouhavecompletedyourinternship.

Navigating the transportation systemIfyouareusingpublictransportation,makesurethatyoubecomeextremelyfamiliarwiththesystem.Elevatorsandescalatorsbreakdownatbusandtrainstationsandyouwillneedtoknowwhatotheroptionsyouhave.Ifyourbusappearstobelateordoesn’tcomeatall,youshouldhavethenumberofanaccessibletaxiserviceorsomeotherformoftransportationonhand.Ingeneral,mostcitieshaveaccessibleparatransitservices,whichdonotfollowfixedroutesorschedulesandareoperatedbypublictransitagencies,communitygroups,andnot-for-profitorganizations.Whilethereistypicallyanapplicationprocesstoreceivetheseservices,oftentherearesimplerorquickeroptionsforpeoplewhowilltemporarilyrequirethistypeoftransportation.Justaswithanyemployee,havingabackupplaninplaceisessentialbecauseyouneverknowwhatmayhappenduringyourcommutetoandfromwork.Alsobesuretoalwayshaveyouroffice’sphonenumberhandy;ifyou’regoingtobelateforanyreason,itisalwaysagoodideatocallinandletyourteamknow.

Taking time off of workEverycompanyhasapolicyonhowtorequesttimeoffofworkandhowmuchtimeyouareallowedforbothsickandvacationleave.Makesurethatyoufamiliarizeyourselfwiththispolicyandknowthatthepolicyforfull-timeemployeesandinternsistypicallydifferent.Somecompaniesdonotallowtheirinternstohavepaidtimeoff,butwillallowthemleavewithoutpay.Othercompaniesexpecttheirinternstobepresenteveryday,dependingonthelengthoftheinternship.

Universal leave–Inrecentyears,somecompanieshavebegunswitchingovertowhatmaybeconsideredamoreconvenientwayofallowingtimeoff.Inthesecases,theyarecombiningvacationtimeandsicktimeintoanoverallnumberofpaiddaysthatanemployeecantakeoffeachyear.Forexample,asopposedtoreceiving12vacationdaysandeightsickleavedays,acompanymaychoosetosimplyprovideemployees20paiddaysoff,whichcanbeusedinwhatevermannertheemployeechooses.Thisisespeciallybeneficialforthosewhodon’ttendtousemanysickleavedaysandgenerallyhavethemleftoverattheendofeachyear.Thismakesformorevacationtime!

Ifthecompanythatyouareinterningwithoperatesunderauniversalleavestructure,beforeyourequestyourvacationtimeconsiderwhetheryouhaveenoughleave,justincaseyouneedsickleavelaterinyourinternship.(Youshouldalwaystrytoleaveanextradayortwoofsickleave,incaseyougetsickunexpectedly.)Also,keepinmindthatdoctor’sappointmentsandotherhealth-relatedvisitsthatwillrequireyoutobeoutoftheofficewillmostlikelybecountedassickleave.Whilethesecan’tgenerallybeanticipated,itisalwaysbesttoplanahead.

In many cases you will find that a strong mentoring relationship lasts long after the internship is over.

SKILLSFORSUCCESS


Vacation time–Ifyourinternshipislongenoughtoallowyouvacationleave,besuretoprovideyouremployerwithasmuchadvancednoticeaspossible.Itisalsosmarttomakesurethatyouhavecompletedasmanyprojectsaspossiblebeforeyouleaveandthattheteamthatyouareworkingwithknowsofanyduedatesthatliewithinthetimeyouwillbeaway.Eventhoughyouareonvacation,itneverhurtstoleaveyourbosswithaphonenumberbywhichyoucanbereachedincasesomethingimportantcomesupthattheyneedtocontactyouabout.Asarule,employersareconsiderateofemployees’(includinginterns’)vacationtime,sotheywouldnottypicallycontactyouunlesstherewasadireneed.

Sick time–Ifyouhavetocallinsickortakesicktimetoseeadoctor,makesurethatyouprovideyourbosswithasmuchnoticeaspossible.Also,makesurethatyoutalkwithyourbossabouthowtoprovidenoticethatyouwillbeout.Somesupervisorspreferaphonecallasopposedtoanemail.Othersrequestthatyoucalltheadministrativepersonfortheteam,suchasasecretary,becauseheorshecanbeeasiertoreachwithintheoffice.Obviously,predictingwhenyouwillcomedownwithanillnessofsomesortisnearlyimpossible,butifthereisaninstancewhereyouwakeupinthemorningandrealizethatyouaren’tgoingtomakeitintowork,callornotifytheappropriatepeopleimmediatelyinsteadofwaitinguntilshortlybeforeyou’reduetoarriveatyourworksite.

Disclosing your disabilityIfyouareaninternwithadisability,youmayneedtodisclosebeforeyourintervieworevenuponstartingyourinternship,especiallyifyouneedanaccommodationtocompleteaninterview.ThekeythingtokeepinmindisthatitisyourchoicetoshareinformationaboutyourdisabilityWHENEVERyouchooseto.Ofcourse,whileitisstrictlyyourdecision,employersareonlyrequiredtomakeaccommodationsforyouifyouletthemknowyourneeds.Disclosurecanbetrickyandtherearetoolsavailabletohelpyouunderstandthebestwaytoinformothersofyourdisability,especiallydependingonthesituationyouarein.Thewayyou’vechosentodiscloseinschoolwillmostlikelybedifferentthanthewayyoudisclosetoyouremployer,andthewaythatyoudisclosetoyourbossmightbedifferentfromthewaythatyoudisclosetotherestoftheteamthatyouworkwith.

Onewaytothinkaboutdisclosureistoconsiderthefactthatyourdisabilitycanprovideanadvantagethatinternswithoutdisabilitieswouldnothave.Again,youruniqueperspectivemaybeabletofurtherthecompanyastheyseektoaddressdisabilitybothwithinandoutsideoftheorganization.Theymayalsobeseekingtoexpandtheirmarketingtoincludepeoplewithdisabilities,onwhichyoucouldcertainlyprovideinsight.Justasyouconsiderhowtomarketyouraccomplishmentsandstrengthswhengoingthroughtheinterviewprocess,dothesamewhenthinkingabouthowtopresentyourdisabilityhere:asabeneficial,distinguishingassetthatyoubringtothetable.Formoreinformationandtogethelpthinkingthroughthedisclosureprocess,downloadthe411onDisabilityDisclosure.

76NCLD| YOUTH

Chapter 7 Resources

SKILLSFORSUCCESS


Answerthefollowingquestionstohelpyouformulateyourelevatorspeech.Thenusethespaceatthebottomtowriteoutyourfullspeech.Remembertomakeitcatchyandkeepitconcise.Thisisyouropportunitytosellyourself!

1. WhoamI?(Yourname,School,OrganizationyourInterningwith)

2. WhatfieldorindustryamIin?

3. WhatpositionamIin?InwhatcapacitydoIserve?Whatdomydutiesinclude?

4. HowamIunique?Whatmakesmedifferent?

5. WhataccomplishmentshaveImadetowardmycareer?WhathaveIachievedwithinmycurrentinternship?WhatdoIplantoachieveduringmyinternship?

MyElevatorSpeech

My Elevator Speech

78NCLD| YOUTH SKILLSFORSUCCESS

Saying or sending a thank you note or card is one of the easiest things you can do for your supervisor and all the people who helped you throughout your internship experience.


Getting letters of recommendation

B eforeyouleaveyourinternship,makesuretoaskyoursupervisorforaletterofrecommendationtokeepinyourfiles.Theletterdoesnothavetobeaddressedtoaspecificperson,butcouldsimplybeaddressed“Towhomitmayconcern”sothatyou

canuseitforyourfuturejobsearch.Havingaletterlikethison-handwillalleviateanypotentialstressthatcouldcomefromscramblingtogetintouchwithpeopletoprovidereferenceswhenyoureallyneedthem.Obtainingaletterrightawayalsoallowsyoursupervisortowriteaboutyourachievementsandresponsibilitieswhiletheyarestillfreshonthemind.

Saying thank youSayingorsendingathankyounoteorcardisoneoftheeasiestthingsyoucandoforyoursupervisorandallthepeoplewhohelpedyouthroughoutyourinternshipexperience.Itisoftentimesanaspectofcompletinganinternshipthatgetsoverlooked,butsayingthankyoudoesn’thavetobetime-consumingorcostly.Itcanbeassimpleasleavingacardonyoursupervisor’schairwhenyouleave,orsendinganemailtoallofyourco-workersexpressingyourgratitudeandprovidingthemwithyourcontactinformationsothatyoucankeepintouch.Nomatterhowyouchoosetosaythankyou,itisimportanttodoso.Itcouldpotentiallymakethedifferenceinbeingofferedpermanentemploymentwiththeorganizationorreceivinga“glowing”reference.TheResourcessectionattheendofthischapterincludesasamplethankyouletterthatcanbeusedasaguide.

Keeping your network strongThroughoutyourinternshipyouwillmeetmanypeopleandgatherquiteafewbusinesscardsorcontactsforpeoplewhocanhelpyousucceednowandinthefuture.Makesurethatyoukeeparecordofallthesecontacts.Whiletheworkyoucompleteasaninternisofgreatsignificance,anotheressentialportionoftheinternshipexperienceisbuildinganetworkthatyoucanconnectwithandseekassistancefromasyouproceedinyourcareer.

Besuretofollowupwithanyonewhoaskedyoutocontactthemafteryoucompleteyourinternship.Ifyouwouldliketoparticipateinanotherinternship,startworkingearlywithanypeopleyoumeetwhocouldeitherhelpyouprepareforthisexperienceorcouldofferyouaninternshipthemselves.Iftherewillbeabreakintimebetweenwhenyoucompleteyourfirstinternshipandwhenyouwillbeabletocompleteanotherone,continuetostayintouchwiththesamepeoplethatcouldofferyouthenextinternship.Themoreexperienceyougainbeforeyoufinishschool,thegreaterthepossibilitythatyourresumewillstandoutfromotherswhenyoubeginapplyingforjobs.

Chapter 8 That was fun... now what?

80NCLD| YOUTH

Reflecting on your accomplishmentsSo,howdidyourinternshipgo?Whatdidyoulearn?Whatdidyoureallylikeaboutyourinternship?Whatwouldyouliketotrymoreofandwhathaveyoulearnedthatyoudefinitelydon’twanttodointhefuture?Theseareallverygoodquestionsthatyoushouldthinkaboutasyourinternshipcomestoacloseandyouhavehadsometimetodecompressafteryourinternshipisover.Takingtimetoreflectonyourpastinternshipexperiencegivesyouanopportunitytouseyourencountersasaguideandresourceinyourcareerexploration.Thesequestionscanhelpguideyoutothinkaboutyourcareerprospectsandwhatothertypesofinternshipstolookfor.ThereflectionsheetintheResourcessectionofthechapterwillhelpyoubegintothinkaboutwhatyougainedfromyourinternship.

Youshouldalsoaskyourselfsomeenvironmentalquestions.Ifyouworkedinsideanofficebuildingduringyourinternship,didyoulikethatorwouldyouprefertobeabletoworkoutsideduringthedayaswell?Didyoulikeworkingonateamorwouldyouprefertobeabletoworkonprojectsindependently?Ifyouwereabletotraveltoconferencesandmeetingsoutsideofthecitythatyourinternshipwasin,didyoulikethatexperienceorwouldyoupreferajobthatdidn’tinvolvetravel?Thesearequestionsthatcanhelpguideyoutothetypeofofficeenvironmentthatisthebestforyoutogrowin.Asalways,sometimesitwouldbebesttogooutsideofyourcomfortzoneandtrynewthings,butaftereveryinternship,taketimetoevaluatetheenvironmentthatyouworkedinandnoticetrendsthatcanhelpguideyou.Whatseemedtoworkbestforyouandallowedyoutothrivemost?Youshouldalsoconsiderthesequestionsasyouentertheworkforceandlookforyoursecondoreventhirdjob.

Usingachartlikethefollowingcanhelpyouorganizeyourthoughts:

Nowthatyouknowwhatyoulikedfromyourfirstandsecondinternship,putthesimilarpositivesinthesamebox.Thiswillhelpyouknowwhattolookforinanofficeenvironmentwhenyouarelookingforafull-timejob.Justbecausesomethingdidn’tmakethefinallistdoesn’tmeanthatyoushouldn’tlookforthatinyournextjob.Thisisjustaguidetohelpyoufindthecommonalities.

Internship B Environmental Positives

1. Officemateshadasenseofhumor2. Lotsofnaturallight3. Publictransportation4. Openofficefeel5. Hadanoutsideworkarea6. Hadaprinteratmydesk

Internship A Environmental Positives

1. Openofficefeel2. Hadmyownoffice3. Lotsofnaturallight4. Easyaccesstoakitchenforbringingmy

ownlunch5. Publictransportation6. Hadanoutsideworkarea

Internship Environmental Similarities

1. Openofficefeel2. Lotsofnaturallight3. Publictransportation4. Hadanoutsideworkarea

THATWASFUN...NOWWHAT?


Updating your resumeNowthatyouhavecompletedyourinternshipandreflectedonwhatyouaccomplished,makesuretotakesometimetoupdateyourresumewiththenewinformationfromyourexperience.Keepinmindthatresumesthatstandouttoemployersarethosethathavespecific,measurable,andrealisticinformation.Don’tjustsummarizethejobdescriptioninyourresume.Describeyourdutiesandaccomplishmentsinamannerthatallowsyournextemployertoseeexactlywhatyourskillsareandhowyoucanbenefitthecompany.

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Chapter 8 Resources



September1,2010

Ms.JaneDoeABCCompanyChicago,Illinois11122

DearMs.Doe:

IwanttotakethisopportunitytothankyouforyourguidanceandsupervisionthissummerduringmyinternshipexperiencewithABCCompany.Yourleadershipthroughoutthesummerassistedmeinfurtherdevelopmentofmywritingandcommunicationsskillsaswellasmyabilitytoimplementindividualprojectsandfunctionasaleadingcontributoronvariousteamprojectswithinthecompany.

TheexperiencewasmorethanIcouldhaveexpectedandallowedmethefreedomtodevelopandmaintainindividualaccountsasaprofessionalmemberoftheteam.IactuallyfeltlikeamajorcontributorintheweeklyplanningsessionsandIwasabletoindependentlyassistclientsinmakingchangestotheirexistingcontractswithABCCompany.WorkingforABCCompanyhelpedmeusetheknowledgeI’veacquiredoverthepastthreeyearsasacollegestudentaswellastheskillsI’vedevelopedduringmypreviousinternshipswithZCorporationandtheLTCAgency.

IalsowanttothanktheentirestaffintheCommunicationsDepartmentfortakingthetimetosharetheirexpertiseandknowledgeofthefield.ItwasthroughthesetimesthatIfeltIwasabletolearnandgrowthemostindevelopingmyskillsoverthecourseofthesummer.Thestaffwasmostresponsivetomyrequestsandalwaysmademefeellikeafull-timememberofthegroup.

Iappreciateyourwillingnesstowritemearecommendationletterandyoucanmailitdirectlytomyhomeaddressincludedabove.IwillkeepyouinformedofmyprogressinsearchingforjobsasIgetclosertoactuallyapplyingandpostingmyresume.

Sincerely,

BeckySmith

*Modifiedfromhttp://www.yale.edu/career/students/intern/success.html

Sample 8A – Internship Follow-Up Thank You Letter

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August13,2010

Ms.SusanSmithDirector,PublicRelationsXYZCorporation225WashingtonStreetBoston,MA02145

DearSusan,

IwouldliketotaketheopportunitytothankyouforsponsoringmyinternshipthissummerwithXYZCorporation.Myexperiencewasextremelyrewarding.Inadditiontosharpeningmywritingandeditingskills,workingindirectcontactwiththemedia,andmaturingprofessionally,Ithoroughlyenjoyedworkingwithsuchagreatteamofpeople.Itwasapleasuretowatchandlearnfrommyfellowcolleagues.

Inparticular,Iwanttothankyouforthetimeyouspentwithmediscussingmyprofessionaldevelopment.Ourweeklymeetingswereveryhelpfulandprovidedmewithinsightfulconstructivecriticismofmywork.TheresearchIconductedformyreportonthestrengtheningofmediarelationshipsandpublicvisibilitywasquiteinteresting.Ihopethereporthasprovidedthepublicrelationsdepartmentwithsomesoliddataandfreshideas.Ifanyonehasquestionsaboutmyreportorthemethodologyofmyresearch,[email protected].

Inaddition,thankyouforagreeingtowritealetterofrecommendationonmybehalf.ItwillbeparticularlyvaluabletomeasIsearchforfulltimepositionsnextspring.Iwillcontactyouperiodicallytoletyouknowhowmycareerquestisprogressing.

Pleaseextendmythanksandappreciationtotheentirepublicrelationsteamforsuchasubstantiveinternshipexperience.

Sincerely,

JaneQ.Sample

*Modifiedfromhttp://www.yale.edu/career/students/intern/success.html

Sample 8B – Internship Follow-Up Thank You Letter



Reflectingonyourinternshipexperienceisanimportantpartofyourcareerdevelopment.Duringaninternship,youdiscoverskills,values,strengths,andinterests.Ultimately,youmaydecidetogothroughnewopendoorsandmaydecidetocloseothers.

Think about the following question when reflecting:

Whatimpactdidthisexperiencehaveonmypersonalgrowth?

Whatwasmygreatestaccomplishment?

WhatdidIfindmostchallengingaboutthisinternship?

WhatskillsdidIlearn?

HowwasIabletoapplymycurrentskills?

WhatdidIdiscoveraboutmyself?(Strengths,weaknesses,dislikes)

Activity 8C - Internship Reflection Sheet

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Whatinfluencewillmyinternshipexperiencehaveonmyfutureacademicandcareerchoices?

WhatdidIlearnaboutofficepoliticsthatwillservemeinthefuture?

WhatsuccesseshaveIexperienced?Whatdidtheymeantome?

WhatsetbackshaveIexperienced?WhatdidIlearnfromthesesetbacks?

WeretherepeoplewhoseworkethicsIwouldimitate?

WhatdidIlearnfrompeopleIadmireintheorganization?



Finding a personal assistant

I fyouhaveadisabilitythatrequirespersonalassistantservices(PAS),youwillhavetoconsideryourapproachifyouparticipateinaninternshipawayfromhome.Some

peoplehavetheirparentsorfamilymembersserveastheirprimaryPAsduringtheirinternshiporevenrequestthattheircurrentPA’scomewiththemforthedurationoftheinternship.OthersuseaformalserviceorcompanytofindPAs,ortheypostannouncementsontheInternet,collegecampusesandotherareasforassistance.

IfyouhaveaPAathomethatyouwouldliketocomewithyou,youwillhavetodeterminewhetherheorshedesiresorhasthemeanstobeawayforanextendedperiodoftime:IsbeingyourPAhisorherfull-orpart-timejob?Wouldhisorherincomeincreaseordecreasebygoingwithyouforthistime?Dootherpeople,suchasfamilymembers,dependonhimorheraswell,andisleavingforanextendedperiodoftimeacurrentoption?

WhendeterminingyourneedsforPAcare,makesuretoresearchtheavailabilityofPASinthecitythatyouwillbeworkingin.SometimesworkinginaruralareamaymakeitmoredifficulttoacquiretheservicesofaPAasopposedtoworkinginacityorurbanarea.IfyouwillbeworkinginamoremetropolitanareaorevenacollegetownandfindthatyouneedtohaveaPA,considerlookingforthemoncollegecampuses.Thisisanidealpart-timejobforacollegestudent,asitwillprovideflexibilityandagoodsourceofincome.

TherearetwogreatwaystofindcollegestudentstoworkwithyouasaPA:throughfliersandannouncementspostedonwebsitesandbulletinboards,andthroughreferralsfromdisabilitysupportofficesoncampus.

IfthecityyouwillbeworkingindoesnothaveauniversityoryouarehavingdifficultyfindingaPAonthecollegecampus,youcanalsocontactthelocalCenterforIndependentLivingtorequestassistance.Alsoconsidercontactinghomehealthagenciesintheareaandplacingadsinlocalnewspapers,oncareerwebsites,andevenonwebsiteslikewww.craigslist.com.Ofcourse,whenchoosingtopostonwebsiteswithlittlesecurity,youwillhavetotakemorecautioninconductingscreeningsandbackgroundchecks.Ifyouareparticipatinginaninternshipprogramthatmayhavesomeexperiencerecruitingstudentswithdisabilities,youmaywanttoinquireaboutwhatothershavedoneinthepastregardingPAS.

Chapter 9 Personal assistance Services

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Being the employer Itmayseemoddtothinkofbeinganemployerwhilealsoparticipatinginaninternshipprogram,butifyouareusingPAs,youaretheemployerandyouaretheprimarypersoninchargeofhiringand,potentially,firingthem.ItisimportanttounderstandthatPA’sworkforyouandyoushouldfeelcomfortableworkingwithandmanagingthem.ThisalsomeansthatyouneedtofullyunderstandyourdailyneedssothatyoucanmakeaneducateddecisiononhowmanyPAsyouwillneedduringyourinternship.

WheninterviewingforPAs,itisimportanttohaveappropriatescreeningmechanismsinplace.Bepreparedtocompletemultipleinterviewsandaskanyquestionsnecessarytoensureyourneedsaremet.HavingreliablePAsiscriticalbecausetheywillhelpyoumakeanimpressiononyouremployer,astheymayberesponsibleformakingsureyouarriveontime,lookworkappropriateandhaveyourneedsmetatworkquicklyandefficientlysothatyoucanfocusonyourjob.Duringtheinterviewprocess,itisalsoimportanttoperformbackgroundchecksbeforeyouofferemploymenttoapotentialPAinordertoprotectyourselfandyourpersonalinformation.

TherearevariouspublicationslistedintheresourcessectionofthisguidethatcanassistyouindetermininghowtoproceedinhiringandmaintaininganappropriaterelationshipwithaPA.

Considering the costDetermininghowyouwillpayforaPAisakeyfactortoconsiderwhenbothapplyingtoandpreparingtoleavehomeforaninternship.YourhealthinsuranceoryourVocationalRehabilitationofficemay beabletoassistwithexpensesrelatedtocoveringaPA,especiallybecauseaninternshipexperienceispartoftheprocessthatcouldleadtofull-timeemployment;butyoushoulddefinitelymakesureyouarefullyawareofyourfinancialabilitytofundaPAifnecessary.IfyourPAispaidforthroughstatemedicalbenefits,suchasMedicaid,youwillneedtospeakwithyourbenefitscounselortodetermineifthereisawaytohavethecostscoveredevenwhenyou’reinanotherlocation.IfyouplanonpersonallypayingforaPA,youwillneedtoresearchtheaverageratefortheseservicesinthelocationyouwillresidein.Becausethecost-of-livingvariesindifferentareas,youwillfindthatjobsalariesandhourlywagesareconsistentwiththecosttolivethere.Ensuringthatyouhavequalitycaremeansmakingsurethatyouwillcompensatepeopleappropriatelyfortheservicestheyprovide.

Determining your needsItisimportanttotaketimetodeterminewhatyourdailyschedulewillbewhenyouareinyourinternshipprogramsothatyoucanproperlydeterminewhatassistanceyouwillneedyourPAtoprovide.Whenputtingtogetheryourschedule,makesurethatyouincludebothyourtasksbefore,during,andafterwork.Dependingonyourneeds,yourPAmayneedtobeatyourapartmentorhouseinthemorningtoassistyouwithgettingreadyforworkandwithgoingtobedintheevenings.Youmayalsoneedhimorhertocomeintotheofficetoprovideassistance,andifyouwanttoparticipateinanyafterworkactivitiesyoumayneedtoyourPAtoassistthenaswell.

Youshouldalsothinkaboutthetypeoflivingarrangementyouwillhaveduringyourinternship.Willyouhavearoommatewhowillbewillingtohelpoutifasked?Willtherebesomeoneatthefrontdeskofanapartmentordormcomplextocallifthereisanemergency?

PERSONALASSISTANCESERVICES


Itisalsoimportanttounderstandyourtransportationneedswhileyouarecompletingyourinternship.WillyourPAdriveyoutoeachdestinationyouneedtogoto?IfyourPAwillbeyourprimarydriver,makesureyouhavealternateplansforhowthingswillworkshouldyoudecidetogooutafterwork.

Finally,whendeterminingyourneedsandwhatservicesyourPAwillprovide,thinkabouthowstructuredyourschedulewillneedtoremain.ThiswillhelpdeterminehowmanyPAsyouwillneedduringyourinternship.SomepeoplewillonlyrequireoneortwoPAs,butothersmaystayverybusyandneedmultiple.Althoughbeingactiveinthecommunityduringyourinternshipwillallowyoutonetworkandbuildrelationships,youshouldbesuretoconsiderhowthiswillimpactyourPAscheduleandneeds.

Talking to your employerItisageneralruleofthumbtowaittodiscloseyourPAneedstoyouremployerafteryouhavereceivedanoffer.Thisissimplytoensurethattheprimarythingyouremployerconsiderswhendeterminingwhethertohireyouasaninternisyourskillsetandwhatyoubringtothetable.Justlikewhendisclosingyourdisability,youarenotrequiredtodiscloseanythingaboutyourPAservicesifyoudonotfeelcomfortabledoingso.InorderforyouremployertomakePA-relatedaccommodations,youwillneedtodisclosewhatsupportsyouwillneedduringtheworkday.Keepinmindtheimportanceofmaintainingpersonalandprofessionalboundariesatwork,sobesuretodiscloseonlytheinformationnecessarytoreceiveaccommodations.Inaddition,makesurethatanyinformationyoudiscloseisinformationyouarecomfortabletalkingabout.ItisnotasignofweaknesstoaskforaccommodationsandletyouremployerknowaboutyourPAneeds.UsingaccommodationsandaPAatwork,totheextentneeded,willonlymakeyouamoreproductiveemployeeandcanultimatelysetyouabovetherest.

Helpful hints• IfyouacquireyourPAbeforeyouarriveinyournewcity,youmaywanttoaskyourPA

tocheckoutyourhousingarrangementbeforeyougettheretoensureitsaccessibility.SomeinternshaveevenmentionedaskingtheirPAstovisittheuniversitydormsinwhichthey’llbestayingduringtheirinternshipstoprovidemeasurementstoverifythedorm’sroomsareaccessible.

• MakesuretoalwayshaveabackupplaninplaceforyourPAs.Justaswithanyemployee,yourPAmaycallinsick,haveanemergencyofsomesort,orsimplynotshowup.Asanemployeeyourself,youstillhavearesponsibilitytoshowupatyourinternship.ItisalwayswisetohaveasubstitutePAyoucancallintimeslikethese.Youshouldalsothinkaboutwhatyouwilldoifyoudecidetogosomewhereorparticipateinaneventthatisnotpartofyourtypicalschedule.IfyouneedPAservices,isyourPA’sscheduleflexibleenoughtoallowforthesetypesofoccurrences,doyouhaveafriendthatwouldbewillingtoassist,orwillyouhavetositthisoneout?

• SometimesyourVocationalRehabilitation(VR)serviceswillcoverthecostofyourPAduringaninternshipifyoucanshowthatitisdirectlyrelatedtoyourpotentialtohaveapositiveemploymentoutcomeforVRuponcompletionofschool.Itwilldependontherulesofthestatethatyouarelivingin,yourVRagency’sbudget,andhowwellyoucanconvinceyourcounselorthatthisisabeneficialinvestmenttomake.PAservicescanbeexpensive,sobesuretotrytouseallofyouravailableoptions.

90NCLD| YOUTH PERSONALASSISTANCESERVICES


American Association of People with Disabilities – Internship Programshttp://www.aapd.com/site/c.pvI1IkNWJqE/b.6388937/k.63DF/AAPD_Internship_Programs.htm

http://www.aapd.com/site/c.pvI1IkNWJqE/b.5688003/k.BBDF/Other_Internships.htm

TheAmericanAssociationofPeoplewithDisabilities(AAPD),thecountry’slargestcross-disabilitymembershiporganization,organizesthedisabilitycommunitytobeapowerfulvoiceforchange–politically,economically,andsocially.AAPDwasfoundedin1995tohelpunitethediversecommunityofpeoplewithdisabilities,includingtheirfamily,friendsandsupporters,andtobeanationalvoiceforchangeinimplementingthegoalsoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA).AAPDrunstwotypesofinternships:summercongressionalandITinternships,andyear-round,internalinternships.Additionally,AAPD’swebsitehostsanupdatedlistofinternshipprogramsdesignedspecificallyforpeoplewithdisabilities.

411 Guide on Disability Disclosurehttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/411-on-disability-disclosure

The411 on Disability Disclosure: A Workbook for Youth with Disabilitiesisdesignedtohelpyoulearnaboutdisabilitydisclosure.Thisworkbookhelpsyoumakeinformeddecisionsaboutwhetherornottodiscloseyourdisabilityandunderstandhowthatdecisionmayimpactyoureducation,employmentandsociallife.Basedonthepremisethatdisclosureisaverypersonaldecision,theWorkbookhelpsyouthinkaboutandpracticedisclosingyourdisability.

Making the Move to Managing Your Own Personal Assistance Services (PAS): A Toolkit for Youth with Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthoodhttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/PAS-Toolkit

ThisguideassistsyouthinstrengtheningsomeofthemostfundamentalskillsessentialforsuccessfullymanagingtheirownPersonalAssistanceServices(PAS):effectivecommunication,time-management,workingwithothers,andestablishingprofessionalrelationships.Whethermovingfromschoolorahomesettingtowork,college,orlivingontheirown,transition-ageyouthandtheirfamiliesorfriendswouldbenefitfromtheinformationandguidanceofferedbythetoolkit.Sampleworksheets,questions,andchartsprovidereadersclear,helpfulexamplesofthingstoconsideralongthepathtogreaterindependence.AndstoriesfromrealyouthandtheirfamiliesgivepracticalinsightandguidanceforyouthwithdisabilitieswhowanttomanagetheirownPAS.

Chapter 10 Resources & Publications

92NCLD| YOUTH

A Step-by-Step Guide to Training and Managing Personal Assistants: Consumer Guidehttp://www.rtcil.org/products/RTCIL%20publications/Personal%20Assistance/PA%20Manual%20print%20version%20Consumer%20guide.pdf

Thefirststepinusingpersonalassistanceservicesistodecidewhatactivitiesyouneedhelpwith.Thisguidebreaksdowntheneedsassessmentprocessandmakestrainingyourassistantandprovidingfeedbackassimpleaspossible.

Centers for Independent Living (CIL)http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/index.html

CentersforIndependentLiving(CILs)areconsumer-controlled,community-based,cross-disability,non-residentialprivatenonprofitorganizationsthataredesignedandoperatedwithinalocalcommunitybyindividualswithdisabilities.Theyprovideanarrayofindependentlivingservices.Atleast51%ofthestaffandboardmembersofCILsarepeoplewithdisabilitiesandtheyspecializeinindependentlivingskills,individualandsystemadvocacy,peercounseling,andinformationandreferralservices.

Interviewing 101: General Questions to Expect from the Employerhttp://ric-swpa.org/ricworks/pdf/Interviewing_101.pdf

ThesamplequestionscreatedbytheRegionalInternshipCenterofSouthwesternPennsylvaniaaregreatforpreparingyourselfforthetypesofquestionsthatyoumayhaveaskedatyourinterview.

Plotting the Course for Success: An Individualized Mentoring Plan for Youth with Disabilitieshttp://www.ncld-youth.info/Resources_final.htm

Thisplanguidesmentorsandmenteesthroughanumberofactivitiestohelpthemthinkaboutayoungperson’sdevelopmentalneedsandgoals,andtheactivities,experiencesandconnectionsthatcanhelpthemreachthesegoals.Notonlydoesthisplanoutlinespecificactivitiesandactionitemsforthementee,butitalsoenablesthementortohaveanopportunitytoexpresshowheorshewouldliketogrowwithintherelationship.Drivenbyyouthwithdisabilitiesandgroundedintheresearch-basedfieldsofyouthdevelopmentandleadership(learning,connecting,thriving,working,andleading),thisplanwillguidementorsandmenteesasthey“plotthecourse”tohelpyouthandemergingleadersmakeasuccessfultransitionfromyouthtoadulthood.

The Work Sitehttp://www.ssa.gov/work/receivingbenefits.html

ThissiteisaresourceprovidedbytheUSSocialSecurityAdministrationandassistsinhelpingyouunderstandthesupportsavailableifyoudesiretoworkwhilestillreceivinggovernmentbenefits.Therearemanyprogramsthatareavailableandinformationonallofthemcanbefoundhere.

RESOURCES&PUBLICATIONS

REFERENCES

Eckel, E. (2010, August 17). The 10 best IT certifications: 2010. 10 Things.http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/10things/?p=1751

Employment Digest. (2007, November 28). Surviving the First Week in a New Job. http://www.employmentdigest.net/2007/11/surviving-the-first-week-in-a-new-job/

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (2005, March 21). Job Applicants and the Americans with Disabilities Act. http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/jobapplicant.html#application

Hansen, K., & Hansel, R. S., (n.d.), The Basics of a Dynamic Cover Letter. http://www.quintcareers.com/

Hare, R. (2008). Plotting the Course for Success: An Individualized Mentoring Plan for Youth with Disabilities. Washington, DC: National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth, Institute for Educational Leadership.http://www.ncld-youth.info/index.php?id=16

Luecking, R., & Fabian, E. S. (2000). Paid internships and employment success for youth in transition. Career Development for Exceptional Individuals, 23(2), 205-221.

National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth. (n.d.). Terms in Definitions.http://www.ncwd-youth.info/definitions#name-taxonomy-vtn-term-I

National Association of Colleges and Employers. (2009, October 29). Interns Fare Better in Poor Job Market [Press Release]. Bethlehem, PA: Author.http://www.naceweb.org/Press/Releases/Interns_Fare_Better_in_Poor_Job_Market_%2810-29-09%29.aspx Pink, Daniel H. (1999, August 31). What Happened to Your Parachute? Fast Company. http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/27/bolles.html?page=0%2C4 Potzmann, J., & Guadagnolo, A.(2009). A Guide to Internship Success. Northridge, CA: California State University – Northridge Career Centerhttp://www.csun.edu/career/students/internships.htm

Rhodes, Sallie. (2007). High School/High Tech Program Guide: A comprehensive transition program promoting careers in science, technology, engineering and math for youth with disabilities. Washington, DC: National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth, Institute for Educational Leadership.http://www.ncwd-youth.info/hsht/program-guide

Virginia Tech Career Services. (2010, May 10). Cover letters: types and samples. http://www.career.vt.edu/JobSearchGuide/CoverLetterSamples.html#Sample36

Vogt, P. (2005, November 21). Maybe You Can Get Paid for an Unpaid Internship. http://www.youngmoney.com/internships_seasonal/061/ SUNY Fredonia Career Development Office. (2009, June 1). Researching an Organization. www.fredonia.edu/cdo/j-j6.asp

WetFeet. (n.d.) Defining the Six Most Common Internship Types. http://wetfeet.com/Undergrad/Internships/Articles/Defining-the-Six-Most-Common-Internship-Types.aspx

INTERNSHIPS: THE ON-RAMP TO EMPLOYMENTA Guide for Students with Disabilities to Getting and Making the Most of an Internship

Andraéa N. LaVant

4455 Connecticut Ave, NW Suite 310Washington, DC 20008

ncld-youth.info

National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth

internships: the on-ramp to employment · internships: the on-ramp to employment a guide for...

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