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Internships: Student Internship Information
Did you know?... Employers cite internship programs as one of their most effective recruiting methods! Internship experience in a chosen career field is one of the best ways to prepare for the world of work.
Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
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What is an internship?
An Internship is a short-term, mentored work experience with a learning focus connected to a student's academic major and/or chosen career path. Students typically complete an internship during their Junior or Senior year. Internships can be completed for credit, with faculty permission, or are oftentimes completed without credit. Employers determine whether they are able to offer students a paid or unpaid experience - either way, an internship is an excellent way to gain the knowledge and practical skills required to build your resume and compete in today's marketplace.
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Why should I do an internship?
A student who completes an internship gains several benefits including: Acquiring practical and meaningful work experience; improving verbal and written communications skills; solidifying career path; determining whether interests match skills; discovering what it’s like to work in a particular career field; and increasing marketability and value to potential employers.
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When can I do an internship, how many hours will I work, and how long will the internship last?
Internships can occur during the fall, spring, and/or summer semesters. They can range from a couple months to over six months in duration, although the average internship lasts about a semester. A normal workweek is usually between 10 and 30 hours.
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Are interns paid?
Internships can be paid, unpaid, for credit, not for credit, or any combination of these.
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Will I receive any benefits such as insurance, etc.?
Normally, an intern does not receive employee benefits or retirement benefits.
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Will an employer be flexible with my schedule?
Details about the number of hours worked, length of internship, rate of pay, and other specifics are usually negotiated between employers and potential interns with the guidance of a faculty adviser. However, the large majority of employers are very flexible with the details of an internship.
Internships: Steps to Obtaining an Internship
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Define your goals and objectives.
Take time to determine your personal, academic and career interests. You may want to take one or more vocational assessment tests available through the Career Services Center. You should also conduct research into career fields of interest by meeting with a Career Services staff member during our drop-in counseling or by making an appointment.
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Meet with faculty.
Students who wish to pursue the possibility of obtaining credit for their internship experience must contact the appropriate faculty member to obtain approval and registration information prior to beginning an internship experience. The Career Services Center does not approve internships for credit. Review our list of identified internship coordinators.
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Register with Flash Forward, the Kent State Recruiting System.
This involves completing a personal profile and uploading a resume into the system. Again, drop-in career counseling is available Monday – Friday in Career Services for assistance with developing a resume and registration, or view our suggested format in the Resumes, Interviewing, and More guide. Flash Forward can assist you by providing online job postings, on-campus interviews, and employer accessible resume books.
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Network with Alumni.
The KSU Alumni Association can assist you in getting in touch with Kent State graduates who are willing to share information with you about their career fields. These individuals can offer advice and suggestions and possibly open the door to an internship opportunity.
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Other Options.
There are many options to find internship information and internship opportunities which include attending the Career Services Center’s annual career fairs in the Kent Student Center Ballroom and by utilizing our career links
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