Internships and Co-ops – No Longer Optional

They are Absolutely Essential

By Sheryl Nance-Nash

Internships and co-op programs are no longer optional. Today, they are a necessity for college students who want a leg up on the competition after graduation.

“They are absolutely essential,” says F. Mark McFadden, director, Alfred University Career Development Center in Alfred, New York. Why? Roughly 75-80 percent of all internships lead to permanent jobs, says Tom Allen, director of Career Services at DeVry University in Decatur, Georgia.

Increasingly, internships and co-ops are viewed as actual work experience, not just summer jobs, adds Keyla Cabret, supervisor of University Relations for Aflac, which has an internship and a co-op program.

Not only will you likely make more money than a “typical” job for a college student, an internship or co-op will help you stay abreast of trends in your field, give you experience you can’t get from a textbook, gain perspective on the company, build relationships and expand on a variety of job skills, Cabret adds. Then there are the “soft skills like time management, meeting deadlines and teamwork, that an internship can help you develop,” says Janet Daley, director of cooperative education at Villa Julie College in Stevenson, Md.

More importantly, an internship provides on-the-job learning experiences that enhance students’ chances for early career success, says Peg Hendershot, director of Career Vision, a career planning and assessment firm based in Glen Ellyn, Ill. Thanks to technology, increasingly you may even find virtual internships where you do online work and communicate with supervisors and team members through conference calls. There’s little excuse for not getting an internship of some sort.

With an internship or co-op program you have much to gain. Sit on the sidelines and you’ll likely pay later. Here’s what you need to know to find the right position, get it, and maximize the experience.

Find Opportunities

Where can you find these gems that have the power to ignite your career? Start with your Career Services Office on campus and your guidance counselor. Talk to the academic dean of your department, as the department may have established relationships with companies that you can contact.

The Internet offers sites such as BLACK COLLEGIAN Online, IMDiversity.com, MonsterTrak.com, InternJobs.com, WetFeet.com, Internships.com and Idealist.org, for starters.

Research your industry for recruiting and hiring trends. Explore placement services such as INROADS.  

“INROADS has been a tremendous advocate in helping me reach my corporate goals, says Brenden Younger, a student at the University of Massachusetts Boston and INROADS intern at Liberty Mutual. “INROADS is a wonderful program with thorough training, interactive mentors, and much guidance. My experience has been pleasant every step of the way. I’ve been able to learn so much more about the corporate world and relationships in the corporate environment.”

And, network. “Talk to upperclassmen who’ve completed internships, tap into alumni network, speak with professors and visit professional association meetings (many have student discounts),” suggests Leslie Stevenson, director of career development at the University of Richmond in Virginia.

Determine what’s best for you

Once you have an idea what’s out there, you’re ready to hone in on what’s likely to be a good fit for you. Requirements and arrangements differ by program, but an internship may be paid or not, and you usually get academic credit. Most internships are for a short period, such as summer, or a few weeks, whereas co-ops may or may not be for academic credit, and are often for a longer period, perhaps even a year, where a student works full time and is paid, Daley explains.

Cabret says the duties may be more aggressive with a co-op, because you have a longer time to achieve bigger goals.

You want to pursue opportunities that are aligned with your career goals, or what you think your career goals are – for those not sure what area to go into, an internship can  help determine whether a particular field is of interest or not.

“Our graduates are now being asked at entry-level job interviews, not if they have had an internship, but how many,” says Diana Nash, director of Career Development & Internships at Marymount Manhattan College.

Cabret says when you size up whether a position is worth your time, consider a few things: how the company treats employees, what skills you will gain, career advancement opportunities in the company, stability of the company, amenities provided (transportation, stipend, corporate housing, etc.), pay or not, and whether there will be a career opportunity upon completion of the program, for example. You can research companies by going on their websites, reading annual reports, and surfing the Internet.

“I recommend interning in at least one small company to get experience in many areas, followed by a large company which may offer more opportunities for a future job,” Nash says.

Separate yourself from the crowd

Finding opportunities is just the first challenge. Next, you’ll need to make yourself a viable candidate and stand out. The competition for the most coveted internships has never been fiercer – 78 percent of current college students plan to complete one or more internships prior to interviewing for their first job, according to MonsterTRAK’s 2007 annual survey of college students, recent graduates and entry-level employers.

“Students need to try to standout among the competition,” says Julie Goldthwait, vice president and general manager, MonsterTRAK.

A stellar, error-free resume is a good start, most importantly your resume should tell potential employers why they should hire you. Be sure to tout any community service that you do. Practice your interviewing skills, and do your research so you can ask questions during the interview. You need to be as serious about this as you will be when you look for that first job after graduation.

Impress, impress, impress

Don’t think getting the position means you can pat yourself on the back. You have a foot in the door, but if you want that workplace to be a future home, get ready to work hard.

Early in your internship, meet with your boss to gauge expectations. Share with your boss your goals for the program. With your supervisor’s support, arrange brief meetings with colleagues to learn more about their roles and the organization. Become known for completing assignments promptly and accurately. Ask your boss for extra assignments and show initiative by identifying ways to contribute, Stevenson advises. If your boss arranges social or educational programs for interns, don’t be shy about participating. Find a mentor.

“Get to know as many people as possible and get business cards,” Allen suggests, while Daley urges students to listen and observe, ask questions when something is unclear, show the employer that you want to learn and succeed, and reflect on what you like and dislike.

If you want a tip for what employers are looking for, Cabret shares this, “I am looking for students for our internship and co-op programs who exhibit characteristics that indicate they are fast learners and not afraid of change. These are the types of students who eventually become full-time employees with the potential of having a long and successful career. Be willing to help wherever needed, show your skill set and create your own path.”

Gordon Ampel, vice president, operations, at the film company Focus Features talks about what matters: “Over the years, we have taken note of interns who demonstrate talent, dedication, and professionalism; a select few of those interns have been offered entry-level positions. Whether an internship leads to employment with a given company or not, internships provide students with a launching pad for their careers – especially in highly competitive businesses likes film and entertainment.”

Employers look for professionals who think strategically. They want employees who know how to set personal and departmental goals that are in accord with the corporation’s overall goals.

Communication is critical. Regardless of your major, or industry, you will interact with co-workers, management, executives, customers and vendors. You must know how to write effectively, speak articulately and give presentations.

Punctuality also counts; so does observing corporate etiquette and the dress code. Fitting in has never been more important. Forget being a lone maverick. These days most corporate cultures are all about team work. A spirit of cooperation will work wonders for you. Be confident, but not arrogant. Seek feedback from your supervisor and make necessary improvements. “Meet with your supervisor and other key staff weekly or every other week,” McFadden suggests.

Much as you try to shine, you can inadvertently thwart your time there.  Face it, along with the challenging assignments, there will be grunt work. Get over it, and smile. “Don’t complain about the level of work you may be assigned,” Cabret advises. Complaining will do nothing to bolster your all-important reputation.

Keep in touch

OK, so you’ve survived internship 101 – it’s evaluation time. “You should walk away with an intimate understanding of what the department and company do and how they fit into the bigger picture. You should also be aware of what role you want to play in the company for future opportunities,” Cabret says.

Simply put, you should have enhanced business knowledge and skills in your area of interest.

“I think every co-op or internship can be considered successful if a student learns and grows from it,” says Daley.  We can learn as much, or more, from negative experiences as we can from positive ones. Knowing what you never want to do again is just as valuable as learning what makes you happy in the workplace. It’s a journey, after all.”

Don’t think that the end of the internship is a time to say goodbye. Stevenson suggests that you send thank-you notes to your supervisors, the human resources staff, your mentor – pretty much everyone you had significant contact with. Keep in touch. “Before contacting via email, research what’s new with the business and comment on the direction you see. Let people know what you are doing, what you are pursuing,” Cabret adds.

Also consider writing occasional notes. “Anybody can send a fast email. A written note is more personal,” Nash says. Another good gesture is to send articles to your contacts related to their hobbies.

Whatever you do, don’t let the momentum of the relationship die. Remember, the goal is to get that great job after graduation.

Sheryl Nance-Nash is a freelance writer based in Long Island, NY.