4/24/08

Intern program offers hands-on experience

For many students, deciding on a career path is similar to choosing a snack from a vending machine. They simply consider all of the options behind the glass, pick one and hope it satisfies them.

But choosing a career doesn't have to be hit or miss. While school coursework can provide an idea of whether a specific area of study will be the right fit, hands-on experience can be the extra reinforcement needed for success.

The Marysville School District is working with students and local businesses to facilitate that practical experience through the Transition to Success work-based learning program.

Administered under the Career and Tech Ed program, Transition to Success was established in 1986 and currently works with about 30 businesses in the Marysville community. Each semester approximately 75 students enroll in the unpaid internship program.

Internships are structured work experiences offered by participating companies and organizations. Their goal is to give students an idea of the real working world and allow them to see how information acquired during class is readily applied to the business environment.

Typically, internships allow students to better understand the differences between various jobs and functions within organizations and how a company operates on a day-to-day basis.

Program coordinator Alicia Delegans explained, “The work-based learning opportunities are provided as part of the student’s overall school day from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with curriculum designed to support the internship and ensure students meet the standards of the program.”

The school district even provides transportation to and from the work site.

Internships can be instrumental to students who are not sure if a certain career path is right for them. By participating in the daily activities essential to their chosen employer, they can clearly see if this is something that can provide a fulfilling career. Many times, through internships, students learn they are not happy with an occupation and take steps to find other courses that offer a new direction. Without the benefit of the internship, graduates may have been stuck in a career that doesn't offer enough challenges or opportunities.

For information about the Marysville School District’s Transition to Success program, contact Delegans at (360) 657-6043 or e-mail alicia_delegans@msvl.k12.wa.us.

Guidelines when choosing internships

1. Research the school's internship policy. Internships may be restricted to either junior or senior year with a limit set on the number of internship credits allowed.

2. Most schools have a listing of pre-approved companies and organizations that can host interns. Participating companies often must meet a list of requirements and prove that they will comply with school regulations and Labor and Industry safety standards. However, if there is a place you would like to intern that is not on the list, see if you can facilitate the approval of this company.

3. The internship location and internship advisor at the business become your classroom and professor away from campus. The same behavior and work ethic you apply to your schoolwork should be carried through when working as an intern.

4. Try to do two internships in various areas of your coursework. For example, if you are majoring in communication arts -- a wide area of study -- select a public relations firm and perhaps a local newspaper as possible internships so you can decide which fits your personality better.

5. Network, network, network. Many interns go on to work at the companies where they completed their internships. An internship can be the foot in the door needed to get into the business world. Take advantage of all networking opportunities and use the internship as your chance to show the company and any people with whom they do business what you are capable of achieving.

With so many graduates -- and laid-off workers -- vying for the same positions in this saturated job market, an internship that allows students to acquire practical experience could just be the edge needed to stand out from other applicants.