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Why Do an Internship

Possible Responses:
An internship looks good on my resume.
I get college credit.

Better Reasons to Commit to an Internship:

  • Learn and grow professionally
    • internships involve taking a rigorous class (or classes) all while working as an intern
  • Develop professional competencies within a professional atmosphere that most likely will be directly applicable to a student's future career.
    • The NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) listed the eight most important professional competencies that companies find recent college graduates lack; an internship helps students build these key professional competencies.

Professional Competencies

  1. Critical thinking/problem solving
  2. Teamwork/collaboration
  3. Professionalism/work ethic
  4. Oral/written communications
  5. Digital technology
  6. Leadership
  7. Career management
  8. Global/multi-cultural fluency
Are you Career Ready? Employers are looking to hire college students and recent graduates who know how to use their talents, strengths and interests. These students are Career Ready. How do you become Career Ready? Mastering these Career Readiness Competencies will prepare you for a successful transition into the workplace. 1. Career Management: Identify and articulate skills, strengths, knowledge and experiences; navigate career options and pursue these opportunities. 2. Oral/Written Communication Skills: Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences; demonstrate public speaking skills. 3. Professionalism/Work: Demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits; punctuality, working productively with others, time management, understanding the importance of a professional work image and demonstrating integrity. 4. Teamwork/Collaboration: Build collaborative relationships representing diverse cultures, races, ages, gender, religions, lifestyles and viewpoints; work within team structure; negotiate/manage conflicts. 5. Leadership: Leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals; organize, prioritize and delegate work; use empathetic skills to guide and motivate. 6. Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Exercise sound reasoning and analytical thinking; use knowledge, facts and data to solve problems and make decisions. 7. Information Technology Application: Select and utilize technology to solve problems and accomplish goals. Central College 1853; Information provided by NACE - National Association of Colleges and Employers