FAQ for Students
FAQ for Students
1. What is an internship?
Internships are paid or unpaid on-site learning experiences in a work setting that takes what you learn in the classroom into the world of work. It is an opportunity for you to apply theory to a real situation. Ideally, it is a partnership between the student, school and employer.
2. What will an internship do for me?
- Test your career choices before you finish school
- Apply classroom theories to real-world situations
- Gain work experience that looks great on your resume
- Experience personal growth through on-the-job challenges and opportunities
An internship will also give you practice in some valuable job-hunting and interpersonal skills like setting up an interview and cooperating with your work supervisor and fellow workers. Through this experience you will make some useful contacts and possibly a reference for future employment.
3. Is an internship right for me?
As you consider an internship, ask yourself these questions:
- What are my interests?
- What kind of environment do I want to work in?
- How do I prefer to work? Alone? In groups?
- What skills would I like to develop?
- Can I commit my time to an internship?
- Can I afford to take an internship without pay?
- Am I willing to go outside the metropolitan area?
4. What should I look for in an internship?
- Challenging work experiences
- An opportunity to apply what you have learned in the classroom
- Strong training and orientation to the company or office environment
- Ongoing, structured supervision with opportunities for feedback
- The chance to observe professionals in the field in action
- The opportunity to develop specific skills
- An evaluation of the overall experience and professional development opportunities
5. How do I find an internship site?
Go to our joblistings website:
http://www.careerexec.com
Come to The Career Services Center, Student Center 252, for assistance.
Also available are internship directories with nationwide opportunities in
various fields.
Other resources which students use in developing internships include the
yellow pages, chambers of commerce lists, relatives, neighbors or friends
who may know of or be employed by organizations which are interested in
sponsoring student interns. (Your internship instructor will need to
approve your site prior to beginning the course.)
6. Where can I get help with my resume and interviewing?
If you have a resume, bring a copy by the Career Services Center in Student
Center 252. A career information specialist will be happy to critique it
for you.
You may also make an appointment with LeAnn Cunningham by calling her at
(913) 469-3958 or email her at lcunningham06@jccc.edu.
7. What questions should I ask a potential employer?
Remember that it is okay to ask a potential employer questions about your internship with that company. The following are questions you may consider asking:
- What percentage of my time will be spent on professional duties?
- What will my typical day be like?
- What kinds of skills will I be able to develop?
- Who will be my supervisor/mentor during my internship?
- May I attend meetings? Meet people from other departments?
8. What Career Programs at JCCC offer internship courses?
Administration of Justice/Law Enforcement
Biological and Science Technology
Journalism and Media Communications
9. How early should I begin planning an internship?
You should be planning at least one semester prior to the semester you wish to do the internship. Some of the best internships require early application procedures, so research on internship opportunities is best if you begin planning two semesters in advance.
10. Are internships paid?
Many internships are not paid, but some are. The organization providing the internship determines whether or not an intern will be paid.