By Krystal Horne Staff Writer khorne2@my.westga.edu

Many students enjoy the summer break by relaxing or vacationing; however, some students chose to dedicate their time to internships. Internships provide many benefits for students and employers alike. For interns, it is the chance to gain work experience and a possible job offer. For employers, it is the opportunity to evaluate the intern's level of professionalism along with their skill set and ability to learn new tasks.

Students can also receive help by visiting the Professional Practice Office of Career Services located in Parker Hall. According to the Career Services website, "These programs are crucial in enabling students to gain practical experience in their chosen majors and/or career fields."

In addition to assisting students in searching for on or off-campus employment, Career Services also assists in helping students with co-ops and internships.

"The Professional Practice Office will do specific job searches for students; help with résumé preparation and printing; show students how to network for current and future jobs; and will help students prepare for interviews."

Along with work experience, internships offer individuals a chance at securing a permanent job.

To turn it into a future job opportunity, an intern should treat an internship like an extended job interview. Be on time and meet deadlines to show dependability. The ability to meet deadlines and deliver strong work leaves a lasting impression on the boss.

Setting goals for one's self can also boost chances of being offered a job. By setting personal goals, interns show how tenacious they are to be considered for that full-time job.

Another way is to get to know your boss. By staying in contact as much as possible with supervisors, a relationship is developed and the chances of winning a new position opening are greatly improved. Be comfortable, but still remain professional.

For more information about finding jobs and internships, contact Vicki Hardin or Vicki Griffin at (678) 839-6630

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1 comments

Class of 2006 Alumni

Wed May 27 2009 09:56

As alumni, I must say my experiences with the career services were pretty useless. While other institutions in the metro region bring companies like Powell and Goldstein, and Deloitte, they bring Enterprise and Waffle House to the table. Yes, they are jobs starting at 32,000 to 42,000 dollars a year but for students wanting to expand their horizons into other sectors of the economy not related to services they will offer little help. The only thing they will do is offer a smile, a pat on the back and a mere pep talk so that when you leave you feel hopeful…until you go back home and being the search again.

Also, look on your own for internships. Forget Monster trac, look into major companies that interest you. Get one every summer while in college. It was not stressed enough when I was a student and trust me having that work experience on your resume will help. Major companies that I have worked with could careless that you worked as a server for 4 summers in college, unless you want to get into sales. I remember looking into interning for some companies in Atlanta but I thought the drive was to far. Well let me tell you, the drive is worth it! Do it even if its an inconvenience!

One last thing, unless your signing a contract saying your getting a job after you intern… don’t expect them to offer you one. It’s not like that. You need to think of this, is there going to be a position open when my internship is complete or are they going to create a position for me? Reality, most companies especially during these times are not going to create a position for you, its just not in their budget, no matter how hard and wonderful of a worker you are.

The thing to do as an intern is network! Every person you meet get their names and send them a follow up email, add them on linked in and stay in touch with them! In the end its these people that will help you get a job!

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