The Cooperative Education
Program serves as a catalyst in fostering productive internships. We provide
a framework for the internship borne from the objectives of the Student, Employer,
and Faculty Advisor. Here are some tips for creating learning objectives and
following through on them:
1. Enter the internship with a positive attitude; build consensus with your
employer and faculty advisor. In short, instill a spirit of teamwork into
the process.
2. Take an inventory of your skills and make them known. A well-written resume
is only part of the battle. Communicate your abilities to the Supervisor and
Faculty Advisor. In turn, they will have a clearer picture on how to utilize
your skills.
3. Stay on path in your work projects. Be energized, focused, and thorough.
Remember, follow through is key. If you finish a project, seek more work--it
will prevent you from losing steam.
4. Ask questions, seek mentorship! Remember, you're there to learn. While
your classroom skills will go a long way in helping you accomplish tasks,
there may be times when you're uncertain how to apply them. A good supervisor
will show you how. Remember, they want you to be productive.
5. Stay in touch with your Faculty Advisor and inform her/him of your progress.
Your Faculty Advisor is a valuable resource whose expertise will help vault
you forward in your internship.
6. Keep a journal of your work experiences. This will help you track what
you've accomplished and evaluate your progress over the duration of your internship.
It will also help you in your biweekly AU 693/793 paragraph.
7. Report any internship issues that may arise to the Co-op Program Director.
The vast majority of our internships go off without a hitch. However, there
are always exceptions to the rule. If you need someone to talk to about an
issue you're facing, come see us.
If you follow these basic
guidelines, you'll make your work experience a positive, productive one.