My student here don't like to finished their extern once they start it..I explain to them, how important there attendance was here while they were attending school, and on extern its just as important, you must treat you extern as if its a job, because you don't know what can or will happen down the road, and when and if needed they will remember you.
Sharon,
That is very good advice. It sounds though like your students need more motivation. Do you have any ideas about what else you might be able to do to help them appreciate what a good opportunity an externship can be?
Elizabeth Kemler
One of the challenges that my students encounter frequently is feeling excited about an internship that's unpaid/for credits only. This lack of enthusiasm sometimes comes out in their performance which concerns their host. I try to encourage students that reminding them that a high percentage of externships convert into employment for students that are successful.
Karen,
This is another reason to bring in people from the field-either former students or employers-to emphasize for the students how very important it is to do your best even when you're not being paid for your work.
Elizabeth Kemler
I was surprised to read the statistic about Internship to Hire, with as many as 70% being offered employment.
I did three internships in my last year of college, and while those that I worked for thought the world of me, no one ever hired me. In general, the thought was always that right behind me there would be another person to work for free.
That said, I made several lifelong friendships during those internships, and those friends did in fact help me to find other opportunities, and always offered a good reference on my behalf.
I think that I would tell my own students that they need to treat an internship like a real career, and to give 110% everyday. Those things discussed here, such as being dependable, contributing, getting along well with others, etc. still apply, and they will go a long way towards rallying other professionals to their corner.
Robert,
Yes absolutely. You really can't go wrong giving your all at any internships you do..and in addition to making friends that can potentially help you with job references in the future, the people you work for may move to another company/organization and want to take you with them.
Elizabeth Kemler
We talk about externships when they are in the career development class. Many have no idea what to expect. There can be many challenges when going out to externship. The student may feel very insecure with their newly learned skills. The student may witness something done improperly. The the offices' employees may resent the externing student. The student may feel they are not getting to utilize enough of their skills. I go over some of these challenges witht them so that they are somewhat prepared and realize that these are challenges that all externing students may have to overcome. They are not alone.
Students maybe feel insecure, but by having a suported system of professors and supervisors that help them overcome their challanges students can overcome those obstacles.
Cinthia,
A professional support system is indeed invaluable when it comes to staying motivated and improving confidence.
Elizabeth Kemler
Deborah,
You're so right-with anyone going into their first work environment, being prepared is absolutely essential-and can help them avoid so many of the common pitfalls of new employees.
Elizabeth Kemler
Many students have never worked and have certainly not worked in the field they are studying. Nervousness is a common obstacle. I remind the students they have been interviewed and meet the requirments of the employer. Their education has provided them with what is need to do the work. This often helps them feel better. Many of our students do not have a car. I encourage them to map their route and make the journey at the time they need to be to work before they actually start working. This will help them know if they need to adjust their departure time and will make sure they are on time.
Joshuah,
This is a crucial piece of advice..it seems obvious but so many people don't leave themselves enough time to get to work and end up making a bad impression with lateness on the first or second day.
Elizabeth Kemler
Preparation is my first thought. Do your homework, ask questions, listen really listen and watch for clues as to how to handle yourself. And concentrate on learning your job and nothing else, just focus on that whenever you are on the clock.
Pamela,
The only thing I would add to your list is to work on your communication skills-those always prove helpful.
Elizabeth Kemler
Many do find that "externship" is not quite what they thought it would be, and easily get discouraged. I always remind them that externship is a job interview, so they need to put their positive foot forward and make a good impression!
K.C.,
This is excellent advice. The question is, how to keep students motivated when things aren't what they expected.
Elizabeth Kemler
Challenges they may face are lack of enthusiasm due to lack of receiving payment; not being able to work on the major tasks they were hoping to work on; learning to work as a team. To help them address those challenges effectively, I inform them that they are learning new, valuable skills (that can be placed on their resume), they will make fantastic contacts in the industry; find out if the job/internship is what they really want to do, after all; and be pro-active in learning as much as they can while on the job/interning.
Michelle,
The rationale you give them is very strong. I think it also helps to hear directly from people out in the field-perhaps to have them come and speak to your classes.
Elizabeth Kemler
Child-care, transportation, housing, etc-these are all challanges that students face during externship and job searching. I partner with our student services department in order to provide assistance options for them. This does two things-it gives them support with the issues they are facing and shows them that I am just as invested in their success as they are and then they feel even more supported.
Regina,
I have found the same thing which is why I created both National and Local (for many areas) Student Service directories. They have tons of free and low cost resources from social services, transportation, health care to food pantries. Please let me know if you'd be interested and I can send you the PDF's at no cost.
Elizabeth Kemler
