Beginning of Internship Action Steps

Set up a system for the following:

1. Logging your hours
2. Journaling (Daily/Weekly)

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Clarify On-Site Supervisor Expectations

• What method of communication is preferred?
• Does your supervisor want details or summary?
• How often do you meet with your supervisor?—Formal scheduled meetings or just drop into the office?
• Is there another employee that you can ask questions or get directions from?
• Dress code preference
• Are work deadlines flexible or fixed?
• Understand professional boundaries. Establish what is permissible when interacting with others outside of your department, business or with clients.

Agreement of Responsibilities (for viewing only)
The Center for Calling & Career will send this agreement directly to your on-site supervisor. Please make sure they complete it.

If your supervisor has questions please have them contact lrashworth@nwc.edu

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During the Internship Action Steps

Make sure to do the following:

• Correspond regularly with your Faculty Supervisor
• Update any changes to your health insurance on theROCK. You must have health insurance for the duration of your internship.
• Complete your academic assignments (as per learning agreement)
• Complete the mid-term evaluation (if applicable)
• Arrange site visit by your faculty supervisor (if applicable)
• Take pictures, save work for portfolio, develop network contacts
• Update your resume while you are doing your internship.

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Changes of Internship Circumstances

If you have any significant changes to your duties, risk, hours, start/stop dates, or supervisors you need to contact the Center for Calling & Career and your faculty supervisor.

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Grievance Procedures

Occasionally a student will have some difficulties at the internship site. NWC does not normally get directly involved. However, NWC does offer counseling for challenging issues.

Notify the college if . . .

• Your internship is terminated or hours significantly change.
• You are experiencing a hostile work environment. A student may be reluctant to leave an internship that is hostile because they need it to graduate. Notify the college. Other arrangements are possible. The college desires that all internships to be a safe experience. The college will investigate an internship site to determine whether it will be approved for future internships.
• Legal action is being taken by you or against you.
• Actual internship duties do not qualify as an academic internship

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End of Internship Action Steps

Near the end of your internship both you and your on-site supervisor will be sent an evaluation via e-mail.

• Student Evaluation: Complete your internship evaluation
• On-site Supervisor Evaluation: Make sure your supervisor completes their evaluation
• Exit Interview (ask your supervisor for a review before you leave)
• Recommendation letters: Ask your supervisor and co-workers for letters of recommendation at least two weeks before the end.

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Post-Internship Action Steps

What you do after the internship is over can make a huge difference.

• Express Gratitude: Send a handwritten "thank you" note or take your supervisor to lunch.
• Network Contacts: Make sure you record contact info for various people at your internship site.
• Keep in contact with your on-site supervisor. If you have established a professional mentoring relationship ask if it could continue.
• Resume and Portfolios: Update all your marketing materials to reflect the new experience.
• Reflect: What did you like/dislike about the internship experience. Think about the work environment, the actual duties and the roles other employees. What did you gain that can help you clarify your next steps?
• Look for ways to apply what you have learned in your ongoing education.
• What's next? Try another internship or begin your job search.
• Offered a job? Seek advice before accepting. You do not need to accept immediately

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