Internship Search & Issues

Career Services & Student Employment

1
Topics Covered
 Internships Defined
 Benefits
 Define Internship Goals
 Internship Search Strategies
 Fulfilling Internship
 International Student Issues

2
Internships Defined
 What is an Internship?
An internship is a major-related work experience that usually lasts one
semester, may be paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time, and may or may not
be for credit. A summer job, volunteer, or community service position that is
related to your major could also be considered an internship. The key in any
internship is gaining experience that is related to your major. Define the terms
as used in this subject.

 What is Cooperative Education?

Co-ops are typically multi-term, paid work experiences where a student works at
least two semesters for the same employer and receives academic credit for
that experience.

3
 Preparation

Benefits
 Career Exploration
 Building your Resume
 Knowledge of Field and Industry Skills
 Networking with Professionals
 Increase chances of Permanent
Employment

4
 Decide

Internship Goals
 Define your current situation:
• Class Standing (Freshman, Junior)
• Current GPA
• Location: Local, National, International
 What field/industry interests you?
 What skills do you want to acquire?
**Create a List of Criteria**

Understand your limitations & Obstacles

5
Internship Search Strategies Research

Set aside time to conduct research of

field/industry, organizations, and internship
posting resources
Two Approaches:
 Search Job Postings
 Proactively Contacting Employers

6
 Search

Application Strategies
 Prepare all materials before applying
• Resume, Professional References, Transcripts,
Professional dress
 Following Instructions completely & thoroughly
 Attend Job Fairs
 Meet with Academic Advisor

7
 Connect

Resources
 College Central Network (CCN)
www.collegecentral.com/fit/
 Career Resource Center (www.fit.edu/career)
Student Resources Internships & Co-op Online Internship Resources

 Employer Lists

8
 Learn

A Fulfilling Internship
 Meet often with your supervisor to set goals, explore
career paths, and create connections
 Complete duties with professionalism & enthusiasm
-This is in both preparation for your long term career as well as
creating a lasting and positive impression

 Take every opportunity (training, meetings, working

with other departments, etc)
 Absorb as much as possible from this experience
 Obtain and note tangible results and accomplishments
 NETWORK!
9
After the Internship
Follow Up

 Create a lasting impression

-Thank individually all of the professional colleagues and
supervisors summarizing your experience with them and
obtaining their contact information

 Document Experiences
-Keep your contacts on file (LinkedIn) and record your
experiences, accomplishments, and knowledge gained from
the internship

 Follow up
-Periodically, contact your supervisors and colleagues for
updates on the company, programs, and where you are in
10
your career.
 Experience

International Student Internships

 F-1 Status for 1 academic year (approx. 9
months)
 OPT & CPT
The primary distinction between the two is that OPT enhances or
enriches an academic or curricular experience, while CPT employment
is required to meet an academic or curricular degree requirement.

** Make sure to visit with your International Student Advisor in the

Office of International Student and Scholar Services**
Phone: (321) 674-8053
isss@fit.edu
www.fit.edu/isss
11
Summary
 Identify the type of internship you are searching
 Work on your resume
 Register with College Central
 Conduct research on organizations
 Brush up interviewing skills
 Be Professional & Enthusiastic
 Follow up

12
Career Services & Student Employment
 Part-time and full-time job postings – College
Central Network
 Resume & cover letter critiques – Optimal
Resume
 Internships & Co-op
 Federal Work-study
 Florida Work Experience Program
 Workshops
 Career Fair & Employer Day
 Mock interviews

13
Questions?

14