TimesLeader.com

June 25
Intern-al thoughts

By Shelby Fisk sfisk@theabingtonjournal.com
Reporter/Photographer

Local colleges have a lot to offer for prospective interns. Representatives from two local schools: Penn State Worthington Scranton and Keystone College explained what their schools and the community have to offer for interns, as well as what interns should expect.

Created by Fred Aebli, Penn State’s IST Internship Coordinator, the web site www.personal.psu.edu/fja100/internship/#main , explains the internship process, presents documents for students to complete an internship and displays information about employers.

Contact information and a list of past and present employers who have participated with the internship program can be found on the site. Companies that have partnered with Penn State Worthington Scranton for internships include: Alliance Bernstein Consulting, Allied Services Inc Conglomerate and Cross Industry, Archiventure Inc. Web Development, Aventis Pasteur Medical/Healthcare Institutions/R and D, Better Business Bureau Conglomerate and Cross, Burst.net Technology, Certified Solutions Technology, Cylogix Consulting – Technology, Digital Freedom Telecommunications and Digital Freedom Web Development.

Companies that have partnered with Keystone College include: Sodexo International, Cigna Healthcare, Procter and Gamble, Prudential Financial, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Disney World, Verizon, Gentex, DuPont and Aramark.

Sophia Robles, Coordinator of Career Services at Penn State Worthington Scranton explained that local schools help prepare students for the internship. She said it is a process, through classes that the counseling career services offer. At Penn State Worthington Scranton, “Practical manuals and books are distributed in preparation courses field manuals are given before the students start in the work force,” Robles said. “Students learn what it is to be motivated and how important integrity is.”

Robles said, “Students who don’t take risks in the world are not prepared. We teach them it’s OK to take risks, it’s alright if you fall…you get up.” Whether internships are paid or unpaid, she said, the lessons learned there are important. “Every experience is extremely powerful. You don’t know where life will take you. Take chances, take risks. Have it in you to get back up if you fall down.”

Robles added, “Getting an internship is the first baby step to everything you will accomplish thereafter.”

For more information on Keystone College internships, contact Rhea Ellis at 945-8311. For more information on Penn State Worthington Scranton internships, contact Sophia Robles at 963-2684.

An intern’s check list should include:

According to Rhea Ellis, Director of Career Development Center at Keystone College:

Before

-Start to think about the internship; decide what you want to do.

-Talk to professionals, talk to professors for ideas.

-Really talk about it, set expectations for yourself.

-Make sure you know what to expect, do your research.

During

-Work your hardest.

-Remember, even if they don’t have something for you now, you want them to remember you for future jobs.

After

-Thank employer for the experience.

-Always write a thank you letter.

-Keep in contact with your contacts.

-Remember what you learned.

-Ask for a letter of recommendation for a future job.

Most importantly, network. Ellis suggested local groups like Power, www.nepapower.org. In the organization, local professionals come together “to enrich the region,” Ellis explained. “Young and the young thinking come together, its one big room of professionals and it’s a good place to make contacts.”

Thinking about an internship?

The Abington Journal has opportunities for fall and spring interns. Contact Kristie Grier Ceruti, editor at 585-1601 or kgrier@theabingtonjournal. com for more information.