1 Making the Most of Your InternshipOrient Yourself for a Successful Internship
2 Orientation Overview This orientation is designed to help you prepare to make the most of your time as an intern in the CCPD Internship Program (CCPD-IP). After reviewing this slideshow and viewing the complementary video, you will be asked to take a 10-question quiz to demonstrate your understanding of key principles and important information.
3 What is an Internship? An internship is defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent. There are many benefits to participating in an internship through the CCPD Internship Program, including: First-hand experience in a chosen field of interest Learning goals and structured reflection reviewed by a CCPD staff member One-on-one time with a seasoned professional Professional relationships and career networking Enhancement of your professional and personal skills Independent research completed consulting a professional is not considered an internship by the CCPD.
4 Advice for Success Take your internship seriously.Whether or not you hope to continue with this employer after completing your internship, your exemplary behavior and performance during the internship will: reflect your potential to future employers, impact your employment prospects, and strengthen K’s visibility in the marketplace. Prepare as much as you can before you begin your internship. Consider researching the organization, reviewing goals, and organizing materials to bring with you to the job. Review class content or skills that may benefit your work with the employer. Think about ways to take full advantage of the new network of colleagues you will access during your internship.
5 Advice for Success Set realistic and achievable goals.Act professionally and properly at all times. You are legally and ethically responsible for all of your actions while participating in the CCPD Internship Program. Ultimately, the success of your internship is up to you.
6 CCPD Internship Program RequirementsBEFORE ‒ Learning Contract (completed with your supervisor before your internship begins) DURING ‒ Reflection Assignments You must complete three (3) written assignments over the course of your internship. AFTER ‒ Internship Program Evaluation Near or at the conclusion of your internship, you must complete the online program evaluation found on the CCPD website. Successful completion of all three of these tasks (along with this orientation) will result in notation of your internship on your official academic transcript.
7 Prepare Before You Go Establish Your Schedule.Confirm your starting and ending dates with your supervisor. Determine who you will meet when you arrive. Confirm your work schedule, breaks, and lunch hour. Investigate what type of on-site training you will receive at the beginning of your internship. Find out with whom you should communicate if you are sick or an emergency arises that prevents you from coming to work. Know Your Commute. Determine mode of transportation, length of commuting time, parking availability, fees for parking, etc. If possible, take a practice trip before your internship starts, at the same time you’ll need to travel.
8 Prepare Before You Go Learn About The Facilities.Identify in advance what resources will be available to you, such as break rooms, coffee machine, cafeteria. Get Wardrobe Recommendations. Ask what you should wear. Flip flops and tank tops are generally not appropriate for the office. Avoid tight or baggy clothing. If there will be a lot of walking involved with your internship, have comfortable shoes. Every office has its own culture; follow the dress code and the lead of your supervisor.
9 While You’re on the Job Show that this work is your top priority:Unplug. Turn off cell phone and iPod. Stay away from Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites unless your job requires you to utilize them. It is highly recommended that you keep personal communication outside of work. Pay attention to details and assigned work. Check spelling and be professional in all correspondence. Use proper salutations, such as “Hello” rather than “Hey.” Check the tone in messages that may sound too casual or abrupt. Ask a colleague to review if you are unsure.
10 While You’re on the Job Ask relevant questions.Learn about the organization, your job, and as much as you can from every situation. Value the work that you are doing and the people that you meet. Follow directions and learn from your mistakes. Take notes, read manuals, pay attention in meetings. Maintain a polite and positive disposition. Let your supervisor know that you are excited and able to contribute. Be open and listen to constructive feedback, which is an opportunity to enhance your skills. Don’t make excuses.
11 While You’re on the Job Volunteer for projects.If you have completed your assigned work, ask for additional tasks or projects you can do that will make a difference. Try not to overcommit, but pace yourself and learn as much as you can from your surroundings. Demonstrate your knowledge and maturity. Get noticed for following directions and completing your work assignments and share your insights. Get to know your co-workers and learn about their career paths.
12 How to Excel as an InternEtiquette. Be professional at all times. Do not interrupt anyone who is on the phone or in a conversation. To be courteous, ask before entering someone’s office. Time at Work. Aim to arrive a few minutes early and stay until you are scheduled to leave. Avoid changing your schedule or taking off when you were scheduled to work. Use your work time efficiently and respect the time of others. The CCPD Internship Program requires 192 hours of work in your internship, spread over at least six weeks. If during the internship you feel that you are being asked to work excessive hours or that you are being exploited, speak with your supervisor or the CCPD immediately.
13 How to Excel as an InternResources. Learn the appropriate use of office machines, fax, telephone, copier, etc. Extend Greetings. Greet co-workers warmly when arriving to work, but be cautious of standing around and chatting. Avoid Gossip. As in any social environment, gossip may present itself around the workplace. Do not place yourself in an awkward position by getting involved. Take initiative. If you need to clarify or discuss a work-related issue, request a meeting with the person who can give you the answers that you need. Try to not make it challenging to support you in this learning environment.
14 Staying Physically SafeStay alert and tuned in to your surroundings, wherever you are. Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave right away and get help if necessary. Try not to walk or jog alone. Choose busy streets and avoid going through vacant lots, alleys, or other deserted areas. At night, walk in well-lit areas whenever possible.
15 Workplace Harassment Harassment means behavior consisting of physical, graphical, or verbal conduct that substantially interferes with an individual’s employment, education or access to College programs, activities or opportunities. Harassment may include, but is not limited to, verbal or physical attacks, graphic or written statements, threats, or slurs. Whether the alleged conduct constitutes prohibited harassment depends on the totality of the circumstances, including the nature, frequency and duration of the conduct in question, the location and context in which it occurs and the status of the individuals involved. Additionally, federally prohibited discrimination includes harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, veterans’ status, genetic history, and disability. Michigan state law also prohibits discrimination and harassment based on height and weight.
16 Workplace Harassment Harassment becomes unlawful when:Enduring the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment. The conduct is severe or pervasive enough to interfere with the harassed individual’s employment or to create a hostile or offensive work environment. Offensive conduct may include, but is not limited to: Verbal abuse, offensive innuendo or derogatory words concerning a person’s gender, age, race, color, ethnic or national origin, religion, disability or other protected status; Display of pictures or objects designed to create a hostile learning or working environment based on a person’s protected status; Pervasive and offensive but non-sexual comments regarding a particular gender; Offensive jokes or pranks; Threats, intimidation or hostile acts relating to a protected characteristic.
17 Workplace Harassment Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual verbal, graphical, or physical conduct that is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it unreasonably interferes with, denies, or limits the harassed individual’s employment, and is based on power differentials (quid pro quo), the creation of a hostile environment, or retaliation. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is unwanted, inappropriate, or without consent. Examples of sexual harassment include: Direct or implied threats that submission to sexual advances will be a condition of employment, work status, promotion or grades; Direct, unwelcome propositions of a sexual nature; A pattern of unwelcome, persistent and unnecessary sexually explicit statements, questions, jokes or anecdotes not related to employment duties, course content, research or other College programs or activities;
18 Workplace Harassment Recurring remarks or gestures of a sexual nature about a person’s clothing, body, sexual activity, sexual orientation or gender identity, or previous sexual experience; Repeatedly using sexually degrading words, gestures or sounds to describe a person; Repeated invitations of a sexual nature, including but not limited to phone calls, texts, or messages, from someone though the recipient has clearly indicated that such communications are unwelcome; Unwelcome touching, patting, hugging or brushing against a person’s body; Physical or sexual misconduct.
19 What to do about HarassmentYou may choose to communicate directly that the behavior is unwelcome and must stop. Tell the CCPD. We need to know about these incidents, and we can help you decide what you should do about the situation. Document what happened. This may be hard to do, but it’s important to have a written account if you decide to pursue a complaint. While it may be hard or even painful, try to write an objective description of what happened. Contact Ellen Lassiter Collier, Director of Gender Equity. Ellen Lassiter Collier
20 At the End of Your InternshipWhen your supervisor reviews his/her evaluation of your work with you, be open to feedback and ask for suggestions for improvement. Update your résumé with your new work experience and consider asking your supervisor to review it and offer suggestions. Consider asking your supervisor for a letter of recommendation or a commitment to be a future reference. Complete the online CCPD Internship Program Evaluation. Send your supervisor (and anyone else who assisted you during your internship) a thank-you note to acknowledge your appreciation for the experience. Stay in touch with your new network of colleagues.
21 Maximize Your InternshipDive into this experience and make the most of all of the opportunities that it presents. Demonstrate your interest through mature and autonomous behavior. Take advantage of networking opportunities such as company meetings, trainings, or other extracurricular activities. Expect some ambiguity and frustration at times. Asking questions and seeking guidance is appropriate and desirable in the right context.
22 CCPD Support We are here for you throughout your experience. Never hesitate to call or with questions or concerns. CCPD Contact Information Phone: Summer Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 noon & 1:00–5:00 p.m. Emergencies outside office hours Security: Call 911 first if you are in danger!