As interterm approaches, some students have the option of opting out of the classroom for an internship, while also earning credit hours and competing for a scholarship.
Susan Wade, director of the career development center, said students who would like to enhance their internship experience can take part in Baker’s Organization Observation for Knowledge program. The program requires students to research their current internship organization to learn about its history, mission, culture and management. At the end of the internship, students present what they learned to a panel to compete for cash prizes totaling $3,000.
“I decided to do BOOK for both the experience of presenting in front of a panel of judges, which I had never done before, and also for networking opportunities,” senior Aphton Riley said. “In the future I could be looking to one of these judges to offer me a job.”
Riley received $1000 in the 2007 presentations after her internship at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Senior Aaron Toren received $1,500, junior PJ Matulka received $300 and senior Robert Fulbright received $200.
Wade gave a presentation Oct. 18 to answer students’ questions on what they need to do to start the internship process.
“Doing an internship really helps students to refine and define what they want to do,” she said.
Wade said interterm internships provide important experience, but summer internships give students more time to learn.
“The longer the internship, the more valuable the experience,” she said. “Employers are likely to invest more in you if you’re going to be there longer, and they are usually paid.”
Wade said for every three credit hours a student must commit to 120 work hours or 40 hours per credit hour. She said students interested in internship opportunities can contact the CDC on the third floor of Harter Union.