Success on the Internship Career Services Faculty of Business and Management
What s an? Internships provide the opportunity to gain the real-world experience that complements what you are learning in the classroom.
Why are Internships important to you? Prepare you for life in your field of study Improve your Interpersonal Skills Boost your maturity and self-confidence Give you experience Provide clarity about career decisions
Why is an internship important and What are the benefits? Mao Tse-tung
Future Employment Practical learning is the most effective way to obtain employment after graduation. Approximately 85% of interns receive a job offer from the parent company. It is a recruiting strategy for employers.
Opportunity to learn new skills You get the opportunity to learn new skills, and apply the things you learned in the classroom in real life situations. You can increase your self-confidence and professionalism.
Career Exploration It is a way to explore career options, likes and dislikes. You can learn more about a chosen field. Find out before graduation what you would like to do after graduation. REMEMBER Even if an internship is not in the career field you ultimately decide on, it still is a positive experience for you.
Networking You can network and develop professional contacts in your field of study.
Where do I Identify / Look for internships? Speaking with faculty Reviewing career resources Checking out the classified ads to prospect for potential employers Conducting Informational Interviews with alumni or professionals in the field Contacting the Career Services Center Visiting Job Fairs (many employers there might also have internships to offer.)
Dressing for Internship Interviews
Men - Dress in a manner that is professionally appropriate to the position for which you are applying, means wearing a suit. - Suit means : a matching jacket and pants, dress shirt, tie, coordinating socks and dress shoes. A dark-colored suit with light colored shirt is your best option. - Your suit should be comfortable and fit you well so that you look and act your best; and Avoid loud colors and flashy ties.
Men - Shower or bathe the morning of the interview. Wear deodorant. Don t wear cologne or aftershave. - Make sure you have fresh breath. Don t eat or smoke before the interview. Finally, your hair should be neat, clean, and conservative.
Women - Generally, you should wear a suit with a skirt or pants; your suit should be comfortable and fit you well. - Interview suits should be simple and dark in color. Anything tight, bright, short, or sheer should absolutely be avoided. Knee-length skirts are suggested. - Keep your jewelry and hair accessories to a minimum.
Women - Make-up and nail polish should be understated and flattering. Avoid bright or unusual colors or very long nails. - Shoes should be conservative and fairly lowheeled. - Don t wear perfume: you don t want to smell overpowering or worse.
Questions Employers ask in an Internship Interview Why do you want to intern here? Why should we hire you? What s your goal with this internship? Tell me about some of your university involvements and how they relate to this job. What are your plans after graduation? Why did you pick your school/major/minor?
Questions Employers ask in an Internship Interview Have you done your research on the organization? And What do you know about our company? What specific skills do you have that would relate to this position? And What makes you a good candidate for the position? Tell me about your strengths. What is your biggest weakness?
ADVICE for the INTERN
Exhibit a Can-Do Attitude Attitude speaks loud and clear and makes a lasting impression, so make sure yours is one of your greatest assets. Take on any task assigned no matter how small with enthusiasm. Take the initiative to acquire new skills and ask for things to do. Accept criticism kindly and maintain a sense of humor. Ask to attend meetings and events that interest you. Ask to shadow different people and talk with them about their work experiences
Take Your Position and Assignments Seriously Build a reputation for being reliable and dependable. Be attentive and accurate in your work. You may encounter a great deal of ambiguity, so seek direction when in doubt. Your supervisor knows there will be an initial learning curve and will make allowances for mistakes. Learn from your errors and move on to your next task. Complete all tasks with enthusiasm and a positive gratitude Get to work on time, and minimize slacking.
Meet Deadlines Always assume the responsibility to ask when an assignment is due. This will help you understand your supervisor s priorities and to manage your time accordingly. Be willing to accept additional work responsibilities as the position continues. Be prepared to work late or overtime when necessary...give 110%. Your willingness to go the extra mile, especially during crunch time, will help you pave the way to assuming greater responsibilities. Alert your boss in advance if you will be unable to meet expectations.this shows respect and professional maturity.
Communicate Respectfully Find out the proper way to address supervisors and coworkers, including customers. Remember their names! Maintain a pleasant and respectful manner with every person, regardless of his or her rank. Assume everyone else knows more than you do, but don t be afraid to present useful ideas that may save time, money, or solve problems. Make sure, however, that your style doesn t come across as arrogant. Employers value assertiveness, not aggressiveness.
Be a Team Player Learn how to follow the chain of command. Don t go over or around your supervisor to get noticed, to get ahead, or to complain. Establish and maintain good business relationships with everyone. Learn how your assignment fits into the grand scheme of things. In today s work environment, success is often defined by your ability to get along with and interact with others. You are a winner only if your team wins. Show initiative, if bored ask for work
Imposter Syndrom Most internships will require technical knowledge you won t have at first. So, the most important things you have to rely on are: Problem solving and Communication skills, Time management and Leadership.
Guest Speakers: Internship Students Fellow Balamand students are here to discuss what they ve gotten out of their internship: Mr. Said Abou Abdo- Finance Mr. Daniel Chelala- Marketing Ms. Nadine Finge- Management
Lessons to learn from an Internship Internships are important, so start planning early so you can do one. Each internship program is different, make the most of the opportunity. Internships can turn into your full-time job, so choose a company wisely.
Have Fun! Last but not least, enjoy learning, sharpening your skills and developing professionally and personally. Participate in work-related social functions and become an active member in your work community.
Things to Do as a Student Internship Registration Form Inquiry Letter and Resume Thank you letter Report Presentation
Internship Registration Form To be filled out online on the Balamand- FOBM website You will also find: A copy of the course syllabus (includes all dates and deadlines) The required information for the report and presentation A copy of this PowerPoint Presentation
Inquiry Letter and Resume Submit your resume along with the Internship registration form to the following e-mail: fobm@balamand.edu.lb The Career Services Center will gladly help you in writing an inquiry letter and in preparing a good resume.
Report The Student Report includes three major axes: The profile of the host organization The tasks performed The reflection part.
Presentation Professional presentation: it should not exceed 10 slides and 15 minutes. 5 minutes will then be allocated to the Q&A session. The grade will be decided by the Jury. The Career center offers to organize a session on professional presentation skills
Important Dates- Academic Calendar Date Description April 25-27, 2016 Summer 2016 Pre-Registration Friday- Monday July 22-25, 2016 Summer 2016 Semester Final Examination Monday August 29, 2016 Fall 2016-2017 Semester Begins
Important Date for Internship Date Description By Wednesday, March 23, 2016 Fill the Internship Form By April 25, 2016 Find the Internship and Inform the faculty (letter of acceptance from the company must be provided) By August 26, 2016 Complete the Internship By August 26, 2016 August 29-31 September Submit the report and employer evaluation form. Presentations