An internship might convert into full-time employment
An internship might convert into full-time employment (in which case, you might think of your internship as a 10-month job interview). You don’t prove yourself by getting the internship; you prove yourself by how you perform! The internship might also provide a critical opportunity to learn what you are good at and what you want in a full-time job, or just as critically, what you don’t want. Regardless of whether your internship is offering you a position or is even a place you want to work, you need to leave this opportunity with a strong recommendation, a more robust portfolio, and an expanded network.
Post: (Due date on syllabus)
Examine three of the assigned resources from the list below. Begin with PowerPoint: Starting Strong on Your Internship. Make sure to read the speaker notes! Then, choose two of the following texts to read/watch:
Read: WayUp. (2020). “3 Common Internship Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.” https://www.wayup.com/guide/3-common-internship-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them/
Read: Wellington, E. (2020) “5 Leadership Skills You’ll Learn in an Entry-level Job.” TheMuse. https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-leadership-skills-youll-learn-in-an-entrylevel-job-program
Watch at least one of the following Lauren Berger videos that is interesting to you:
Berger, L. [Lauren Berger]. (2018, January 17). “How to Handle Conflict at Work”[Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gve2FDkZG4
Berger, L. [Lauren Berger]. (2019, January 20th). “How to Talk to Your Boss about a Personal Issue”[Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bN9LiTdAoA
Berger, L. [Lauren Berger]. (2017, May 10). “How to Be Successful at a Virtual Internship”[Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QF4_m4A8GTs
Berger, L. [Lauren Berger]. (2016, October 12). “5 Things You Shouldn’t Do at Your Internship”[Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2str4aoxsc
Create an initial discussion post in which you answer the following questions, referring to at least one specific source in your post. All sources should be integrated following APA guidelines.
What is one challenge facing interns generally (or you specifically) that can impact successful performance? Why do you think interns struggle with this specific challenge? How are you working to avoid or overcome this problem and be as successful as possible in your internship? (Please be specific in sharing your strategy).
Response: (Due date on the syllabus)
Read your classmates’ initial discussion posts. Choose one post that resonates with you.
Respond to your chosen post. In your response, answer the following questions:
Why does the challenge raised in this post resonate with you? Have you experienced similar issues?
How do the resources you have explored speak about this challenge or suggest methods to overcome it? Please refer to at least one specific source and discuss the connection.
What do you think about the writer’s approach to managing this internship challenge and performing successfully at their internship? What additional advice would you offer this writer?
Sample Solution
The African fintech sector offers young people fascinating, innovative prospects to launch their careers. Young graduates throughout the continent find it challenging to get formal employment, despite the fact that the tech industry is flourishing and in need of talent. This might be due to the fact that tech companies favor hiring applicants with experience who can start working right away. Due to the exclusion of many young professionals from the labor market, which occurs every year as 10–12 million young people enter it but only 3 million formal employment are produced, 30 percent of young people remain unemployed. The Catalyst Fund Talent initiative aims to use internships to de-risk young talent in light of this conundrum. Startups can get to know one other for free through the internships.
