eminar class meeting of the semester.
The syllabus for the internship course will outline the activities for the seminar portion of the internship, days and times the seminar will meet, dates when assignments are due, and other requirements for the course. Each semester, the seminar is adjusted as a result of feedback from students, and the instructor’s own learning outcomes for the students registered for the course. It is important that interns use the syllabus as a guide throughout the semester so they do not miss any important instructions or deadlines.
All interns will create a culminating portfolio of the internship experience. The portfolio will include artifacts and other evidence of work experiences that document the intern’s potential as a manager and leader in their chosen field. We encourage (not require) interns to create an electronic portfolio that could be used by the intern when seeking prospective employment opportunities.
The final portfolio should, at a minimum, include most of the following elements. Other artifacts chosen by the intern can also be included in the portfolio. (The intern needs to communicate with the university supervisor to make changes/additions to what is included in the portfolio).
- Updated resume: Interns should have an updated resume that includes the internship experience and is ready for submission to potential employers. The resume should be professional and edited prior to including it in the portfolio.
- Statement of philosophy about the leadership position examined: It is not uncommon for an intern to change the way he/she views a leadership position after the experience is over. This statement should reflect the interns previous views of the position, and any new insights gained from the internship experience. This is generally a 1-2 page summary statement.
- Copy of the Leadership Activity plan: The Leadership Activity Plan should be included in the portfolio as a reminder to the intern of his/her accomplishments.
- Narrative description of the internship (goals and objectives accomplished or not): This is an opportunity for the intern to reflect on the specific objectives outlined in the Leadership Activity plan. The narrative should expand on the intern’s selection of objectives for the internship experience, and discuss the specific learning outcomes as a result of accomplishing the objectives. In some cases, the intern may not have accomplished a particular goal, and the learning gained from this experience is also important to include in the description. (2-3 pages).
- Artifacts from the internship: The intern must decide on the artifacts to include in this section. (These might include presentations, projects, research completed, email exchanges, copies of flyers or memo’s, to name a few).
- Sample written correspondence: Employers are often interested in written communication skills. Interns can demonstrate competence in this area by providing examples of correspondence that was written by them.
- Log of hours (if not turned in on-line).
- Other samples of work completed: It is likely that there are other artifacts that have not been mentioned that the intern might want to include in the portfolio, or that the university supervisor asks the intern to include. Some examples: video’s, photographs, journals, PowerPoint presentations.