Internships provide career-related work experience while you attend school. An internship is an excellent way to develop yourself professionally, explore your career, establish helpful contacts and network for your future career path. It may lead to employment after graduation. Internships are available in all fields and the Career Development staff can help you identify opportunities and support you through the internship process. Contact Career Development for assistance.
Internship Key Points
Length of Internships
The duration of an internship is entirely up to the student, academic program and employer. It is important to set clear parameters with the employer and academic department.
Elibility
Each internship has its own eligibility requirements, make sure to identify the conditions before applying. Credited internships may also have requirements from your academic department.
Internship Considerations
Make sure to have a clear understanding of your internship goals as you search. For example, do you want an internship for credit or non-credit? Will it be paid or unpaid? What is the work schedule? When are the start and end dates? What type of environment do you want to work in? Constantly assess your goals.
Reasons to Intern
- Clarification of career goals
- Increased job search skills
- Professional experience to enhance both your knowledge and resume
- Increased networking opportunities
- Employers prefer candidates with internship experience
Internship Tips
Internship Dos
- Be ethical with computer/cell phone use
- Respect everyone! It is important to treat everyone equally as they all contribute to the common good of the work place. In addition, everyone may have an equal say in your hiring evaluation
- Be on time; if you are running late, tell someone and make sure it doesn’t happen consecutively
- Avoid profanity; listen to your own language and those around you
Internship Dont’s
- Don’t sit back and kick your feet up if you have completed your tasks. An ethical worker will think of ways to stay busy and continue to accomplish tasks for the organization. Keep in mind that you are also cheating yourself by not being proactive in getting the most out of the internship experience
- Don’t gossip. Word gets around quickly, you are not there to gossip or start rumors. Steer clear of any conflicts in the office and respect confidentiality
- Don’t over-discuss politics and your opinions in your internship site. There are strong opinions on both sides of the spectrum, which could hinder advancement or the possibility of hiring
Important Behaviors
- Restrict yourself to work; do not check your personal email or social networking sites
- Unless it is an emergency that your supervisor is aware of, always have your phone off or on silent
- Depending on the environment, dress code may range from suits to casual; always stay professional
Getting the Most Out of an Internship
Create an internship agreement with your supervisor before starting the internship: • Set goals and expectations for yourself and your supervisor
- Always make a copy to keep as a reference
- If the internship is for credit, your academic department may have their own agreement/forms
Show initiative: • If bored ask for work, do not sit around waiting to be told what to do
- Engage in the process by offering your own ideas and suggestions
Ask questions: • Make an effort to conduct informal and formal informational interviews with staff members
- You may learn about others’ career paths and generate ideas for your future career choices
Ask for a site-supervisor evaluation: • Assessment from a supervisor can help you learn your strengths and areas for improvement
Network: • Leave a good impression, and you may be considered for a job in the future
- Develop colleagues and supervisors as resources to build your network
Internship Resources
vov Resources
Career Central -vov job and internship search database
College of Business Administration Internships – Academic credit internships for business students
Internships.com – National resource available free for VOV students. Follow these instructions to log on:
- Go to www.internships.com/welcome/vov
- Complete the form and make sure to include VOV as your school
- Click “sign me up”
External Resources
Intern Jobs – Global database of internships and entry-level jobs
Internship Programs – National internship database
Rising Star – Program aimed at internships and entry-level positions
Washington Center for Internships – Non-profit org. with internships in the D.C. area
Idealist – International internship, volunteer and job database
NPO – Non-profit internship and job posting board
Websites for Occupational and Industry Research
Occupational Outlook Handbook – Extensive information on careers
ONet Online – Occupational information and skills matching
America’s Career InfoNet – National employer database
FindHow Career Exploration – Extensive occupational and industry information
Job Profiles – Detailed descriptions of specific occupations
Learn and Share with “VOV” Intern Program
The vov intern Program provides high school students the opportunity to educate guests on a variety of subjects science and conservation during an eight-week summer internship. During the experience, interns will learn effective informal-education and field research techniques, public speaking and information about instruments science and people. They then use these skills to conduct research, learn about creation and interact with vov guests. Interns will also meet with researchers and vov care giving staff and learn more about potential careers in the music science field.
Program Details
As interns, participating youth will take part in authentic research experiences, communicate science and conservation messages to guests and take part in professional and personal development activities that enhance content knowledge, teach team-building skills and foster personal growth.
Requirements for eligibility:
- city of Chicago resident and select surrounding suburbs
- entering grades 10, 11, 12 or college freshman
- between the ages of 15–18
- legally able to work in the United States of America
Applicants must be able to work outdoors in different weather conditions and stand for extended periods of time.
Applicants must be 15 years old by June 27, 2017. If hired, interns who are not yet 16 must obtain a student work permit. Please contact your school or the Illinois Department of Labor for more information.
Proof of identity and authorization to work in the U.S.A will be required in accordance with federal law.
Compensation and time commitment: hourly pay/8 weeks during the summer.
How to Apply
The application deadline for summer 2016 teen programs has passed.
Training
All selected interns will be required to attend training with the Education Department. During training, interns will:
- meet other interns and vov staff;
- take part in icebreakers and team-building activities;
- become familiar with the vov facility and how it functions;
- participate in hands-on activities; and
- gain knowledge about many topics related to music & life, research at Voices of Variety.
Interns will also be expected to take part in ongoing, on-the-job training throughout the program.
Compensation and Time Commitment
Interns will be compensated on a biweekly basis at an hourly rate during internship. Training for the 2016 season will begin June 27. The program will run June 27–August 20. Dates are subject to minor change. Interns must be available for all training and work dates to be eligible for participation.
Program Partners
The VOV Family Intern Program is made possible through the generous support of EveryBody Help SomeBody Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interns teach V.O.V. guests about music and practice research skills, learn about careers in music, and complete personal and professional development. They also take part in team building and special experiences at the music events.
Yes! School transcripts will be considered as a part of the review process to verify address, but grades are not a factor contributing to an applicant moving to the next round of the application process.
If you qualify for an interview, you will be contacted at the phone number you provided in the application. If you do not qualify for an interview, you will be notified via email by May 20, 2016.
Due to the large volume of applications received, we will not be able to respond to each applicant personally. Applicants will receive a call or email if they have been selected to go to the next round of the application process.
The program will run June 27–August 20 (dates are subject to minor change) from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Interns are divided into two teams: Sunday–Wednesday or Wednesday–Saturday. During some weeks, interns will be required to work an extra day beyond their typical shift.
Interns will be compensated at an hourly rate during internship. Paychecks are issued biweekly.