Internships for Experience Only

For those not obtaining academic credit...

The Career Services Office welcomes the opportunity to help you plan for and locate internship opportunities. We want you to have a valuable experience that will impact you personally and prepare you for future employment in a professional setting. Make plans to discuss your internship goals with us early as this process can take time. Remember, employers often announce internship openings and request applications several months in advance of the actual start date.

Beginning Steps

  • Start by speaking with a career counselor about your interest in interning and registering your intention to participate. At your appointment you'll be guided through the planning process and encouraged to set learning goals for the experience. You will receive a Student Internship Packet with: 1) details to help you navigate your way; 2) forms for registering, executing and evaluating your experience. The Student Internship Packet can be accessed from the Resource Library of your JOB CENTER account (folder title: About Experience Counts).
  • Locate internship possibilities. Start with the suggestions found at Finding Internship Opportunities. 
  • Get your resume ready; learn how to draft a cover letter; determine who you will ask for a reference if one is needed. Prepare for your interview. These are all things you can learn from participating in career workshops and programs or making an appointment with a staff member in Career Services. 
  • Once you secure your internship, let us know!  We will want to celebrate your success AND obtain a few details (yes, we have a brief form for you to complete) on where and with whom you will be interning. We'll be asking your employer for some feedback on their interest in obtaining future interns from LVC.
  • Be prepared for health & safety requirements. In some cases you might be expected to have a medical exam or verify you have no communicable disease such as tuberculosis. Perhaps you will be required to have CPR training.  Or, you may be expected to submit clearances such as the PA Child Abuse History Clearance, PA State Police Request for Criminal Record Check, and FBI Clearance.

While Interning
You won't have the same kind of formal requirements placed upon you from LVC as those students doing internships for credit.  Nevertheless we want you to get the most out of this experience, so here's what we suggest:

  • Always give your best in the work setting. Maintain a positive attitude at all times. Conduct yourself in a professional manner; be courteous.
  • When in doubt, ask. If you have a question about an assignment or task you've been given be sure to inquire and receive the clarification you need to proceed.
  • Don't take liberties to do personal work at your internship site.
  • Be mindful of company policies related to the use of the Internet, cell phones, etc.
  • Keep a journal where you can reflect on your internship activities, your professional development, and what you have been learning. It's easy to quickly forget even things that you are postive you will remember forever. Journal notes will provide you with information you can use to update your resume or recall a story you want to share to demonstrate your strengths and experience in a future job interview.
  • Ask for feedback from your supervisor on how well you are meeting their expectations, learning the ropes, and developing appropriate skills. We will provide you with an evaluation guide to help your employer in their discussion/review of you. In addition, you may want to ask your supervisor to serve as a reference when you apply for future career employment.
  • If there is a miscommunication in the work setting, talk with your supervisor immediately about it so that things can quickly be resolved.  If you have other concerns about your internship you can consult with the Career Services staff.

Upon Completing Your Internship

  • Remember that Student Evaluation of Internship form we gave you?  We'll be asking for that as you complete your internship.  If you've misplaced it, you can pick up another form in the Career Services Office.  Your candid comments will help us in discussions we may have with this employer regarding future internship opportunities for other LVC students.
  • Keep in touch with your internship supervisor and others you meet (networking).  Keep them abreast of your academic progress; let them know when you've secured a job offer or gain acceptance to graduate school. 
  • Share your story with others.