Internship Contacts Laurie Lemmen (616) 526-8744 lbl3@calvin.edu or intern@calvin.edu

The dream…hire a highly motivated, flexible, inexpensive, competent staff. But this idea conflicts with reality. How can organizations meet the needs of today and prepare the workforce of the future? There is a simple solution: Develop an internship program!

What is an Internship?

An internship is a carefully monitored work experience in which a student has specific, intentional learning goals and reflects actively on what he or she is learning throughout the experience. An effort is made to establish a reasonable balance between the intern’s goals and the work an organization needs to accomplish. Internships can be part-time or full-time, paid or non-paid. Experiences must meet minimum requirements for length (10 weeks) and hours (10 hours per week).

Internships can be part of an educational program and be carefully monitored and evaluated for academic credit (for-credit internship) or can be part of a student’s individual learning program (non-credit internship).

How do Internships Benefit Employers?

• Proven, cost-effective way to recruit and evaluate potential employees
• Flexible, cost-effective work force not requiring a long-term commitment
• Students bring new perspectives to old problems
• Freedom for professional staff to pursue more creative projects
  

What are the Employers’ Responsibilities?

• Supply Calvin with an accurate job description and adequate lead time to post all positions
• Provide proper supervision and training
• Participate in the intern’s academic progress
  • Complete goal sheet
  • Coordinate mid-term visit with the Academic Internship Coordinator
  • Fill out an evaluation at the conclusion of the internship

In what areas are Students Seeking Internships?

Employer’s Perspective - Zondervan Publishing

“Interns provide additional resources that allow us to be more efficient and give us the edge over our competition. Calvin interns bring with them the promising skills of their field as well as the latest knowledge of technology. More than that, they provide us with the fresh perspectives and new ideas from the energy of a young, Christian individual. Zondervan has also found Calvin interns are great potential employees. The knowledge and work skills developed in an internship create the ideal background to transition the individual towards a full-status employee. Participating in Calvin’s internship program has been, and continues to be, a rewarding experience for both Zondervan and the interns.”

Employer's Perspective - Morgan Stanley

“We’ve enjoyed our close ties to the Calvin internship program and the many relationships we have built over the years. Our team continues support this growing and valuable program for a number of reasons. First, we find that Calvin has worked very hard at building the internship program. As the program has grown, the Calvin coordinators have truly worked to understand what makes the internship the best experience possible for the student and the employer. Second, we are continually impressed with the caliber of the student—their interest in learning, willingness to work hard, and that they are conscientious employees makes them quality candidates. They have not only provided us with quality office support, their fresh ideas and energy have also lead to operational improvements. Finally, over the years the expressions of appreciation for a quality ‘working world experience’ have continued to keep us excited about being considered a valuable part of their education.”

Comments from former student interns