James Willis III

Discussion Comment

khalda, Excellent points! You are right that interns have the opportunity to learn the 'office culture.' That is invaluable not only to the potential employee, but also the employer. Both parties have to agree that it's a 'fit' for them. Internships provide a unique way of doing that! Dr. James Willis III

James Willis III

Discussion Comment

Internships

Rachael, You are very right - having such a lengthy relationship with an employer certainly gives the student an advantage over other would-be candidates. Within the school atmosphere, it's best to help teach students how to be successful so they can put their best feet forward, as it were! Dr. James Willis III

James Willis III

Discussion Comment

Experiential Learning

Rachael, I think you've hit on a good point with 'tangibly assess[ing] a subject.' There's more to it than simply hands-on; you rightly point out the different facets of learning through experience. Dr. James Willis III

James Willis III

Discussion Comment

Experiential Learning

LE, Excellent point; oftentimes these skills cannot be taught in a classroom. You do well to point out how the 'real world' is often different than that of the classroom. Excellent job! Dr. James Willis III

James Willis III

Discussion Comment

Internships

Belinda, Good point. This also provides students the ability to put additional skills they've learned on their resumes; many times these skills only come from on-the-job training. Dr. James Willis III

James Willis III

Discussion Comment

Experiential Learning

Belinda, This is very true! Professional behavior is not necessarily something intrinsic, so learning it on the job is often the most effective way. Dr. James Willis III

James Willis III

Discussion Comment

Experiential Learning

Krista, Yes, you are very right that the internship allows students to get real-world experience with things that cannot be simulated in a classroom. There are certainly challenges to this type of learning (and learning curves!), but excellent classroom experience only enhances internships. Dr. James Willis III

James Willis III

Discussion Comment

Internships

Ashley, Absolutely, it is a win-win situation! You are very right to point out that both students and employers benefit from a productive internship! Dr. James Willis III

James Willis III

Discussion Comment

Internships

Bryan, You are very right! There's an old saying that you don't understand something until you have to teach it; it is very true! If there is a way that students working in internships can help others by teaching something, they will certainly learn from that experience. Dr. James Willis III

James Willis III

Discussion Comment

Internships

Therese, Very good point! There is a cost savings associated with internships; students can gain valuable skills and employers are able to capitalize on new talent. Great job! Dr. James Willis III