Jose,
Great point! Sometimes it's easy to overlook the value of self-confidence and self-esteem; you are correct that working in an internship is a great way to build those skills. Students can apply what they've learned in a classroom and build on their skills in an internship; this eventually leads to increased self-esteem and self-confidence. Great point!
Dr. James Willis III
Students will be able to apply learned skills during internships in their future work assignments. Moreover it will reinforce self-esteem and self-confidence in the value of work experience that they are having as part of their portfolio.
Georgia,
Excellent points! The application of knowledge and skills is essential to workplace success. And, to reinforce one of your points, professionalism can be taught, but it's not really honed until the students begin working in the field. Great job!
Dr. James Willis III
I find that taking students to an internship site allows them to get into the real world of applying all they have learned in class. They learn how to interact with staff and clients. Students can use the skills and knowledge they have acquired thoughout the term.
Romane,
I very much agree; it is a positive experience for students. They have to put what they've learned into practice. You are right that often students learn better and more efficiently in groups or one-on-one!
Dr. James Willis III
I feel like internship is another way of teaching with hands on and the reality of the subject matter. In this environment, students learn better because it is a small group, one and one, and mind focus occurs. In addition, student feel that they ready to practice what they have learned in the classroom and to start putting it in practice. Therefore, internships impact student career development and growth in positive way.
Renette ,
You bring out some very good points here. You are definitely right that connections can be formed. It's important to guide students in understanding the importance of these connections; often, these will lead to a full-time position! It's also important, as you've noted, to remember that the more skills acquired, the more marketable the student. Great job!
Dr. James Willis III
Arvice,
That is very true! It is very important to always relay what students are learning in the classroom and in intern/externships to the so-called "real world."
Dr. James Willis III
If we take nursing, for instance, internship allow students to identify which area of nursing they will be good at. They are able to create connections that may assist them later either in obtaining a great position or provide them with guidance for further education in the field. An internship program is a win-win for the school and for the students involved. The experience acquired during internship assist students in becoming more marketable in their field of study
When students are on internships they also learn much more than what we teach or instruct in our daily classroom settings. At the same token, this is reality to many students. An eye opener for sure!
