Career development

Interested in an internship?

With a competitive job market, finding employment can be challenging — especially if you don’t have experience. Internships are a great way to gain exposure to your chosen career field and desired work experience.

Sandburg's internship program provides an outstanding opportunity to work one on one with employers to acquire the knowledge needed to gain practical skills — all while earning your certificate or degree.

Getting started

For-credit academic internship

Step 1: Submit a student internship interest form.

Step 2: Once you’ve submitted the form, you'll be contacted by the someone in Career Development to set up an appointment, which includes:

• Establishing a connection with a faculty supervisor
• Receiving required paperwork to give to your site supervisor 
• Preparing for the internship (resumé/interview/first impression)
• Pursuing the internship

Step 3: Set up a required post-internship appointment with Career Development, which includes:

• Help writing a thank-you note to your internship site supervisor
• A final review of your resumé to ensure it's up to date
• A final mock interview to help create effective responses, work on nonverbal communication skills and reduce your stress before the actual job interview

Benefits for you

Completing an internship has many benefits. Along with helping master your professional skills, you can potentially: 

Create a professional network. You'll be working with future colleagues during your internship or meeting professionals who can help connect you to future employment. 

Building a strong resumé. Internship experience is a valuable part of your resumé. Prospective employers recognize an intern who’s willing to work hard to learn more about the industry a valued part of the company. Use internship experience as a priceless piece of your resumé to boost your skills and qualifications when searching for employment.  

Secure good references and recommendations. By making a professional and positive impression with your colleagues, you may be able to request their future assistance with letters of recommendation to gain employment. 

Increase the potential of transitioning to a part-/full-time position. A strong work ethic tells an employer a lot about your character. By proving your commitment to them, you may increase your chances of receiving an offer of employment. 

Boost your confidence. Employers seek candidates who have the confidence to do the job successfully. By showing confidence during your internship, your entire work experience may improve drastically. 

Learn by observation. Observational learning is the process of learning by watching a real-life example. Seek out the go-getters, and see how you can learn from them. 

Receive professional feedback. Appreciate and learn from any constructive feedback or performance evaluation you may receive. Stay positive and receptive — remembering it can strengthen your relationship with employers.

Benefits for employers

Employers have a chance to find quality talent while inspiring and shaping professionals when they agree to host an intern. Plus, it: 

Provides mentorship opportunities. An internship program provides an opportunity for your current employees to interact with Sandburg students. By showing the intern what it takes to be productive and successful, they are demonstrating specific behaviors expected in that career field.

Close the skills gap. Employers are saying new employees may have the technical skills to do the job but are missing the highly coveted soft skills. Help an intern close that skills gap so they can hit the ground running and exceed your expectations. 

Gain a fresh perspective. By hosting an intern, employers may be able to capitalize on specialized strengths and unique skill sets. A new set of eyes could be instrumental in helping solve a problem and/or bringing in new ideas.   

Increase your visibility on campus. Expose your business to undiscovered talent with the potential of getting your name in front of future applicants.

Finding an internship

Local internships are competitive and not exclusive to Sandburg students. It's important to find an internship early. 

Dean of career and technical education (CTE)

Located in building G, the dean of career and technical education may be able to assist in letting you know of possible internship locations in and around the area. 

Career Development

While not a job/internship placement office, Career Development can offer tips on how to put your best foot forward when making a strong first impression, and find out who is offering internships in and around the community. Now’s the time to spruce up your resumé, and brush up on your interview skills before moving forward in the internship process. 

Your community

Reach out to businesses you’re familiar with to inquire about the possibility of an internship. Speak with someone who’s worked in the field you're interested in. This can include a professor, academic advisor or prior/current supervisor.

Family/friends

Do you know someone personally who can help you start networking with employers through their employment? Connect with family and friends to see who can speak professionally and positively on your behalf.

Online resources

Search websites like Indeed and LinkedIn to discover internship opportunities.

FAQs

Will Sandburg place me in an internship?

No. You’re responsible for locating an internship site; however, the dean of career and technical education and Career Development may offer information on who to contact for possible locations. 

Do I get paid for an internship?

While most internships are unpaid, some might provide compensation.  

What does the employer expect of an intern?

An employer has the same expectations of an intern as they would of an employee. Interns are expected to maintain a professional attitude, appearance and strong work ethic at all times. Treat the internship as seriously as you would actual employment. Attendance, punctuality, dependability, good judgment and maintaining a high quality of work are essential.  

What are my options if I begin an internship and find it’s not a fit for the employer or me?

While we’re hopeful your experience will be a positive one, always communicate with your faculty supervisor about your internship situation. The site supervisor and faculty supervisor may be able to discuss and rectify any problem.  

How will my performance be evaluated?

According to Sandburg’s internship policy, your site supervisor must evaluate you at the end of your internship so the faculty supervisor can assign a grade. The site supervisor can also choose to evaluate you periodically throughout your time during the internship. 

Do I need to look for an internship relevant to my program of study?

Yes. You should look for positions related to your certificate/degree to get the most out of the experience.   

Do I need to have transportation?

Yes. Reliable transportation, whether it be personal transportation, a taxi, Uber or city bus, is required for an internship. 

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Join us at our career expo.

More than 60 businesses and organizations come to Sandburg each April to meet with job seekers. The career expo is free and open to the public. You’ll have the chance to network with businesses and organizations from the region, explore career fields and learn about Sandburg’s programs of study.

View pictures from the past expos.

Are you an employer wanting more info about the expo — and how to participate? Email the coordinator of career development. 

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Employability Skills Academy (ESA)

What are employability skills?

A set of achievements, understandings and personal attributes that make individuals more likely to gain employment and to be successful in their chosen careers.

Why are these skills important?

Employers often look for skills that stretch beyond job qualifications and work experience. Applicants must possess extensive knowledge of soft skills to be considered worthy candidates.

What is the Employability Skills Academy (ESA)?

A 16-hour academy committed to enhancing your success and providing learning experiences to help improve the success rate in gaining and retaining employment. Upon successful completion of the academy,  you’ll receive a certificate of completion, one vocational skill credit and the knowledge and skills to:

• Exhibit self-confidence through believing in your professional abilities.
• Live with self-esteem by projecting a positive orientation towards yourself.
• Practice positive social and interpersonal skills such as the ability to interact with people in appropriate ways both in person and through social media.
• Communicate effectively by conveying information that is both received and understood appropriately.
• Be a reliable person by keeping consistently high standards regarding attendance and time commitments.
• Present yourself as a professional by consistently dressing appropriately and maintaining a polite and courteous manner. 

Through a series of fun, integrated activities combined with lectures, you'll feel comfortable collaborating with peers and learning how to make an incredible first impression with those you meet. 

Skills covered in the ESA 

• Communication/listening
• Teamwork & problem-solving
• Etiquette (business & social)
• Work ethic
• Customer service
• Presenting yourself
• Resumé 911 & interview bootcamp
• Digital dirt
• Time management

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