WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO STUDENTS OF ACADEMIC INTERNSHIPS?

Academic internships may:

• Stimulate critical thinking and problem solving.
• Allow students to apply what they have been taught in practical situations.
• Help students demonstrate personal responsibility.
• Promote ethical insights.
• Develop oral and written communication skills.
• Increase discipline-based knowledge and understanding.
• Gain an appreciation of creative and decision-making processes in an applied setting.
• Function effectively in situations where teamwork is necessary.
• Develop self-discipline, self-reliance, and a professional attitude.
• Explore and clarify goals related to his/her academic major and potential career.
• Gain practical experience.
• Build skills in managing time and organizing tasks.
• Develop self-assessment skills.
• Establish a network of professional contacts, mentors, and potential references.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO FACULTY MEMBERS OF SUPERVISING ACADEMIC INTERNSHIPS?

Academic internships may assist a faculty member to:

• Keep abreast of changing needs and issues within career fields.
• Interact with professionals in fields which students are preparing to enter.
• Evaluate curriculum and instruction.