INTERNSHIP PROGRAM: Learning Objective Statement

The Requirements

A student registering in the internship program is expected to prepare a brief statement early in the semester, pinpointing his/her most important learning objectives in the intended work experience. These objectives have to be written by the student (employee) and signed by the host institution supervisor (employer).

Learning objectives may involve new information, habits, insights or skills. At the end of each semester tire host institution supervisor will be asked to evaluate the student's progress in meeting the stated objectives. The above appraisal will be an important component of the student's final grade for the course.

What a Learning Objective is

A learning objective can be defined as a specific result the student is desiring to achieve in his/her work e~tperience during the semester. Learning objectives can be placed, among others, in one of the categories below:

1. Skill-improvement objectives: This objective is intended to help the student improve his/her present skills, or recently acquired skills, so as to improve his/her usefulness at the host institution, be assigned to more responsible duties and enhance his/her chances of landing a desirable employment in the job market;

2. Entrepreneurial obiectives: This objective seeks to help the student discover and improve his/her creative business talent through making an effort to find more efficient ways of doing things and finding solutions for old problems;

3. Self-improvement objectives: The goal here is to overcome specific existing personal shortcomings and strengthening already acquired (present) desirable qualities. Among others, such a goal may be improving communication skills in the work environment;

4. Specific job-related objectives: Such an objective relates to the student's desire to improve His/her skills in a specific area related to the internship assignment. Examples of skills under this category are computer software, writing reports, supervision, public relations, etc.

Please Note

Prior to writing your job-related learning objectives, note the following:

1. Such objectives should be specific measurable and achievable during the specified time limit; 2. The objectives specified should be measurable by the host-institution supervisor; 3. Selected objectives should be achievable during the specified time limit (60-180 hours);

The objectives should be selected with the advice and consent of the host institution supervisor. Remember that your work supervisor should sign the agreement and will grade your success in achieving them;

5. If you already have done an internship through Ventura College, your objectives should be either new ones or expanded versions of the objectives pursued during your prior internship experiences).

General Guidelines for internship Program Applicants

1. Start early. Begin your inquiries about the program and placement opportunities during the prior semester, at the latest;

2. Call the institution you are most eager to do your internship in. Find out the name of the person in charge of the internship program in that institution. Make an appointment with that person;

3. Be professional, confident and prompt; 4. Prepare a brief resume. You may be asked to submit one; 5. Be very careful with your written communication. Avoid any typographical and grammatical errors; 6. Determine in advance the length of time you are dedicating to the program and the date you wish to start working; 7. Be prepared to explain convincingly why an internship in that particular institution fits within your overall educational objectives.

Internship Opportunities

The primary responsibility for finding an appropriate host institution rest with the student. One of the most important skills a person should learn is how to find the right job in the labor market. Looking for and acquiring a partnership position in a desirable institution should be looked upon in the same light.

Since partnership positions in desirable institutions are limited, and due to the fact that students in other colleges and universities in the area are also in search of such positions, it is recommended that the prospective student finalize his/her placement as soon as possible in the semester and even before the start of the semester, whenever possible.