What is an ACADEMIC Internship?

An academic internship is a career related work experience designed to help students apply their academic learning to the workplace. The intern's faculty supervisor (IFS) and the intern collaborate to identify applicable learning assignments. Your contribution as an employer-mentor/supervisor is invaluable to the process.

Benefits for the Employer

• Educated, enthusiastic workers that are motivated to learn about their work environment
• Assistance on special projects or short-term projects
• Brings an outsider’s viewpoint not tied to the organization’s infrastructure
• Develop and evaluate supervisory skills of existing employees, orientation and training programs
• Infusion of enthusiasm and new perspectives
• Identify prospective employees—Save time and money—Intern is a known “commodity“
  “Making a difference” in the next generation—Use as an employee morale builder

Benefits for the Student

Many students are unsure of the varied opportunities to use their developing skills and knowledge. They may enjoy the coursework in their major, but do not know how that works transfers to the "marketplace." An internship helps a student:

• Test their career choice in your industry
• Develop skills and apply knowledge in a “real-world” environment
• Work with career professionals and develop industry contacts
• Become focused and purposeful in their educational experience
• Understand his or her own strengths and weaknesses
• Develop poise and confidence

Benefits for Northwestern College

Northwestern College faculty and students will gain valuable insight into the challenges faced by organizations in today's world. Their interaction with the on-site supervisor and the internship provider may influence classroom discussion and curriculum decisions. This feedback is instrumental in assisting the college in knowing the current challenges for our students. Advantages for Northwestern College are the following:

• Students are more active and purposeful in their learning
• Students and faculty have real-world examples to include in classroom discussions
• Faculty develop partnerships with industry professionals
• Faculty are actively engaged in the marketplace environment
• Potential employment opportunities for Northwestern College alumni
• Expansion of Northwestern College’s reputation locally, nationally, and internationally