Southern Illinois University-Carbondale WED
468-3
Department of Workforce Education & Development
Page
79
APPENDIX D
Internship as a Type of Linkage:
WED Off-Campus Degree Program (OCDP) Internship
Internship is a type of linkage wherein a postsecondary student in the final stages of
a specific program of study experiences the environment and work of a related
organization while contributing knowledge and skill gained through study. Internship
differs from apprenticeship primarily in that interns are expected to bring related
knowledge and skill to the experience, and the experience settings are not limited to
trade.
Formal internship agreements typically include such linkage elements as a written
partnership agreement and regularly scheduled commitment of host organizations to
provide selected students quasi-employment positions in full- or part-time capacity for a
set period of time, typically at least one semester and possibly one year or more.
Within the WED off-campus degree program, students are required to apply
knowledge and skill gained through WED studies to real-time internship project activities
related to workforce development. Unlike traditional internship requirements, however,
the WED internship is intended to be compatible with the student's regular work
schedule. Thus, each individual student and his/her cooperating organization must
jointly identify a feasible and appropriate project that will not only provide value to the
organization but also provide a valuable learning experience for the student.
An internship plan should identify the purpose, scope, and the specific tasks to be
accomplished, along with realistic expectations for accomplishments and the time
required to achieve them. Additional information and requirements related to WED
internship are available in the online course materials for WED 496.
Overall, the individual WED internship experience shares several features with the
work of establishing linkages for larger purposes. The WED student identifies 1) a set
of essential skills to be learned and/or developed through contribution to a project, 2) a
work organization/setting and supervisor capable of directing a suitable project, and 3) a
plan for completing project activities that culminate in a valuable skill-specific outcome
for both the student and the sponsoring organization. Each internship identifies a need,
establishes a specific strategic partnership to meet that need, and employs specific
evaluation criteria for assessing successful learning and performance.
Format for submission of internship proposal activities and an internship contract are
available at the WED online course site for WED 496. Students should consult
personally with the on-site WED internship coordinator regarding standards for approval
of proposed internship activities.
Summary :
Development Page 79 APPENDIX D Internship as a Type of Linkage: WED Off-Campus Degree Program (OCDP) Internship Internship is a type of linkage wherein a postsecondary student in the final stages of a specific program of study experiences the environment and work of a related organization while contributing knowledge and skill gained through study. Format for submission of internship proposal activities and an internship contract are available at the WED online course site for WED 496.
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