As part of their participation in Pathway each students needs to complete at least one internship. Rather than a series of set internship sites that we plug students into, we start with the interests of the student and seek an internship site that can meet the student's interests.
Our students come with a wide range of work experiences - some have extensive work histories while some have little or none. Our interships reflect that range from entry-level to more advanced positions.
To answer some questions about our internships Nadith Schuster our Coordination or Vocational Services put together this FAQ.
Q: What’s the purpose of the internship?
A: To help develop and improve students’ employability skills. It also is a way for students to explore careers they might have an interest in but not sure if it’s something they want to pursue in the future.
Q: Who finds the internship sites?A: Sites are located by the coordinator based on career interests expressed by the student.
Q: Is the completion of an internship mandatory in order to graduate?A: Yes
Q: How many hours must be worked in order to successfully complete the internship?
A: Students must complete a minimum of 50 hours within one academic quarter. However, if a student begins internship midway through a quarter, the remaining hours can be completed the following quarter.
Q: Can a student complete more than one internship?
A: Yes, and students are highly encouraged to do so
Q: Are internships paid?
A: Most internships are done on a non-paid basis. The goal is to gain experience and develop employability skills. Also, an internship is work experience that can be documented on a resume. However, some internship sites might pay interns if their budgets allow for it.
Q: How do you keep track of students’ performance and hours worked?A: Students are required to turn in a weekly evaluation / timesheet that is reviewed and signed by both the supervisor and student.
Q: Are students trained by the internship coordinator in specific technical skills?A: Students receive training with things such as time management; proper work place etiquette; interview techniques; filling out job applications; resume & cover letter preparation; where to find job and how to interpret a job lead; and other soft skills. However, Pathway does not provide technical training pertaining to any specific career.
Internship Coordinator: Nadith Schuster, 310.794.4341
