HIED 66492: Internship, Practicum, & Field Experience (1)
Handbook Description:
The Internship Program has been designed to provide a structure for the planning and implementation of internships, and to ensure high-quality experiences for students and other participants. Students enrolled in the Higher Education Administration and Student Personnel Program are provided with opportunities to participate in supervised, professional settings, in addition to those associated with a graduate assistantship or fellowship. These experiences provide for the integration and practical application of theory and methods gained through the formal program of study and allow for development of professional competencies that enhance personal and professional growth. Also, the internship provides on-the-job experiences of reasonable depth and length to strengthen qualifications and broaden the range of career alternatives for the student.
Reflection:
For a semester, I worked as an intern in the Office of International Affairs, serving specifically as an International Admissions Intern. I was able to evaluate foreign academic credentials to determine applicants’ suitability for admission at Kent State. In doing so, I learned quite a bit about the educational systems of other countries, especially those of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and China. This experience complimented my coursework in Comparative Higher Education well, as one project I completed was the authoring of primers on those systems of education for use within the office. I also used my computer skills to develop and automatic GPA calculator, which is still used within the office to take some of the human error out of the calculation of students’ GPAs.
Objectives:
To provide structure for supervised professional internships that include both learning and practice of increasing complexity and involve working directly with administrators, staff, and students in a higher education setting;
To provide resources to choose from among a variety of supervised professional experiences that will help develop and refine competencies compatible with the academic and professional goals of the Student, in consultation with his or her Instructor and the On-Site Supervisor;
To provide experiences that will clarify and broaden professional career alternatives for the Student;
To establish a teaching and learning environment in which the On-Site Supervisor assumes a teaching role, encouraging the Student to experience and be adequately instructed in pertinent aspects of the functions, responsibilities, and relationships of the internship site and various personnel involved in these activities;
To provide the student with opportunities for the establishment of professional relationships with administrators in higher education and student affairs settings; and
To ensure that supervised experiences are conducted under established professional ethical practices and that participants are provided with support for resolving concerns or questions during the internship.
Key Assignments:
Midterm and Final Evaluation – As an intern, I was evaluated by my on-site and faculty supervisor on my progress and performance throughout the semester.
Internship Journal – Throughout the semester, I wrote reflections on my experience within the office, including new and exciting projects, tasks, and opportunities I received in the office.