by Berkley College

Monday, July 6, 2009

Mention the word internship and most people think of the benefits to students. But students aren’t the only ones to profit from this partnership. Internships provide a win-win situation for both the companies and the interns. Students are guaranteed a real-world experience and companies have the opportunity to see firsthand if an intern’s attitude and skills fit the corporate culture.
“The interns we look for are eager to learn, have an entrepreneurial spirit, and are self-starters,” says Jon Lawniczak, Division Recruiter for Sherwin Williams. “You can train for skills. Attitude is more important.”
Companies with established internship programs report working hard to offer a true professional experience to their interns. These companies develop long term partnerships with colleges and commit to mentoring and providing outstanding training to the right interns. Many employers conduct interviews for internship positions to help ensure a good match for both the company and the student. 

For more than 77 years, Berkeley College has been preparing tomorrow’s workforce with mandatory internships that provide students with invaluable work experience in their career fields, as well as a network of business connections for the future.

“The companies Berkeley partners with give our students real-life opportunities, so they can apply what they have learned in a professional business environment,” says Berkeley College Director of Career Services, New York, Stuart Siegman. “The interns gain experience and the company gets bright individuals to assist with the day-to-day activities in a very cost-efficient manner.”

These partnerships often have happy endings with approximately 60 percent of Berkeley College students being offered full-time positions at the companies where they interned.

When partnering with a college, Mr. Siegman adds, companies need to be specific about available internship positions, and should be willing to provide students with an environment that is both supportive and educational. Ideally, mentors or internship supervisors will meet weekly with students throughout the internships to offer guidance and feedback.

Companies who partner with colleges not only have the opportunity to mentor the workforce of the future, but also to learn from them.

“Berkeley interns, for example, are being taught in the classroom by faculty members who have expertise in their field,” Mr. Siegman says. “These students are exposed to the latest business strategies and techniques, and often bring fresh ideas to the workplace.”

Berkeley Internships
Because Berkeley is on the quarter system, internships are available year-round. Berkeley students are placed in internships for three months at a time. Typically, internship opportunities are compiled about six weeks prior to the start of each quarter. The quarters for next year are:
• January 5, 2009 to March 29, 2009
• April 6, 2009 to June 28, 2009
• July 6, 2009 to September 20, 2009
• September 28, 2009 to December 20, 2009
For more information about establishing an internship program contact Berkeley College Director of Career Services Stuart Siegman 212-986-4343  ext. 4169.