Missouri Western defines an internship as an applied learning experience that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional or community setting. Internships provide Missouri Western students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent. An internship is a legitimate learning experience benefitting the student and not simply an operational work experience that just happens to be conducted by a student.

An internship may be full or part time, on or off campus, paid or unpaid, and may be credit or non-credit bearing. Internship experiences have a fixed start and end date that generally, though not exclusively, coincide with one of the three MWSU academic terms. Credit bearing internship experiences should engage students in a minimum of 45 hours of work for each credit earned.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) an internship:

• Must be a learning experience that applies knowledge gained in the classroom.
• Teaches skills or knowledge that can be transferred to other employment settings.
• Has a defined beginning and end, and a job description with desired qualifications.
• Has clearly defined learning goals related to the professional goals of the student’s academic coursework.
• Provides supervision by, and routine feedback from, a professional with expertise in the field.
• Includes resources, equipment, and facilities provided by the host employer to support learning goals.

Students at any academic level may benefit from an internship experience. Internship experiences provide students with:

• ‘Real world’ work experience.
• The opportunity to experience a potential career path before having to commit to it.
• A stronger resume.
• A professional network.
• Potential future employment.

As an applied learning experience, Missouri Western has established criteria that should be part of any credit bearing internship.

• It must be structured, intentional and authentic.
  • The activity must be a structured experience with a formal process.

• • Defined learning outcomes should be identified and communicated to all stakeholders (student, employer, faculty supervisor).
  • Roles and responsibilities must be clearly defined.
  • The internship should have hands-on and/or real-world context that draws on the student’s academic training.
• It must require preparation, orientation and training. 
• • Students should have sufficient background and foundational education, as well as a plan to support a successful outcome. 
  • The training and plan should include learning and performance expectations.
• It must include monitoring and continuous improvement.
• • Students should receive regular constructive criticism and feedback from a dedicated workplace mentor/supervisor.
• It must require structured reflection and acknowledgment. 
• • There must be a structured opportunity for students to reflect on their experiences and to evaluate the outcomes. 
  • Reflection should demonstrate the relevance of the experience to student learning, including the student’s articulation of how the experience draws on and improves this learning and meets defined objectives. 
• It must be assessed and evaluated. 
• • Outcomes and processes should be systematically documented. 
  • Students should receive appropriate and timely feedback.

Criteria guided by and adapted from the Eight Principles of Good Practice for All Experiential Learning Activities National Society of Experiential Education http://www.nsee.org/8-principles

As a workplace experience, a focus on the development and assessment of essential workplace skills (career ready competencies) is also critical.  Essential skills competency areas include:

Career and Self Development
Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build relationships within and without one’s organization.

Communication

Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization.

Critical Thinking

Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information

Equity and Inclusion
Definition: Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different local and global cultures. Engage in anti-racist practices that actively challenge the systems, structures, and policies of racism.

Leadership

Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals.

Professionalism

Knowing work environments differ greatly, understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.

Teamwork

Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.

Technology

Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.