One  essential key to begin a solid career is an internship. Internships polish skills unique to the desired career and make the individual a more marketable employee. Unlike part-time jobs, internships don’t always pay in cash but supply a unique learning experience by allowing students to work hands-on in their actual field while being taught. Think of it as “trying on” a career before diving in.

The newly formed office, InternConnect, helps match students with internship opportunities. MATC now requires that prior to enrolling into a spring 2018 internship program,  students  must attend the 16-hour prerequisite workshop, INTRN-796 Employment Success. This workshop covers subjects pertinent to joining the workforce such as building résumés, networking and setting internship goals. Students also are required to obtain an internship prior to the start of classes. “Prior to the new system, students would take the Employment Success workshop while in an internship, when these skills are needed to initially acquire a job. And now three weeks into the semester we have students who are still looking for an internship,” explained Jenny McGilligan, student services specialist.

There are some big obstacles to overcome; one is that many students experience the issue of money when considering an internship. Since this is more of a learning experience it is often not paid. Great Lakes Higher Education recognized this problem and through Great Lakes Readiness Internship Grant is working toward turning more internships into paid experiences. InternConnect also will potentially be partnering with Work-Study to encourage financial aid students to participate in community service activities. So what’s stopping you?

The program changes prepare interns for success and open the door that was closed to many. The path to an internship  begins with the Employment Success workshop. Contact McGilligan, located at the Downtown Milwaukee campus in Room M326, for more information.