The core courses expose interns to skills in organization management, budgeting, general finance, personnel management, quantitative analytical methods, public policy analysis and evaluation, and information systems management. Interns bridge the gap between the classroom and the job by integrating these tools with intern assignments when possible, and discovering instances in which these tools are not appropriate. Interns are also required to attend intern activities. These activities are designed to enhance the professional development of the intern. Academic credit is awarded based on attendance and internship evaluations.
Quality control is insured in a number of ways.
First, interns are evaluated on a written basis by their supervisors at least once each semester. Second, each internship site is visited at least once during the two year period in which the intern is serving. Supervisors and interns are able to communicate concerns orally to program faculty at the site on a more informal basis. Third, supervisors may contact the program faculty at NIU when problems are embryonic. Communication between the intern's academic adviser and supervisor is encouraged irrespective of problem situations.