Employers often tell us the human relations side of work is the most critical because technical skills can be taught. These internships provide students who are completing their master's degree or Ph.D. with an opportunity to be a part of vital health and science communications projects. Based on that, they may directly contact a potential employer for processing or dialogue, or meet with an ISU faculty member to obtain further information. Many times, I don't have a specific opening for a student, but what I have are contacts that I have made. These contacts are willing to discuss with a student projects that would benefit them both.
Some internships are paid, some receive academic credit, some are volunteer.
Students must decide how this factors into their career goals. Some students need money and take what is essentially a part-time job. If this happens we ask the employers to list the internship under work experience instead of education, then we talk to the employer about upgrading the internship. Everything is individualized according to the student s needs and goals. This is a fluid system, and we re trying to provide some structure.