Are You Ready?

• What is service learning?

• Are you ready for an internship or practicum? Take the quiz and find out!
  

Am I ready for an internship?

1. I would like to apply what I am learning beyond what is possible in the classroom.
   
2. I am anxious to get out into the "real world" and work with people.
   
3. I have taken courses relevant to my career interests.
   
4. I have time to spend in the community each week.
   
5. I may not know exactly what I want to do as a career, but I have a good idea and would like to get some experience.
   
6. It would be possible to adjust my courses for next semester so that I would have at least 10 hours of time per week to work off campus.
   
7. I would consider working without pay.
   
8. I feel confident that I have knowledge and skills that I can contribute to the community.
   
9. My grades are solid, and I feel I can spend time away from school without jeopardizing my GPA.
   
10. I have time to interview with several community agencies to find the right placement for me.

If you answered "yes" to all of these questions, you may be ready for an internship or practicum. Otherwise, you should consider planning for another semester. Talk with the Service Learning Coordinator or your academic advisor to help you determine when would be a good time for your internship or practicum.

What is service learning?

Service learning is a teaching method that supports students to learn and apply academic, social, and personal skills to improve the community, promote personal growth, and become better citizens. Family Studies and Human Development offers service learning experiences that prepare students for careers with or on behalf of children, teens, adults, and seniors.

Service learning recognizes that people learn best by applying knowledge and theory to practice. Students do this by serving the community, while learning from experienced service providers and from the clients and community members themselves.

How do I find the right program for me?

Selecting the right placement can be difficult. How do you know where you'll be happy? How do you choose among many different options?

To find a good program for you, you'll want to interview with several organizations to find your best fit. After the interviews, it may be clear to you which organization you want to work with, but how do you choose among several exciting opportunities? Consider these questions:

• Does the work fit into your career goals and long-range plans?
  
• Does the agency have a clear place for students, and are they eager to work with you?
  
• Does the work seem interesting? Will you get a valuable learning experience?
  
• Are you comfortable with the staff and the work environment? Will you enjoy coming to work 6 or more hours every week?
  
• Is the work location acceptable? Do you have appropriate transportation, clothing, and other materials that you need to do the work?

Some students talk with family or friends that they trust to help them decide which program to choose. You can also meet with the Service Learning Coordinator to help you make a decision.

How do I get started?

For information and applications for the service learning internship, visit the Internship Program section of our website.