An Internship Today . . . Leads to a Job Tomorrow

In her third State of the State address, Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm announced on February 8, 2005, a comprehensive plan to fuel Michigan’s 21^st century economy and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs. Granholm’s Jobs Today, Jobs Tomorrow Plan outlines a strategy to create jobs immediately and diversify and grow Michigan’s future economy. As part of this effort, Gov. Granholm launched a new Web site in March 2005, www.michigan.gov/miintern, to help students find internships to get the skills they need and to help businesses find talented workers. The site is intended to help keep and attract students in Michigan by offering them internships with Michigan-based companies and employers. Internships are a win-win for students and employers.

 

What Is www.michigan.gov/miintern?

This is a user-oriented, one-stop online solution to connect student interns to jobs. The site is powered by the Michigan Talent Bank and offers valuable tips for students, employers and educators. There are also several Web resources and various internship sites that are linked to the one-stop portal of www.michigan.gov/miintern. The site features:

 

Ø      A search engine that allows students to review more than 400 internship opportunities by employer/organization name or location.

Ø      Internship Tool Kit with information on getting the important first job, resume and cover letter writing, and job interviewing.

Ø      Tips for students on applying and securing an internship in a competitive market.

Ø      Tips for employers on recruiting, choosing and supervising an intern.

Ø      Tips for educators on writing agreements with faculty and students.

 

Why an Internship?

·         It’s the best way to stand out in a competitive job market.

·         It’s the next best thing to a job offer.

·         It applies classroom learning to authentic work experience

·         It allows exploration of many career options, interests and abilities.

·         It develops and enhances professional skills.

·         It increases self-confidence.

·         It develops job search skills.

·         It provides networking opportunities with professionals.

·         It helps build a strong resume.

·         It shows interest and commitment to a specific field.

·         It helps earn academic credits

·         It can help pay for educational expenses.

·         It develops leadership skills and builds character.

 

Internships Benefit Students

Internships are one of the best ways for students to gain on-the-job experience and become

educated about future careers.  Internships give students opportunities to work with professionals in a chosen field and showcase their talents and capabilities to a prospective employer. At http://www.michigan.gov/miintern, students can post their resume with employers on the Michigan Talent Bank and find employers who are looking exclusively for interns. Internship descriptions and application procedures on all types of internships — from academic-year internships to summer internships, are just some of the resources available. Internships are the best way to jump-start a career.

 

Internships Benefit Employers

Companies of all sizes can register with the Michigan Talent Bank at http://www.michigan.gov/miintern.Registered employers of the Michigan Talent Bank can search resumes for qualified interns and job seekers, post internships and job openings on the Michigan Talent Bank and enter detailed job information online. There is no cost; there are no fees. And, internships are a cost-effective way of hiring potential employees. Internships allow employers to try out potential employees and hire permanently at minimal cost. Today’s employers who are looking to hire want to see internship experience from new college graduates. Employers are placing higher value on internships and work experience than on course work, computer skills, type of academic degree and grade point average.

 

Internships Benefit Educators

Teachers will find resources and links to a variety of sites with information and materials they can use in the classroom. After all, the objective of all internship experiences is to help educators improve their ability to teach students to connect classroom instruction with applications to real-world workplace situations. Michigan colleges and universities play a key role in preparing highly talented students for jobs with Michigan employers. Many of these institutions have comprehensive internship programs and work with Michigan's business leaders to cultivate talented, and outstanding employees.

 

Will There Be New Services on http://www.michigan.gov/miintern?

Yes. This is just the beginning of the MiInternship Web site.  The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth is continually adding new links and expanding resources that will benefit all of Michigan’s residents.

 

Additional Information

For additional information or technical assistance, call 1-888-253-6855 voice/TTY (toll-free)   or e-mail careerhelp@michigan.gov .

 

 Ready, Set . . . Intern!