What about an economics/computer science double-major who wants "to witness the implementation of various new computer technologies and to see their impact on the workplace?" Through his internship at a major insurance company in downtown Hartford, this student acquired inside information about the development of innovative technologies, learned how to assist clients with computer applications, and contributed to a field-office manual designed to ease the transition to new computer programs. This student came by the Internship Office recently to report that he had been offered a summer job at his internship placement and that one of the VPs in his department had asked him to lunch to discuss his career plans.

Students like these gain more than just the proverbial "foot in the door" by doing an internship as part of their undergraduate degree at Trinity. The Internship Program makes it possible for them to benefit academically from our location in Hartford. By integrating experiential learning into the liberal arts curriculum, the College allows students to gain experience in the working world while adding depth and relevance to their more traditional classroom work. Doing an internship also improves job search skills, promotes confidence and professional behavior, and gives students exposure to many different career options. Internships exist, or can be arranged, in virtually any professional field, including the arts, business and finance, government, engineering, health and social services, law, media, and education.

For instance, a senior math major completed an internship at the State of Connecticut Personnel Development Center doing budget research and needs assessment for the agency. Her goals were to learn more about Connecticut’s government, to examine the business of the agency and the training it performs, and to study various aspects of human resource development. She sharpened her statistical and research skills, and wrote a final paper based on her survey of state companies. A history major undertook an internship at a local advertising agency, aiming to improve his knowledge of communications, technology, and politics by working on ad accounts. While at his placement, he participated in production and planning meetings, helped make presentations to clients, and compiled a marketing/advertising plan for his supervisor. Another student, a psychology major with an internship at the Connecticut Superior Court, studied the extent to which the courts consider psychological evidence and whether the penal system is effective in rehabilitating juvenile offenders. She participated in interviews of juveniles, observed court hearings, helped write pre-sentence investigations, and gathered social history information. In a final example, a modern languages major arranged an internship at the Connecticut General Assembly. Interested in the Hispanic population of Hartford, she wanted to learn more about the problems this group encounters and to gain insight into how the public policy process responds to them. She used her Spanish language skills to correspond with constituents, assisted in researching housing and health care issues, worked with state legislators, and summarized committee reports.

"Trinity’s Internship Program clearly is one of its finest assets," says one enthusiastic participant. He continues, "my experiences at PaineWebber and Phoenix Investment Counsel have given me valuable insight into the world of finance." In the words of another intern, "Trinity encourages learning through doing and gives you every opportunity to explore your interests and find a direction for your career. Now as I graduate, I am certain that publishing is the right field for me and one in which I can thrive."

Recent national surveys demonstrate that college graduates with career-related experience, such as an internship, have a better chance of securing employment directly after college. For Trinity students, this statistic takes on added significance, because an internship makes a liberal arts degree even more marketable and because internships are so easily and effectively accomplished in the Hartford area. Whether exploring a potential career or pursuing advanced research in a specialized academic area, Trinity interns take advantage of Hartford’s rich resources and translate their learning into course credit. The Internship Program succeeds because it meets both the educational and career-planning needs of Trinity students.