Internship Program

• enhance classroom learning through access to the resources of the city;
  
• acquire experience in the working world, adding depth and relevance to more traditional classroom work;
  
• gain a sense of different career fields and of specific jobs within these fields;
  
• improve job search and interview skills.

Internships are enormously popular at Trinity - close to 50 percent of students complete one or more before graduation. Whether exploring a potential career or studying more deeply in a specialized academic area, Trinity interns use Hartford’s rich resources for their own benefit and translate their learning into course credit. The Internship Program’s popularity is due in part to the fact that it meets Trinity students’ real educational needs.

What is an internship?
An internship is a work experience, usually for one semester, that is part-time and unpaid. The goal is to give the participating student exposure to a profession or field and more in-depth knowledge of a subject that is of interest to him or her. Through the Internship Program, a student earns course credit for an internship by combining the field work with more traditional academic projects under the direction of a Trinity professor.

Why do an internship?
Students do internships for a variety of reasons. As a form of independent study, an internship augments classroom learning and adds a new dimension to a student’s academic program. Because it provides a different perspective on the material, it offers many academic benefits.

An internship is also an excellent tool for testing out a career interest, giving a student first-hand experience in a particular professional field. This can be helpful in choosing a major, planning graduate study, seeking a summer job, or making career planning decisions. The opportunity to investigate possible career choices permits more informed decisions in many areas. Other career planning benefits include building a network of contacts, securing references for future jobs, and developing job search skills such as resumé-writing and interviewing.

Internships yield many personal benefits as well. The intern builds on his or her knowledge base in a particular field through hands-on experience, working side-by-side with professionals. Many interns either learn tangible new skills, from spreadsheet analysis to computer graphics, or have the opportunity to practice and improve old skills, such as speaking Spanish or writing business letters.

Where do Trinity students do internships?
Hartford abounds in internship opportunities. The city is corporate headquarters for a number of large companies. It has offices of the major brokerage firms as well as numerous banks. As the capital of Connecticut, Hartford offers a variety of governmental, political, and legislative internships. Students interested in city issues have a wide choice of placements in social service agencies and community groups. Hartford is home to several large medical facilities, as well as a rich array of arts organizations and historical sites. Internship placements are available in law, journalism, communications, advertising, engineering, computer science, and many other fields. Over 200 placements are regularly listed in the Internship Office. Here are just some of them:

Who may do an internship, and when?
Beginning in the sophomore year, students may do internships in the fall or spring semester. First-year students are not eligible for internships. Up to three course credits in internships may be counted toward degree requirements for graduation.

How do I find the internship I want?
The Internship Office is a good place to begin. You should plan for an internship well in advance, ideally early in the preceding semester. Students find information about opportunities by using the Office’s Directory of Internships and investigating the Internships home page on Trinity’s web site, or through newsletters, bulletin board postings, and evaluations of past internships kept on file in the Internship Office. They also learn about internships by talking with other students.

For specialized interests and certain academic areas, faculty are helpful in identifying placement opportunities. Students may also arrange their own internship placements subject to approval by the Internship Office.

What about summer internships?
A student may do an internship for credit during the summer by registering for it as a summer course and completing appropriate academic work under the direction of a Trinity professor. Tuition is charged for summer internships on a per-credit basis.

The Directory of Internships indicates which organizations in Trinity’s program accept summer interns. For placements outside the Hartford area, the Career Services Office maintains extensive summer resource files.

What are the types of internships Trinity offers for credit?
There are two types of internships at Trinity: exploratory and integrated. Any placement can be either an exploratory or an integrated internship. The student and the faculty sponsor determine together which type of internship will be undertaken.

The EXPLORATORY internship enables a student to investigate a particular interest or career option. The emphasis is on the field experience, which is supplemented by appropriate written work. This internship requires a minimum of 8 hours per week spent at the field placement and carries .5 course credits.

The INTEGRATED internship is more academic. The emphasis is on the integration of work in the field with the academic component of the internship. This requires detailed preparation for in-depth study, including the formulation of questions or issues to be addressed, and the development of a bibliography. A student must spend a minimum of 100 hours per semester (8-10 hours per week) at the field placement, do substantial reading and written work under faculty supervision, and have taken at least one course relevant to the placement.

Most integrated internships receive one course credit, depending upon the nature of the project. An internship for major or minor credit may receive up to two credits. Non-major internships for more than one credit must be approved in writing by the Curriculum Committee prior to the end of the semester preceding the internship.

What is CityTerm?
CityTerm is a specialized internship program for Trinity juniors and seniors interested in city issues. A structured and academically demanding program, CityTerm addresses issues common to all cities, using Hartford as a laboratory and a classroom. CityTerm participants are enrolled either in a two-credit internship or in a four-credit “open semester.” Each student undertakes an internship with a local community organization or public sector agency, working two or four days per week. The group meets for a weekly seminar and all participants engage in extensive research and writing projects.

What is an “open semester”?
Self-designed open semesters are another option for students interested in pursuing independent work and research. Many open semesters include an internship component. Guidelines and application forms may be obtained from the Internship Office.

How much time do I need for an internship?
In general, an internship takes at least as much time as a regular course. The minimum of eight hours per week of field work, plus reading and writing assignments, plus commuting time, add up to a significant time commitment. Blocks of time must be available to accommodate an internship. Final work schedules are arranged between the intern and the internship field supervisor.

What about transportation?
The Consortium, Community Outreach and Internship Shuttle (CCIS) is run by Trinity’s Campus Safety Office to serve the needs of interns and others for off-campus transportation. The shuttle operates within a ten-mile radius of the College on weekdays during business hours (8:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.).

What the field supervisors say...
“If this intern came into any financial services firm, he would be able to hit the ground running, because he now knows he has to have a business plan. He also has a strong sense of what it takes to manage a million-dollar investment portfolio.”
Dean Witter Reynolds

“The intern researched Congressional documents relating to federal legislation, and reviewed relevant historical works. The work involved original research based on primary materials, analysis of documents, and synthesis of original evidence in an effort to discern a coherent explanation for 19th-century federal legislation.”
CT Attorney General

“Our intern has been invaluable to the English Department and to the Upper School in general. She has done a great deal of classroom teaching and
substituting and has run the Upper School Writer’s Workshop. She has gained a great deal of “on the job” experience and brought new ideas to our department.”
Renbrook School

“By participating as a crew member on a variety of programs, the intern was exposed to, and learned, the fundamentals of video production. From camera operations and editing, and even serving as talent on camera, she dealt directly with the day-to-day operations of working with producers in the creation of local
cable programs.”
Hartford Public Access TV

“During his time here, the intern was exposed to almost all aspects of a consulting firm and saw first-hand how the firm operates. He actively participated in many pieces of the firm’s marketing function. Many of the ethical issues being discussed in his academic seminar were addressed in this ‘real life’ setting.”
The Parisky Group

“The intern learned skills applicable to her future career in social work. She provided developmentally appropriate therapeutic activities to children, offered emotional support to patients and their families, and learned how to communicate effectively with patients.”
St. Francis Hospital

“The internship is mutually beneficial. The organization benefits from utilizing the talents of the intern in a productive manner. The student gains from obtaining firsthand experience and insight into the mechanics of a large financial institution.”
CIGNA

“The intern was an invaluable addition and played a key role in assisting the Governor’s Task Force on Hunting and Safety. He was able to experience firsthand the tedious process of reviewing and evaluating existing laws and regulations, evaluating public input, and monitoring legislation resulting from Task Force recommendations.”
CT Council on Environmental Quality

“Our intern learned

1. how a research library organizes and retrieves material;
2. how to develop programs, including research, writing, publicity, and graphic design; and
3. the five basic functions of a museum:
   collecting, research, conservation, exhibition, and interpretation.”

Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

What the students say...
“I wanted to gain a better understanding of the financial market, investment strategies and portfolio management. I was able to work on marketing presentations, attend client meetings, and write for newsletters. This internship was an absolutely great entree into the world of finance.”
Ben Clammer
Prime Group of PaineWeber, Inc.

“My internship gave me a better understanding of what it means to be an attorney, and what is included in the day-to-day operation of the legal profession. It was a great opportunity for first-hand learning about environmental law and urban issues.”
Thomas Murray
LeBoeuf, Lamb,
Greene & MacRae,
L.L.P.

“At Hartford Stage I read new works by playwrights, maintained the artistic library, and researched for the dramaturgy staff. There was always something interesting to do or see when I was there. It was a rich artistic atmosphere.”
Joshua Epstein
Hartford Stage

“I wanted to learn more about consulting as a career. I was responsible for market research for two of the firms' clients, from library work to personal interviews. It was real work for real clients, and therefore instilled a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.”
Melissa Elliott
Fox & Company

“By interning in a congressional office, I got a better understanding of how the government works. I answered constituent calls, handled case work and wrote letters on behalf of the congresswoman. I was an integral part of the office.”
Natalie Karas
The District Office of U.S. Rep. Barbara Kennelly

“Working with a speech clinician in a school setting gave me hands-on experience with speech and language pathology. My internship gave me a new outlook on my career choice and made me realize that this is definitely what I want to do after Trinity.”
Erika Escartin
Hartford Public Schools

“In the television news department I worked on the assignment desk, answering phones, taking in stories, making checks. After a few weeks I was sent out on stories with field reporters, which was the best part. My internship was a wonderful experience in broadcast journalism.”
Amie Duffy
WFSB Channel 3 News

How to Arrange an Internship
Ideally, all arrangements will be made during the semester preceding the internship.

1.READ CAREFULLY the Application Procedure online or in the introduction to the Internship Directory available from the Internship Office in Downes Memorial 209.  Look through the placement listings in the Directory to identify those which interest you. Check for new and updated information online or on the office bulletin board.

2. RESEARCH YOUR CHOICES. There is information kept in the Internship Office to assist students in finding an internship. For example, past intern evaluations are kept in notebooks for students to read, supplementing the descriptions in the Directory. There is also a "Faculty Bank" notebook which may help students select a Faculty Sponsor. If you are uncertain about what type of internship you want to pursue, staff members will help you in defining areas of interest, evaluating background experience and determining goals. The office will also give you the Internship Application/Contract you must complete for registration. If you have any questions or need assistance, make an appointment or come by during Drop-In hours.

3. PREPARE A RESUME. This need not be elaborate but should give the potential "employer" some necessary background information. The Career Services Office provides a useful brochure showing samples of resumes and cover letters. Not all internship placements will request a resume, but it is a good idea to have one ready.

4. CONTACT ORGANIZATIONS. Once you have narrowed down your choices, you should make a preliminary telephone call to the "Internship Contact" of each organization which is of interest. (In a few instances the description includes a "NOTE" asking the student to submit a resume directly. This means you should not call the contact). When speaking with the contact, find out if the placement will be available for the semester being considered, and ask for more information about it. If you decide to pursue the placement, arrange to go in for an interview.

YOU SHOULD BE VERY PROFESSIONAL CONCERNING YOUR INTERVIEWS. Punctuality is essential, as is explaining in detail why the internship interests you. If for any reason the interview must be cancelled, please LET THE CONTACT KNOW in advance. Interviewing guidelines and workshops are provided by the Career Services Office; students unfamiliar with interviewing may take advantage of them before applying for an internship.

If you are interviewing with more than one placement and are fortunate enough to be offered more than one internship, let the placement contacts know which internship is being accepted. This is very important for the one being turned down. Another student may be under consideration for this opening. Thank the contact for offering you the placement and give some explanation of why it is not being accepted. Students don't like to be turned down and neither do employers. Be considerate when refusing an internship.

Always send a brief "thank you" note to anyone who has taken the time to interview you in person.

5. SECURE A FACULTY SPONSOR. Once the placement has been arranged (or while you are arranging it), you must enlist the guidance of a member of the faculty. Using the Faculty Bank, past evaluations, and your knowledge of professors' fields of study, you should determine who might have an interest in your internship topic and placement. Ask the professor if he or she would supervise your internship. The Faculty Sponsor will assist in creating the academic portion of the internship, and should therefore be a professor with some expertise or background in the field of the internship. The Faculty Sponsor may make recommendations for a bibliography when required and will assign appropriate written work. He or she will also grade the internship.

6. APPLICATION/CONTRACT. Details of the internship, including the job description and academic assignments, are entered on an Internship Application/Contract, which also specifies due dates and meetings with the sponsor. The completed form is then signed by the Faculty Sponsor, by the sponsor's department chairperson, and by the Field Supervisor. If you are receiving major or minor credit for the internship, your own department chairperson or minor director must approve that in writing on the form also. Allow yourself plenty of time to get these signatures as the form will not be approved without them.

7. REGISTER. When the form has been completed and signed, photocopy both sides of the form; give the ORIGINAL and one copy to the Internship Office. Other copies go to the Faculty Sponsor, the Field Supervisor and yourself. All forms must be legible. The deadline for registering an internship is the third day of classes each term.

8. EVALUATIONS. At the end of the term you will fill out an evaluation form which will remain on file in the Internship Office. Your Field Supervisor will also fill out an evaluation form which will be returned to the Internship Office and then sent to the Faculty Sponsor to be used in the grading process.

Intern Seminars
Seminars are offered for interns in the Formal Organizations minor, Sociology 206 -   Organizing by Neighborhoods, and for the CityTerm program.

Information about Internships
The Directory,  available online and outside Downes Memorial 209, provides comprehensive information. Additional information is posted on the bulletin board. In the office, there are notebooks containing new internship listings, as well as ideas for open semester and summer opportunities. New openings and other pertinent information also appear in New Internships online, and distributed periodically to all students by e-mail. The Internship Office offers drop-in hours each week.  Students may call the office with questions at (860) 297-2382, or send questions via email: internship-program@trincoll.edu

College Work/Study and Internships
Students on financial aid can utilize internships as an alternative to on-campus employment provided the agency can pay 60% of the student's earnings, and meets Federal guidelines. The 40% balance is furnished by the Federal government, through the Office of Financial Aid at the College. Only students who are offered an on-campus job opportunity are eligible for work/study money. Students considering a work/study job must check with Financial Aid to make sure that they are eligible, that funds are available, and that the agency meets work/study requirements. Summer work/study jobs are open to all financial aid students but have somewhat different restrictions. The Financial Aid Office can answer all questions about  CWSP and students' eligibility.

Financial support is available from the William Cotter Congressional Internship Fund for students undertaking summer internships in the office of any United States Senator or Representative. Preference is given to internships with Connecticut representatives and to legislative interns in Washington, D.C. The application deadline is May 15 each year. Anyone applying for a stipend should submit to the Internship Director a personal statement of need and a letter of acceptance from the legislator's office.

The Trinity Internship Program is exempt from minimum wage laws by the Connecticut Department of Labor. Students may receive compensation, however, if the academic quality of the internship if approved.

Appointments with the Internship Office
Internship Office staff are available for advising, assisting students with planning, suggesting possible faculty sponsors, and solving problems which may arise during the completion of an internship.

The Internship Office is normally open Monday through Friday, and offers regularly scheduled drop-in hours. If you need an appointment, call the office at (860) 297-2382. We can also answer many questions over the phone, so LEAVE A MESSAGE.  We also respond to email inquiries.  Our email address is internship-program@trincoll.edu  The office is not open between June 15 and August 15. If questions arise over the summer, please send them to Box 702583 at the College.

Anne Lundberg
Director of Internship Program

Jill Ford
Internship Program Assistant