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An internship can
be defined as any carefully monitored work experience in which
an individual has set learning goals and reflects actively
on what s/he is learning throughout the experience. These
learning goals may include:
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| In
1990, The American University in Cairo (AUC)
developed the internship program to help
students supplement classroom training with
real-work experience. AUC recognizes the potential
derived from the effective business community
and university collaboration that mutually benefits
the student and participating corporations.
The office of Career Advising and Placement Services
(CAPS) coordinates AUC's internship program
and acts as the clearinghouse for internship
opportunities. |
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- Academic Learning - the intern can
apply knowledge learnt in the classroom at the workplace.
- Career Development - the intern gains
knowledge of the job duties and required qualifications,
and explores interest in the field of work.
- Skills Development - the intern develops
new skills and gains an understanding of the knowledge
required in the workplace.
- Personal Development - the intern acquires
decision-making skills, applies critical thinking abilities
and develops increased confidence and self-esteem.
Internships may vary in
duration; they can be as short as one month interval or as
long as one year depending on the nature and design of the
program. They can take place in any work or service setting.
Internships can be part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid.
They may be part of an educational program, in which interns
are carefully monitored and evaluated for academic credit.
The important element that distinguishes an internship from
a short-term job is the intentional “learning agenda”
that the intern brings to the experience.
Some academic departments,
such as engineering, computer science, and journalism and
mass communication, offer academic credit for eight week internships
in an area related to their major.
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