UA-Fort Smith | Career Services

At the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith we strive to not only equip our students with the knowledge that comes from the classroom, but through experiential experiences that match academic and personal interest. Such experiences might include internships, work-based learning, job shadowing, service learning, or cooperative education. Simply put, we want every student to experience some type of work-related experience related to their field of study prior to graduating from UA Fort Smith. There are many benefits of these experiences to both the student and the employer. Work-related learning experiences offer students an opportunity to explore career options related to their academic work and to verify interest in those career options. In addition, students have a chance to develop specific abilities that might not otherwise be available in the classroom. The application of knowledge beyond the classroom forms the foundations for our educational mission.

These experiences will in all likelihood increase a participant’s chance of gaining full-time employment. Let’s face it; it is difficult to get a good job, without the experience in a particular field. A recent study by the National Association of College and Employers (NACE) found that 77.3% of employer respondents said they use their internship programs primarily as a tool for recruiting entry-level talent. The data also suggest that employers extended full-time employment offers to an average of 67.7% of their 2007-2008 interns.
Career Services works hand-in-hand with each of the Colleges to insure that students have opportunities for experiential experiences that match academic and personal interest.

Below are guidelines for internship requirements. Click each to expand text.

Internship Forms for Employers

ExperientialLearningAgreement

InternshipCo-opLearningObjectives

InternshipCo-opStudentEvaluation

InternshipCoopTimesheet

Provide a detailed job description to the Career Services Office

The job description should include:
• Position description
• Location of work
• Nature of work environment
• Rate of compensation
• Physical conditions
• Benefits (if applicable)
• Required work hours
• Seasonal aspects if anticipated (overtime, shift-work, etc)

Provide work experiences directly related to the student's field of study and level of academic achievement

A job description of the internship/co-op position must be submitted to the Career Services Office prior to student interviews. The position responsibilities must be related to the student’s major and be approved by the corresponding faculty liaison.

Provide appropriate supervision and related appraisal of performance

Employers are asked to directly supervise the students as if they were "regular" employees. Evaluation is extremely important in the internships/cooperative education concept. Since internship/cooperative education is part of the "academic" process to network schools, employers are asked to candidly evaluate each student's performance. The supervisor's evaluation becomes one of the "learning tools" in the experiential education experience.

Pay a wage which is commensurate with the skill level of the position

It is important that interns and cooperative education students be treated as "regular" employees. This means that, except in rare situations, they receive pay. Benefits for internship/cooperative education students are not a requirement for program participation.

Commit to considering students on an equal opportunity basis

Most employing organizations see the experiential learning education program as a way to increase exposure to qualified candidates that will help toward diversity progression.

Enter the internship/co-op program with the intent to continue a student's employment for at least a full work-term

Of course, this is contingent on the student being a productive employee and maintaining a suitable grade point average.

Complete the Proper Documentation

During each work semester, employer supervisors of internship/co-op students must submit an evaluation of the students’ progress and performance. Career Services will provide the form, and a copy of the completed form will be provided to the student’s faculty liaison. The supervisor must verify the accuracy of the information on the student’s reports, including hours worked. The employer must complete a student evaluation at the end of the internship/co-op assignment. See the internship forms section of this website.

Provide a Safe Work Environment

The employer should provide safe working facilities for students along with an environment that fosters and practices professional and ethical business conduct. The employer is responsible for the safety of students while in their employ.

Provide the Opportunity for Site Visits by Faculty and/or Career Services Staff

The employer will provide an opportunity for faculty or Career Services staff to visit the worksite and meet with the internship/co-op student and supervisor.