Responsibilities
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, communicating with constituents and legislative liaisons (events/services and phone/email), writing correspondence (letters, tributes, resolutions, and congratulations), conducting legislative, policy, and issue-background research, monitoring legislation, conducting general office activities (clerical, phone, email, organization), assisting staff and becoming involved in committee meetings, and data entry and management.
Things to Consider
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You are encouraged to apply for more than one Capital City internship position.
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Research the internship position prior to applying; additional information on each office can be found at www.michigan.gov.
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Utilize cover letter and resume samples through CMU Career Services, prior to applying: http://www.careers.cmich.edu/CareerGuide08.pdf.
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Career Services offers resume critiques and mock interviews: take advantage of these services to ensure success in the application and interview process.
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If accepted to intern, you MUST notify Teisha Thelen, Career Services, at stuadvcs@cmich.edu in order to finalize your placement.
Transportation
Transportation is available, but not required. Student driven vans depart from the Bovee University Center at 8:00 a.m. and arrive at a central location in Lansing by 9:30 a.m. The vans depart from Lansing at 4:00 p.m. and arrive back in Mt. Pleasant by 5:30 p.m., enabling students to enroll in evening classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This transportation is only available on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the fall and spring semesters.
Unpaid Internship
This is an unpaid experience, therefore, students must consider the true value of an internship: knowledge, skills, abilities, and contacts. These intangible resources are priceless and will assist in future career endeavors.
Definition and Goal of an Internship
Central Michigan University and Career Services strongly encourage all students to become involved in pre-professional experiences, such as internships. Internships are designed to be hands-on, well-structured, pre-professional work experiences with an organization related to the student’s academic program or career field of interest. Each undergraduate and graduate student has a unique situation regarding his or her desires and ambitions; fortunately, internships are offered in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate these personalized needs and expectations. The goal of an internship program is to provide a learning experience and facilitate a successful partnership that is mutually beneficial to the student, faculty advisor, and sponsoring organization.
Benefits to the Students
Internships provide students the opportunity to:
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Translate classroom knowledge into the professional work environment
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Gain professional experience and receive academic credit
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Sample various careers before making a long-term commitment
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Enhance independence, responsibility, self-confidence, and other job skills
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Strengthen verbal and written communication
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Interact and collaborate with a developed professional network, and learn from a seasoned professional in your field of interest
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More times than not, interns will be offered a full-time position upon completion
Credit vs. Not-For-Credit Experiences
Regardless of whether an internship is required for graduation, it is highly recommended that you receive university recognition for your internship experience. By seeking credit, you maximize the opportunity for a well-structured outline of responsibilities and goals, and offer a more credible experience to potential future employers. In order to receive credit, you must have signed approval from the internship advisor in your academic department; they will assist you with application eligibility, number of credit hours, and grading requirements. Career Services is not authorized to approve or grant credit for any internship; however, we can assist you in determining and contacting the appropriate faculty member from your academic department.
Program Links