WESSA Groen Sebenza Handbook 2021

An Internship Is Not …

During your placement we recommend that you maintain realistic expectations regarding your internship. The following is a list of things an internship is not:

• A Guarantee Job Offer: Although some interns are offered part-time or full-time employment as a result of contacts they make during their internships, there is no guarantee that an internship will result in a job. The best way for interns to gain career and job advantages during an internship is by building information and referral networks. • A Lackey/Servant Position: An intern should not spend most of their time completing menial tasks. A fine balance must be cultivated between ensuring the intern has a meaningful learning experience and addressing the completion of more routine work responsibilities involved in all positions and projects. • A time to Slack Off: A supervisor expects an intern to be a contributing member to the organization, just like an employee. Most interns report working just as hard, if not harder, with an internship position as they do for other academic courses. • Time to Act Like a Resident Expert: Most interns do not have the time, expertise, or knowledge of the organization to tackle self-initiated projects. This is an opportunity to test prior learning in a humble and tactful way. Application can be done only if the intern remembers his or her role and purpose.

Groen Sebenza Handbook

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