The Experiential Learning Internship Program (ELIP) provides a framework for students to recognize the critical skills and competencies they gain during their work experience. Approved internships provide students with practical and applied opportunities that enable them to gain valuable hands-on experience, connect their academic foundations to experiences beyond the classroom, and develop effective time management, communication, and creative problem-solving skills. This non-credit activity is one of the many avenues available for students to complete their experiential learning degree requirement.
This semester, ELIP students have explored industries and fields ranging from healthcare to digital media and advertising through their internships. In their positions, they have been challenged by workforce applications of their fields of study while receiving invaluable mentorship from industry professionals. The reflective work they’ve completed for ELIP outside of their internship duties has taught them the value of their experiences and made them aware of the social and professional skills they have been developing. One student focused on the importance of context and environment to their learning, which points to the value of hands-on workforce experience being integrated into their program of study. They remarked, “Working at the Bail Project has been a profound learning experience for me. It has allowed me to engage in the practical application of the software knowledge that I have gained from academics. It has contextualized my social experiences in the workforce and lent me valuable insight into the nuances of data entry and its utility to improve team communications.” Overall, they said, “it has been a fulfilling and fruitful experience to work in a supportive environment and to contribute towards a significant cause.”
Sejal Khanna, pictured right, celebrates the first day of her Paid Media Internship at the Nebo Agency
Students have also recognized a cultivation of other invaluable skills related to time management and communication in their internships. Indeed, one of the pillars of ELIP is the students’ ownership of the processes and outcomes of their internship activities. “So far,” one student commented, “I’ve enjoyed the work environment very much, as I’ve been given a large amount of autonomy as the only technology-focused member of the staff. I’ve been free to choose between various projects to work on a day-to-day basis, which has proven an effective way for me to approach work and learn about my own work style.” The engagement, ownership, and mentorship these students experience create an authentic work experience for prospective members of these fields and industries. Ultimately, ELIP makes it possible for students to test drive their future:
“I am a Pre-PA student who interned at The Ashford Center, which is a medical office specializing in women’s health. I have a passion for helping others and felt that a career in the medical field would be a great fit for me. I always knew I wanted to be a physician’s assistant and I can now say that after this internship, I am confident in my career path decision. I gained hands-on experience by working as a medical assistant. Not only did I gain amazing experience, but I also gained some amazing mentors who have and are continuing to help me succeed on my path to PA school. This has been such a fulfilling experience that I have decided that I will be continuing my internship through next semester.” – Kate Spencer, Psychology major
As students take the time to reflect deeply on their work experience, they begin to forge the pathways for decision-making that only come from learning about themselves and envisioning themselves as professionals in a given field. ELIP students learn to take inventory of the lessons learned from these experiences, discovering their passions, interests, skills, workflow preferences, and so much more. They cultivate self-awareness and confidence from the ownership they’ve taken of these internships. And, as Kate Spencer pointed out, the connections forged through mentorship and collaboration with employers can have lifechanging impacts on students’ career trajectories.
As the Fall semester draws to a close, we would like to thank all of the businesses and organizations who partnered with us to provide internship opportunities for students to participate in the Experiential Learning Internship Program this semester:
- Asset Living
- Athens Heart Center
- Camp Ridgecrest for Boys
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- CommScope
- Connect Ministries, Inc.
- Dream Catcher Pediatric Therapy, Inc.
- Eastside High School Band Program
- Greenwood Star
- Hall Booth Smith, P.C.
- Nebo Agency
- New York Life Insurance
- Pearson
- The Ashford Center
- The Bail Project
- TransFit Athens
To learn more or get involved with ELIP, visit our ELIP page or contact Amy Sweet ([email protected]).
