Student Internships in Extension: Strategies for Success for the Agent and the Student

Congratulations! You have been offered the opportunity to have a student intern for the summer to work with you on your Extension programs. The Extension internship provides a valuable learning experience for both the intern and the agent. For the student, the internship provides a setting where they can implement the philosophy and teaching methods of non-formal education as it becomes a lesson in "real-world-learning"; for many agents, supervising an intern serves as a refresher course in the theories and principles of non-formal education as well as an opportunity to update their own knowledge and skills. Thus, the internship experience becomes beneficial to both the agent and the intern.

Purpose

All too frequently, student interns are placed in county Extension offices without sufficient consideration of the needs of both the intern and the county agent. This article presents county agents with a strategy for selecting, working with, and learning from student interns. Interns who have a positive learning experience are a valuable resource to the agent and may become interested in a career as county agent.

From the Agent's Perspective

Having an Extension intern can be a valuable opportunity for the agent to supplement current programming, introduce new programs, and refresh technological skills. To create an internship experience that is meaningful to all parties, the agent must first clarify goals and expectations for all concerned. Keep in mind that if the agent's goals are for filing and office tasks, then another kind of helper is needed; interns expect and have been prepared for a professional experience where they can apply their knowledge and skills to a meaningful educational program.

Table 1 provides an example of typical expectations an agent might have and related strategies for choosing an intern that best meets these criteria. Note that the strategies require input from both the agent and the student and culminate in a personal interview to best determine an appropriate match. Selecting an intern requires time and consideration on the part of the agent to assure that supervising an intern is rewarding in many ways.

From the Intern's Perspective

While the agent is preparing to choose an intern, potential interns are writing their own goals and formulating their own expectations. The internship is a critical and exciting time for students as they will "finally" have an opportunity to leave campus for a professional experience. Students work closely with their campus supervisors to identify and prepare for a rewarding internship. Their primary goals are reflected in their desire to make a meaningful contribution while advancing their knowledge and experience in a professional context.

The majorities of interns are nearing graduation and use the internship experience to apply their academic training for anticipated careers. In addition, they want to enhance their career exploration and networking skills as they begin the transition from classes to careers. More than anything, interns hope to enter an environment where they are given an opportunity to work as new professionals rather than student helpers. Table 2 provides an example of typical expectations a student might have and related strategies for choosing an internship that best meets these criteria.

Following are just a few examples of the work students have completed as interns:

• Write newsletter articles
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• Develop and implement new program
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• Teach 4-H campers
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• Revise existing programs and update PowerPoints
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• Coordinate groups of volunteers
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• Conduct research for program development
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• Develop evaluation tools for specific program(s)
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• Write media spots
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• Do radio interview

From the Campus Perspective

Academic programs vary in how they manage the internship process. While the internship supervisor plays a pivotal role in the Extension internship experience, the academic advisor is equally critical in preparing students for internships in Extension. It is extremely helpful if the academic advisor or campus supervisor can identify students who are interested in non-formal, community-based education and guide them to internship and career opportunities in Cooperative Extension. The internship supervisor, who may or may not be the academic advisor, coordinates the internship experience with the agent and student assisting both in preparing for success. The supervisor acts as a liaison between the agent and intern and is responsible for monitoring the academic requirements of the internship.

An intern can be a valuable asset to county agents and their programs. They bring current research-based knowledge and the latest in technology, as well as energy and enthusiasm to the county. Furthermore, internships are a successful strategy for recruiting new professionals into the Cooperative Extension system.

Suggestions for Further Reading

DiMaria, F. (2006). Service learning attracts a new kind of student. The Hispanic Outlook on Higher Education, 16, 24-26.

Jordan, P., Phillips, M., & Brown, E. (2004). We train teachers: Why not supervisors and mentors?. The Physical Educator, 61(4), 219-221.

Rogers, B., Mason, K., & Cornelius, J. (2001). Involving undergraduate students as Extension program interns. Journal of Extension[On-line], 39(5). Available at: http://www.joe.org/joe/2001october/iw4.html

Scheer, S. D., Ferrari, T. M., Earnest, G. W., & Connors, J. J. (2006). Preparing Extension professionals: The Ohio State University's model of Extension education. Journal of Extension[On-line], 44(4) Article 4FEA1. Available at: http://www.joe.org/joe/2006august/a1p.shtml