Strong candidates for internships are self starters, or may be better known as self-directed learners. People who seek learning opportunities on their own as students will more likely be energetic employees in the workplace. What characterizes a self directed learner who engages in an internship search?

Self Directed Learners ...

• Manage their time responsibly and maintain a good balance of the time and resources they devote to classes and their internship.
• Are independent learners and don't rely upon weekly interaction with their instructor to finish their assignments in a timely manner. Co-op students must be able to be independent learners and manage their time well as their meetings with the faculty member overseeing their co-op will occur only a few times during the semester.
• Conduct searches for internship opportunities on their own by using the internet and researching local private companies and state organizations.
• Apply to a great number of positions over an extended period of time (six to eight months). Persistence is key!
• Plan in advance. Map out internship search strategies and note deadlines for applications.
• Have evaluated their current level of knowledge and experience and understand what positions would be appropriate for them to investigate.
• Look for ways to learn more about the company where they are interning and seek out opportunities for advancement.
• Communicate well with their supervisors, keep them informed of their progress on assigned tasks, inform them of any difficulties and ask supervisors' assistance in developing strategies that will help them deal with problems.
• Reflect upon their preliminary performance evaluations and devise a plan that will help them integrate their employers' suggestions into their current job performance.
• Cultivate relationships with other people who can act as mentors throughout their career.