Instructions for Receiving Credit under 490N for an Internship in Language and World Business

Description

The 490N internship provides an opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge obtained and skill-based competencies in the classroom in a professional or organizational setting performing work that is applicable to language and/or business. Experience through the internship assists the student in making future career goals and employment settings. The internship course bridges the gap between the classroom and the professional world. Internships can be within the United Sated or internationally. Internships to be completed abroad will be coordinated through the Program Abroad Office. This course is required for all Language and World Business students as an option under the practical experience portion of the major, and it is offered in all nine languages taught in MFLL: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hispanic Studies, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Russian. To establish uniformity in the use and application of the term “internship”, the definition provided by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) is used as follows:

An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent.

Student Learning Outcomes:

This course comprises eight learning outcomes that are intended to close the gap and prepare students to successfully enter into the work force. These learning outcomes are defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).  Depending on their internship, students should be able to achieve at least three (3) of these learning outcomes, which will be included in the final reflection paper:

1. Critical Thinking/Problem Solving—Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems. The student is able to obtain, interpret, and use knowledge, facts, and data in this process, and may demonstrate originality and inventiveness.
2. Oral/Written Communications—Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms to persons inside and outside the organization. The student is able to express ideas to others; and can write/edit memos, letters, and complex technical reports clearly and effectively.
3. Teamwork/Collaboration—Build collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers representing diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, and viewpoints. The student is able to work within a team structure and can negotiate and manage conflict.
4. Digital Technology—Leverage existing digital technologies ethically and efficiently to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals. The student demonstrates effective adaptability to new and emerging technologies.
5. Leadership—Leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals and use interpersonal skills to coach can develop others. The student is able to assess and manage his/her emotions and those of others; use empathetic skills to guide and motivate; organize, prioritize, and delegate work.
6. Professionalism/Work Ethic—Demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits, e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, and time workload management, and understand the impact of non-verbal communication on professional work image. The student demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior, acts responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind, and is able to learn from his/her mistakes.
7. Career Management—Identify and articulate one’s skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to the position desired and career goals and identify areas necessary for professional growth. The student demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior, acts responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind, and is able to learn from his/her mistakes.
8. Global/Intercultural Fluency—Value, respect, and learn from diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religions. The student demonstrates openness, inclusiveness, sensitivity, and the ability to interact respectfully with all people and understand individuals’ differences.

Eligibility

Internships require prior approval from the LWB Director. Such approval may be obtained after submitting a one-page summary of the proposed internship (instructions provided upon request).

After receiving confirmation by the employer/organization, and the completion of the Learning Agreement signed by all parties, the Director of LWB will register the student for 490N (under their respective target language, i.e., SPAN 490, CHIN 490, etc.) during the semester in which the work will be completed.

Internship Learning Agreement

This internship course utilizes a formal learning agreement to be signed by the student, internship supervisor, and the university representative thoroughly outlining the goals and objectives, rights and responsibilities, contact information, and internship description (provided upon request).

Course Requirements, Assessments, and Evaluations

The student is required to work a minimum of 150 hours per 3 credit hours earned during the current semester in accordance with a learning agreement signed by both the student and employer. To receive a grade of “Satisfactory”, the student must also complete all assignments listed per the course syllabus.

In addition, the employer will evaluate the student at the end of the internship following a similar process as used for full-time employees. Any additional evaluations are at the discretion of the employer.

Liability Insurance

Students undertaking an internship are required to purchase professional liability insurance coverage before beginning service. Payment will be collected via the student’s MyUTK portal. For more information on domestic internships, contact the Office of Risk Management. For international internships, students should first contact the Programs Abroad Office.

Internship Resources

Students are strongly encouraged to sign-up, upload their resume and get updates from UTK’s Handshake to search for current internships, as well as job openings, requirements, and application deadlines.

Visit Handshake