This document outlines how graduate students in higher education administration can benefit campus departments through internships. It highlights factors influencing internship site selection, shared experiences, and common challenges faced by interns. The authors offer recommendations for supervisors to enhance the internship experience and encourage collaboration with the HEASPA organization.

1. Branching outHow Graduate Students can be an Asset for your DepartmentDr. Mary Beth MercatorisCraig GildenEvelyn MeisellFebruary 17, 2011APSA/ACA Professional Development Day

2. PresentersMary Beth Mercatoris, Ph.D.Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student ActivitiesCraig Gilden & Evelyn MeisellMaster’s Candidates in the College and University Student Personnel ProgramCo-Chairs of the Higher Education Administration Student Professional Association (HEASPA)

3. Goal of PresentationIncrease partnerships between Higher Education Administration Master’s Program and on-campus departmentsInternship RequirementsSurvey ResultsPersonal ExperiencesAdministrator Experiences

4. What is HEASPA?HEASPA is the student organization representing the Higher Education Administration Master’s and Doctoral studentshttp://blogs.utexas.edu/heaspa

5. Master’s Internship Requirement

6. Survey Description10 Question Anonymous SurveyInternship ExperiencesAdvice for DepartmentsSelection FactorsDemographicsSent to 75 People34 Alumni41 Current Students31 Responses17 Alumni14 Current Students

7. 1: Factors for Selecting SiteLocation/CampusStaff/SupervisorNew Area of Higher EducationGain Understanding of an OfficeAbility to Contribute to Department“I used the internship to diversify my resume as much as possible to make finding a full-time job easier.”

8. 2. Meaningful ExperiencesYOU (Supervisors & Co-Workers)Ownership over a Challenging ProjectValued as a Staff MemberAsked for My OpinionAbility to work with Students“The time that my supervisor spent talking with me was very meaningful. She took the time to learn about me, my aspirations and my thoughts on how to improve some of her programs.”

9. 3. Frustrating ExperiencesLack of Structure in InternshipLittle Direction from SupervisorNot Included in Department No Feedback GivenFew Student Interactions“My supervisor treated me like I had little experience to back up my ideas…. It felt a little like I was simply a temporary worker, and not much was expected of me.”

10. 4. Suggestions for SupervisorsMake Intern feel Included in DepartmentGive Intern ResponsibilityProvide Clear ExpectationsInclude Weekly One-on-One MeetingsProvide Helpful Feedback“Clearly define the learning objectives for the intern. Work with the intern to decide on appropriate projects that will help their learning and enhance the office objectives. Include interns in regular staff meetings so they can understand the bigger picture of the office’s purpose.”

11. Internships from a Departmental Prospective Why Did We Create Internships?Expose EDA students to Student ActivitiesProvide supervision experience to professionalsGreat way for a unit to work on special projectsGreat way for an intern to provide a fresh perspective

12. Internships from a Departmental Prospective Items to Consider:Create a Job DescriptionCreate a Win-Win EnvironmentProvide StructureHave Interns Work with StudentsInvite Interns to Meetings, Events & TrainingsInvolve Interns in Work DecisionsGive Interns a Project to Own, If PossiblePerform a Mid-Semester EvaluationPerform an Exit InterviewOne by Supervisor, One by Supervisor’s SupervisorPost Internship Again Before Semester Ends

13. Ways to Be InvolvedMeet with HEASPA Representatives about your InterestsServe as a Mentor for a Master’s StudentOffer an InternshipGoogle DocumentHEASPA List-Serv“Higher Education students have a passion for student affairs, and because of this unique, applicable interest, they will be committed and thorough in their work. It is beneficial to your office to give them extended projects and varied assignments. ”

14. Thank You!Dr. Mary Beth Mercatorismerc@mail.utexas.eduCraig GildenCraig.gilden@gmail.comEvelyn Meisellemeisell@gmail.comhttp://blogs.utexas.edu/heaspa