After You Secure Your Internship

Report your internship! This helps the BCC share where all of our great students go for internships and helps future students look at potential opportunities.

Sophomore Students – if you are planning to take off a semester to do an internship or co-op, you MUST check with your academic advisor PRIOR to accepting the position.  You will need to verify that you will be able to meet all of your entrance-to-major requirements within the credit window so that you able to declare your Smeal major.

International Students – MUST check with the Office of International Students after accepting an offer. The office is in 410 Boucke Building. If gone for the summer, you may have to take BA 395A for credit regardless of job type.

Before you Start Work

  • Know the dress code
  • Give yourself enough time to drive to work so that you can be there on time. Try the drive a few times, if possible, during rush hour so you know what to expect.
  • Know what time you are to report, where you are supposed to park, and where you should go once inside.
  • Know what documents, if any, you are supposed to bring. You will likely need your driver’s license and social security card to process employment forms.

What to Expect the First Day

  • The majority of your first day will probably involve handling administrative details pertaining to being employed, getting paid, etc.
  • When you get to your workspace, it will probably already be set up for you including a desk, computer, phone, etc. Remember, these items are there for you to use for work purposes only and not to surf the Internet, shop on–line, stay in touch with your friends and family.

Tips For Turning Your Internship into a Job Offer

  • Be willing to work hard and be open to learning new things.
  • Observe and listen to your supervisor and fellow employees for cues on how to act in the workplace.
  • Maintain a positive attitude, show a sincere interest in the firm
  • Take every opportunity to network with colleagues and higher administration
  • Attend the company social events. These events are excellent opportunities to network with others in the organization and to find out about other opportunities or business units.
  • Take advantage of as many employer-sponsored training events as possible and then seek opportunities at work to utilize your new skills

Problems at Work?

  • First and foremost, it is important to clearly discern between a problem and a part of the job that is not enjoyable.
  • If there is a problem, discuss the situation with your supervisor.
  • When possible, go to your supervisor with a solution to the problem and not just a complaint.
  • Give the problem a reasonable amount of time to be resolved.
  • If there is no resolution to the problem, contact Smeal with DETAILS AND FACTS about the situation. Contact Krista White.