Internship opportunities that encourage theological reflection on students' individual experiences are available to students in liberal arts disciplines through the Career Development Center. Internships include opportunities in business, government, and non-profit organizations, as well as one-on-one mentorship opportunities for students with professionals working in their field of interest.
Professional schools at Seattle Pacific have well-established internships as integral components of their students' education. They also do a good job of introducing students to the theological, vocational and ethical issues in those fields through required seminars that accompany the internships. However, students majoring in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities have had in the past only random opportunities for field exploration of career options. Less than 20% of all arts and sciences graduates have completed internships. In order to address this imbalance, Career Development is taking the following actions:
- Escalating participation of students majoring in liberal arts disciplines in the internship program by:
- Increasing the number of internships sites for students majoring in liberal arts disciplines.
- Increasing the number of students in liberal arts disciplines who include internships in their course of study.
- Increasing the long-term theological and vocational impact of internship experiences.
- Encouraging a significant number of students to consider careers in non-profit and ministry organizations.
- Creating a program to provide “Job Shadow” experiences and/or Mentors for students to learn more about their field of interest.
- Job Shadowing provides an opportunity for students to spend a half or full day alongside someone working in an area of interest to them.
- Mentor match opportunities are available to all SPU students, regardless of major (even though the program is managed in the School of Business).
- Students desiring a Mentor can find details on the program at this website: http://www.spu.edu/depts/sbe/mentorship/mentorprogram/index.asp
- Job Shadows and Mentors will be available to all SPU students, including those majoring in professional disciplines and the liberal arts.
- SPU alumni are encouraged to apply to be Mentors or provide Job Shadowing opportunities for current SPU students.
- Creating a competitive scholarship program for students wishing to do unpaid student internships at non-profit organizations:
- Allows students to explore their sense of vocation and calling regardless of financial needs or constraints.
- Assists students in developing a network in the non-profit sector.
- Provides an opportunity for students to gain relevant job experience and skills.
- Integrating material on “Finding Your Calling in Life” in all classes taught by Career Center staff including:
- GS 2001 – Major & Career Exploration
- GS 3001 – Discover Career & Calling
- BUS 3910 – Internships & Career Strategies
- Assisting faculty advisors in the liberal arts with internships for their advisees by:
- Increasing the number of internship sites in areas where faculty see a need.
- Working closely with faculty advisors to help students locate or develop appropriate internships.
- Increasing awareness of the internship program and opportunities for new faculty.
- Help faculty in develop internship programs in majors which do not currently provide these opportunities (and in new majors).
For more information visit the Career Development Center website or contact Jacqui Smith Bates, Director of Career Development.jacquisb@spu.edu