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working with very diverse clientele,” Hameister says. “The invaluable experiences interns get interning as part of our team will give interns many opportunities to learn and grow.” LSS Rochester Youth Services’ internship program is divided into simple phases. The intern will learn the basics of programming at LSS Rochester Youth Services, such as the different services offered to homeless youth, eligibility requirements for services, as well as learn the forms and systems used and usually shadow other staff for the first two to four weeks. “Once the assigned staff feels the intern is ready to start working more independently, the intern might co-facilitate a couple client appointments and groups,” Hameister says. “Once the intern is ready to work independently, the intern will carry a caseload of about three to five clients. Interns are also offered weekly supervision to address any concerns, barriers or anything in general related to the internship experience.” Benefits Aplenty Guy Finne, Director of Workforce Development at Mayo Clinic, says the most successful internships will have mutual and dual benefits. “Given that, we have tried to make sure our internships provide value for both the student and Mayo Clinic,” Finne says. For Mayo Clinic, one obvious importance of internships is finding future talent. A good, meaningful internship program will provide companies with talent to help meet current and future workforce needs.
and culture to young talent and allows for both the employer and the student to gauge potential match without a long-term commitment,” Finn says. Internship programs allow enthused learners to bring excitement and freshness to a work unit while also allowing employees to grow in their supervisory skills. “I also like to think that Mayo Clinic provides internship programs as a ‘good player in the community,’ Finne says. “It is important for employers to be actively engaged in the development of new talent and by doing so, we help the community at large.” For students, internships allow them to identify their strengths and work on weaknesses. And, as Finne points out, while growing their experience, skills and knowledge, they get do this in a real atmosphere versus a classroom. “Students have an opportunity to align what they are learning in college with the real world and further assess their career interests and passions early in their development years,” Finne says. “And lastly, having an internship experience on the student’s resume is truly valuable as they start their professional life post-graduation.”
Mayo Clinic tries to offer internships that lead talent to ongoing opportunities at Mayo Clinic. Whether it is a Summer III experience with the Department of Nursing or an IT internship, the desire is to see talent end up being a Mayo Clinic employee post-graduation. “Strong internship programs can have a positive impact on our employment branding. Internship programs also help to introduce Mayo Clinic’s mission, values
Brynn Artley, Intern for StartUp Winona State, working on a fun film project as part of her internship experience.
Advantage Magazine | 7
September 2021
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