Experience a day in the life of SDSU student Erika Castile, intern for U.S. Congressman Bob Filner

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Congressman Bob Filner recently welcomed a new intern, SDSU student Erika Castile, at his District Office in Chula Vista. Learn how her internship experience is advancing her interests in public policy and senior advocacy.

 

“Bringing bright, highly-motivated students like Erika into our office allows me and my staff to benefit from their passion for public service, and our interns gain insight into how government works to improve people’s lives,” said Congressman Filner.  “The work isn’t always glamorous, but my staff does an exceptional job to make the experience meaningful.”

Individuals interested in interning for Congressman Filner may contact Alexis Gelperin for more information by calling (619) 422-5963.

SDSU Career Services Director, Dr. James Tarbox, offers insight and advice about internships.

@State:  Are most employers are looking to hire students who have
internship experience?

Dr. Tarobox: Definitely. Here are a few ways I know:

1. Employers: They tell me that they want students who have internship experience.
   
   
2. NACE reports. NACE is the National Association of
   Colleges and Employers. Here's an excerpt from their national employer survey
   ("Job Outlook," 2007, p. 4-5):
   
   “An internship, for example, is not just an opportunity to gain experience, but
   it's also a setting for you to learn professional behavior, learn what it means to work in a team, and practice interpersonal communication.
   
   “In addition, many employers said they offer higher salaries to new graduates who have any co-op or internship experience than they do to those who do not have that experience.”
   
   
3. Our Outcomes Survey reports (conducted by SDSU Career Services).
   
   We found in our May 2008 survey that if a student did an internship and used Career Services they
   placed in jobs at a rate of 50%.  If they only did an internship and did not
   use Career Services their placement rate was 42%).

@State: What does internship experience on a resume signal to a potential
employer?

Dr. Tarbox: The internship experience signals initiative on the part of the student,
relevance in that students are learning how to apply what they learn, and
informed decision making -- students are learning about an industry or
organization before they apply for a full-time job.

@State: Would you recommend students take any internship, regardless if it falls
outside of their major?

Dr. Tarbox: I would recommend that students take an internship if it's
required of their industry (accounting and PR, for example); I would take an
internship to explore a career field that might be of interest (to test assumptions).

More tips for making the most out of an internships experience.

• Develop good basic work behaviors: dress appropriately,
• Have a "can-do" attitude,
• Get involved with interesting projects and ones that will allow you to see what the industry/organization is like,
• Find a mentor and affiliate with that person and tap into that person's network (they can also write recommendation letters later!),
• Enjoy the experience and look to become a great alumnus/na of that intern program.

For more information, contact SDSU Career Services.