INTERNSHIPS OPEN CAREER DOORS

In the classroom, MBA students study how to obtain and maintain competitive advantage within the business marketplace. The goal is no longer to get ahead, but to stay ahead - and the competition is both fierce and continual. While these students learn how to help a business succeed, they also must face a personal challenge: what is their competitive advantage as potential employees?

Dirk Smith, internship coordinator for the Robinson College of Business, knows the answer to this all-important question. "One of the most important and high-impact decisions an MBA student can make is to participate in an internship program."

Smith has worked on the other side of the table as a human resources recruiter, which gives him a firsthand understanding of the benefits of an internship. He created RCB's internship program and has seen it grow tremendously within the past two years. "We have close to 200 employers interested in our MBA students:' said Smith. "Approximately 15-20 percent of our MBA students are interested in an internship, and some want to transition from one career to another."

An internship allows a student not only to experience the inner workings of a specific company, but to apply what he or she has learned in the classroom. If the internship is with a company that may be a potential employer the student has the opportunity to be more than just one more resume in a stack of many And for many students, internships enable them to learn more about the industry and/or company they have chosen.

When Celeste Laurent, a recent MBA graduate of the Robinson College, received her bachelor's degree in biology, she wanted to work as an investment banker. "Obviously, I needed to get some experience in finance," said Laurent. She was offered a full-time position with Jackson Securities, the investment banking firm of former Atlanta mayor Maynard Jackson, upon completion of her internship with them. "Joining the company was just a natural progression because I was already familiar with my co-workers and the firm. As for the company they were able to review my work ethic, qualifications and compatibility during my internship."

Even if the internship does not result in full-time employment with the company, a valuable relationship has still been developed. "When students leave an internship, they should walk away with knowledge of a company and of individuals they can identify as mentors who can help them move through the corporate environment," Smith explained.

For students planning to participate in an internship, Laurent has some advice, "The most important lesson I can offer is that you should always put forth your best effort and get to know the people at the company. An internship is a continuous interview, so you need to shine every day."

For employers, internships can serve as a valuable recruiting tool. The company can gain firsthand experience of a potential candidate, and the company knows that the student is motivated and eager to learn. Additionally, participating in the internship program provides a strong connection between the business community and the education community, which can greatly benefit companies.

Smith hopes to increase the number of alumni involved in the internship program. "it would be wonderful to add more alumni to our list of employers, and to help those without internship programs get them started. Our alumni are perfectly suited to be involved in this program because they understand the depth of our MBA program and are also active members of the business community."

For more information, or for assistance in starting an internship program in your company, please contact Dirk Smith at 404/413-7158.