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Development Of An Internship Program
Specific To The School Of Engineering, Computing, And Construction Management At Roger Williams University
Ronald J. Miers Ph.D. Roger Williams University Bristol, RI |
In 2001 an internship program was developed specific to the needs of the School of Engineering, Computing, and Construction Management (SECCM) at Roger Williams University. This article will depict the three major goals used in the development of the internship program and their outcomes at the time of proposal. The major goals for the development entailed bringing learning contracts specific to the program into the requirements along with student and business roles , developing internship practicum activities that relate horizontally to coursework completed, and presenting a proposal for a zero credit hour internship program for construction management students to administration. As of this date all have been accepted and are posted on the SECCM website.
Key Words: internships, experiential learning, cooperative education |
The SECCM Internship Program, and the Internship Coordinator Position, was begun as the result of a generous contribution from O. Ahlborg & Sons. The SECCM Internship Program works directly with Roger Williams Career Services and Academic Offices. These offices will oversee and maintain the requirements and roles of the students, industry organizations, and guidelines set forth by Roger Williams University.
The SECCM Internship Program is specifically designed for Engineering and Construction Management students. Industry Advisory Boards, Alumni, and Industry Representatives are consulted for content, rigors of course prerequisites, and support.
The Ahlborg Internship Coordinator, in conjunction with Career Services and Development Offices, is responsible for the coordination and recruitment of qualified students involved in this program. This program is not limited solely to upper classmen, however is open to students based on industry needs and qualifying processes. Students may do multiple internships while attending Roger Williams University.
To facilitate the internships the following services are provided: | |
Interview and resume writing skills assistance | |
Career development and related problem consults | |
Course, student academic progression, and requirement guidelines | |
Procure company prospectus | |
Provide students with comparable Industry Sponsors | |
Develop Learning Contracts between University & Student, Student & Ahlborg Internship Coordinator, and Student & Industry Sponsor | |
Provide access for site visitation of Coordinator | |
Grade student portfolios | |
Market Roger Williams University and the School of Engineering, Computing, and Construction Management Internship Program | |
Develop and maintain a student industry selection listing |
Internships:
The Internship program enables full-time students in good academic standing to earn academic credit through approved employment in their field of study. While integral to some degree programs, cooperative education is not required by all programs. The cooperative education experience is approved in advance by Career Center staff and the Ahlborg Internship Coordinator. Students first complete an orientation to experiential learning. Cooperative education assignments must be of sufficient duration (135hrs.), usually one semester, and must be considered a meaningful part of the academic program in which the student is enrolled. Normally students are engaged full-time during the summer months. Employers are expected to compensate students at a rate comparable to that paid to employees who do similar work. However, a student may work without pay.
s
Two semesters of study at Roger Williams University with satisfactory performance is prerequisite to cooperative education participation.
Mission
The mission of the School of Engineering Computing and Construction Management is to provide our students with the highest quality undergraduate professional education so that they are prepared to excel in the practice of their professional discipline or in the pursuit of an advanced degree.
Theoretical, technical, and managerial knowledge are developed throughout the coursework of the SECCM programs. With this pedagogical background, students need to be introduced to the aspects of experiential learning. These students are the next generation of the built environment. A strong background of coursework provided by the SEECM instructors and the learning experiences provided by allied industry professionals in conjunction with the experiential internship programs develops students that will be quickly oriented into mainstream business. This leads to the skills necessary to work towards leadership roles in their chosen professions while meeting the needs of the future.
The use of interns will bring to industry new talents and resources that are untapped, enthusiasm to the workplace and diminish market restraints that are placed on industry by developing personnel that are quickly assimilated into professional fields.
The internship goals and objectives are as follows:
Produce motivated, well educated, and inquisitive students with the technical and experiential applications that will enhance the transition to professional fields. | |
Develop and demonstrate creative problem solving skills. | |
Develop an appreciation for the culture and society of the professional fields and trades encountered. | |
Produce students that can communicate clearly with precision the critical thinking processes developed through experiential learning. | |
Ensure that students complete a broad spectrum of practical applications of roles and positions within an organization. | |
Understand and apply curriculum and coursework content into practical applications encountered under the guidance of internship sponsors. | |
Identify each student’s personal leadership strengths and abilities through experiential learning. | |
Demonstrate commitment to continued education through experiential learning. |
Students Role
Internship Student Objectives:
Apply coursework knowledge to practical field applications | |
Enhance written & oral communication, listening, problem-solving and critical thinking skills | |
Develop a clear understanding of organizational as well as business structure & principles | |
Develop professionalism in appearance, attitude, and work ethics | |
Develop relationships with in-house personnel as well as contacts with outside industry | |
Develop a portfolio containing learned knowledge and skills acquired pertaining to professional field of study |
Portfolio requirements:
Introductory letter describing the student’s skills, knowledge, background, work experience, and areas of interest. | |
A package containing all required forms and prerequisite materials. | |
Work samples from the field internship. | |
Internship project plan and timetable relating to items contained in the Learning Contract (enclosed). | |
The Learning Contract, Sponsor’s Evaluation Sheets, and Student Self Assessment of the internship. | |
Contacts List Summary | |
Full and comprehensive report (term paper) on the internship undertaken by the student. |
Participating sponsor s should view the SECCM Internship Program as an investment in their future as well as that of a possible future employee. The sponsor will spend time and energy developing the skills and professional capabilities of the intern. The sponsors will receive for their investment the services of the intern and full knowledge, pride, and appreciation having helped in the development of a future industry professional.
Interns should receive the same company orientation that current employees have undertaken, creating an environment that is open and receptive to the interns. Upon arrival interns need to be made aware of corporate Policy and Procedure, transportation, parking, and dress code requirements (both corporate initiatives and labor safety regulations). The interns should be introduced to their work area and environment as well as supervision and co-workers. Familiarization with company communication systems and corporate hierarchy will diminish problematic concerns as the intern starts their regular activities. The authority and responsibilities of the intern should be thoroughly discussed prior to their start of work.
Areas of intern development should include, but not be limited to field, office, and managerial applications. The Internship Practicum Activity forms are supplied to the industry sponsors at the onset of a student entering the program. A Learning Contract is developed between the student, industry sponsor, and the Ahlborg Internship Coordinator at the appropriate time when the student is being accepted by the sponsor into their organization. Students participating during the summer intersession are generally hired for the full summer recess. These forms can be found in the appendices.
Company sponsor concerns:
Workload for the intern (Internship Practicum Activity Samples provided) | |
Staff support by qualified individuals | |
Field and office space | |
Financial resources supplied to the intern | |
Long range planning for continuous support of the SECCM Internship Program | |
Effective supervision | |
Evaluation of interns | |
Effective hiring of interns to permanent positions |
Zero Credit for Construction Management Students
Construction Management students currently take 127 credit hours in the program. In conversations with administration, it is deemed that this is the maximum amount of credit hours that will be allowed within the program. A zero credit internship was the solution. However, at zero credit hours students are not required to pay the traditional cost per credit that the university charges. Core courses and core concentration courses could not be eliminated to meet the requirements. The 127 credit hours are maintained to meet university and accreditation requirements within the construction program. A business minor is also received upon completion of the program. The administration and faculty feel that the minor in business helps promote the program and develop business skills in the students that wouldn’t be reached without the minor. All agreed that the minor should stay in place and that a zero credit internship is the solution. However, without a cost involved and funds received by the university, this would be a hard sell. This was addressed in the proposal for the zero credit internship program. Marketability of the program and students was the main selling issue that was addressed in the presentation. Construction students would receive experiential learning skills and knowledge and the university can promote this as a selling point to prospective students. It should be noted that the internship would appear on the student’s transcript along with the name of the industry sponsor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the marketability of construction programs and its graduates is the underlying issue for faculty, administrators, and the university. We have to promote are programs and ourselves to the best of our abilities and the development of a zero credit hour internship program is a solution.
Learning contracts establish an ownership in the program. Industry sponsors treat the contracts as they would any other legal document that they encounter. Although this is not equivalent to the burden that goes with construction contracts, industry sponsors take this very seriously. These are future employees that will be brought into industry. They are responsible for a portion of their education and with this go ownership of that portion of education.
Students also obtain ownership because they are entering into a contract that will delineate their duties and responsibilities while under the direction of the industry sponsor.
Internship practicum activities are based on three levels of application under this program. They align horizontally to the courses that are taken at Roger Williams University. The students are required to perform activities that are directly related to the coursework and will give an outcome assessment of the actual courses. This is an area for further study as the internship program grows. Three years passed since the development of the internship program and only three construction students registered.
In May 2005, at the end of the semester the zero credit internship was passed and six students registered for the summer session. Further study is needed to assess the progress of the zero credit internship program.
With all the elements that are supplied in the internship program, it is feasible that this endeavor will grow rapidly in future years. Students will be able to register for the program and have an internship appear on their transcripts with the industry sponsors name included in the line item. Recognition of the student for their efforts is produced and documented along with the efforts of the actual industry sponsor. This program has developed contacts for the university as well as the construction faculty. Growing numbers of industry personnel are inquiring about Roger Williams University’s construction program and are seeking not only students for internships, but positions on the industry advisory board.
Appendices
SECCM Internship
Learning Contract
For
Construction Management
Student Information
Student Name: ___________________________________
Most Checked E-mail: ___________________________________
Graduation Year: __________ Major: Construction Management
Student ID # or Social Security#: ______________________________
Local Phone #: _______________ Semester & Year of Internship: ________________
Student Home Phone #: ____________________
Industry Sponsor Information
Industry Sponsor Name: ____________________________________
Human Resources Phone # if Applicable: _______________________________
Student Job Title if Applicable: _________________________
Student Internship Practicum Activities Code: ____________________
Supervisor’s Name & Title: ________________________________________________
Supervisor’s Phone #: ____________________ Fax #: _____________________
Industry Sponsor Mailing Address w/ Zip Code:
SECCM Internship
Practicum Activities w/ Codes
For
Construction Management
Specify Internship Title & activities to be performed (check all applicable boxes) |
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CNST-IPA-1
Superintendent’s Assistant (100% site) * Entry sophomore level w/ construction curriculum coursework
Prepare Daily Logs
Perform surveying activities and site layout
Perform fact-finding for superintendent & problem solving input
Assist in writing RFI’s
Assist in walk-thru for safety and document
Perform punch list preparations and distribution
Assist in cost coding time cards
Assist in inspector walk-thru
Assist in development and presentation of toolbox talks
Assist in project photo documentation
Other activities:
CNST-IPA-2
Site Intern (75% field – 25% Office Trailer) * Entry level junior status w/construction curriculum coursework
Perform Quality Control Functions – verify compliance to specifications
Review work in place and verify to production estimates
Support schedules and sequence field activities
Document site meetings
Maintain field submittal logs
Post as-builds to record drawings
Perform inventory of office supplies and order
Perform equipment inspections
Maintain material and equipment arrival logs and verify to schedule
Other activities:
CNST-IPA-3
Office Intern (100% Home Office or Field Office) Entry senior level status w/construction curriculum coursework
Prepare Quantity Takeoffs
Apply pricing to Quantity Takeoffs
Analyze scope of work for subcontractors
Prepare bid documents
Obtain permits
Perform minor estimating duties
Perform minor scheduling duties
Perform assignment of project manager (field applications)
Procure submittal approval from A/E and maintain log
Distribute and update revisions, change orders, and procure subcontractor pricing
Shadow management during the conceptual stage of construction
Shadow management during construction phases
Assist in mobilization and demobilization procedures
Other:
A rotation between field and office has been scheduled and presented in learning contract
Means of Accomplishment and Work Schedule: negotiated by student and industry sponsor
A total of 135 hours is in accordance with Career Services and the Academic Development Offices and is carried through to the SECCM Internship Program. This can be achieved by continuous employment during summer break or by working during the fall and spring semesters (usually at 15 hours per week). Students participating during the summer intersession are generally hired for the full summer recess.
Means of Measurement:
A Mid-term and Final Industry Sponsor Evaluation along with a completed student portfolio w/term paper is presented at the end of the Internship Program period. A pass/fail or letter grade will be given for the Internship Program and will be agreed upon before the student starts the program. This is in accordance with the Career Services and Academic Development Offices.
Type of grading agreed upon with The Career Center – by Internship Coordinator
Pass/Fail __________ Letter Grade __________
I understand and agree with the terms of this Learning Contract and will perform the duties of the Learning Contract in accordance with the guidelines, missions, goals, and objectives stated.
Student signature: ______________________________ Date: __________
Industry Sponsor signature: _______________________________ Date: ________
Ahlborg Internship Coordinator signature: _______________________________
Date: __________
SECCM Internship
Learning Contract
For
Engineering Disciplines
Student Information
Student Name: ___________________________________
Most Checked E-mail: ___________________________________
Graduation Year: __________ Major: General Engineering
Student ID # or Social Security#: ______________________________
Local Phone #: _______________ Semester & Year of Internship: ________________
Student Home Phone #: ____________________
Industry Sponsor Information
Industry Sponsor Name: ____________________________________
Human Resources Phone # if Applicable: _______________________________
Student Job Title if Applicable: _________________________
Student Internship Practicum Activities Code: ____________________
Supervisor’s Name & Title: ________________________________________________
Supervisor’s Phone #: ____________________ Fax #: _____________________
Industry Sponsor Mailing Address w/ Zip Code:
Internship activities for engineering students will be tailored to the Industry Sponsor and Student needs. These activities will be entered at the negotiating period of the Learning Contract.
Means of Accomplishment and Work Schedule: negotiated by student and industry sponsor
A total of 135 hours is in accordance with Career Services and the Academic Development Offices and is carried through to the SECCM Internship Program. This can be achieved by continuous employment during summer break or by working during the fall and spring semesters (usually at 15 hours per week). Students participating in the summer intersession are generally hired for the full recess.
Means of Measurement:
A Mid-term and Final Industry Sponsor Evaluation along with a completed student portfolio w/term paper is presented at the end of the Internship Program period. A pass/fail or letter grade will be given for the Internship Program and will be agreed upon before the student starts the program. This is in accordance with the Career Services and Academic Development Offices.
Type of grading agreed upon with The Career Center – by Internship Coordinator
Pass/Fail __________ Letter Grade __________
I understand and agree with the terms of this Learning Contract and will perform the duties of the Learning Contract in accordance with the guidelines, missions, goals, and objectives stated.
Student signature: ______________________________ Date: __________
Industry Sponsor signature: _______________________________ Date: ________
Ahlborg Internship Coordinator signature: _______________________________
Date: __________
SECCM Internship Program Industry Sponsor Profile
Company Contact Information:
Company Name
Mechanical
Electrical
Heavy Industrial
Institutional
Residential Contractor
Vendor/Supplier
Subcontractor
Developer
Other
Headquarter Location Local Office Location
State locations for local offices (NE States)
Additional Comments & Requirements