Idaho Unemployment Office

Need experience? Internships may help you get your foot in the door

Tips for interns

• Find opportunities – Search for internship openings with your academic adviser, your university’s/alma mater’s career center, online job listing firms (just be sure the sites are credible), and Idaho Department of Labor at labor.idaho.gov

• Ask questions – “Interns might take whatever is offered to them, when really they should ask more questions,” Bibiana Nertney with the Idaho Department of Commerce said. “Make sure you’re finding the right fit.”

• Apply like it’s a job – That means dress professionally, have your resume, talk about your accomplishments in your field and arrive on time.

• Go without pay – You’ll be working for free for a while, but the opportunities it could open up for you might be worth it.

• Get creative when searching for an internship. There are fun and unique internships out there. Interns in the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal program get to help train dolphins and sea lions to find sea mines.

Tips for employers

• Know the rules – Check with the Department of Labor for proper internship practices and guidelines.

• Set expectations – Prepare interns for tasks and understand they are there to learn. Remember interns are a work in progress, Dora Gallegos, director of the College of Idaho Center for Experiential Learning said.

• Be flexible – If your interns aren’t paid, they probably have to find a part-time job. Try to be flexible with scheduling.

© 2011 Idaho Press-Tribune

TREASURE VALLEY — College students and recent grads run into a common phrase when applying for jobs: “Must have experience.” The problem is, how can you gain experience if no one will hire you?

One option is to become an intern.

Not only will an internship increase your chances of finding a job, but it gives employers a chance to know you before hiring you, Dora Gallegos, director of the College of Idaho Center for Experiential Learning said. “In today’s market, networking is key.”

Employers are using internships more often than they did four years ago, said Regional Labor Economist John Van Dyke with the Idaho Department of Labor.

“Every employer says internship experience is invaluable,” Boise State University Career Center Director Debbie Kaler said.

Unpaid internships are increasing due to the economy, she said, but even these can offer school credit, experience and potential for a paying job. “Doing volunteer work allows you to build your network and meet people that might be able to connect you with future job opportunities.

Labor Department encourages hiring of vets | Blackfoot Journal

“One of their biggest challenges will be finding employment equal to their skill level,” said Randy Halford, Idaho Department of Labor National Guard consultant in the Pocatello office. “They know our American economy has been struggling, and they are concerned about finding employment that will provide for their family’s financial, medical and other needs.” “Employers can qualify for the credit when they hire new employees who fill newly created positions,” Kandi Rudd, manager of the department’s Pocatello office, said. The jobs have to pay at least $12 an hour plus benefits in counties with unemployment rates of 10 percent or higher and $15 an hour plus benefits in counties with unemployment rates under 10 percent.

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