Field Experience
The iSchool's Field Experience Program provides students with the opportunity to complete weekly off-site internships. Through this program, students learn skills and gain experiences that will prepare them for the future, as well as motivate and show them connections between the real world and the school work they're doing now. The structure of the program, which begins placing students in the 9th grade is designed to serve three primary purposes: 1)Service - Build students' sense of citizenry and community by exposing them to the work of and need for community-based service organizations; 2)Exposure - Provide opportunities for students to experience the 21st century workplace and to learn about various career options and possibilities; and 3)Expertise - To give students opportunities to develop their passions and to become "experts" in a particular field, by exploring and working within it for an extended period.
In order to prepare students to be successful interns, they complete a seminar/orientation course, in which they develop resumes, practice interview skills, learn workplace etiquette, and strengthen their communication skills. Once students are placed in internships, they complete quarterly reflection statements and participate in check-in sessions with their advisors. Successful completion of the program each year requires a final reflection and site evaluation by the student, as well as a positive final evaluation for the student completed by the site supervisor.