Expanding Internship: A New Take on University Approaches

Authors

  • Elizabeth A. Wells Mount Allison University
  • Sarah F. Klapman Mount Allison University
  • Branden W. Olsen Memorial University

Keywords:

Internship, Experiential, Administration

Abstract

In a world in which experiential learning is becoming increasingly vital, it is important for educators and students to explore the many possible avenues that this kind of learning can take. Although traditionally this kind of learning has found its most obvious outlets in co-op placements and business-sector internships, there is much that we can do in our own institutions to foster rich experiences that expand students‘ abilities to gain important skills. This study encourages those in administrative and teaching positions in universities to think more broadly of the benefits of certain kinds of internship placements, not just for the students involved, but also the supervisors. As a case study, we present not only the backdrop to a unique internship but the tangible benefits that accrued from the relationships forged within it.

Author Biographies

Elizabeth A. Wells, Mount Allison University

Dr. Elizabeth Wells. Dr. Wells is a 3M Teaching Fellow, Full Professor and the former Dean of Arts and Head of the Music Department at Mount Allison University. Together with Branden Olsen, she is the co-creator of the Dean of Arts Internship.

Sarah F. Klapman, Mount Allison University

Sarah (Kaye) Klapman. Kaye finished her Psychology courses in December and graduated in May with a Bachelor of Music degree in voice from Mount Allison University. She is the third student to hold the Intern position.

Branden W. Olsen, Memorial University

Branden Olsen. Branden is a singer, Master‘s student at Memorial University and a graduate of the Bachelor of Music program at Mount Allison University. He co-created the Internship with Dr. Wells and served as a mentor to the following two Interns.

References

Halifax Global Inc. (2015) Department of Labour and Advanced Education University System Visioning Consultations: Final Report. Halifax: Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education.

Government of New Brunswick. "Investment in Experiential Learning Opportunities for University Students." Press Release, June 14, 2018. Ministry of Post-Secondary Education, Training, and Labour. Accessed September 6, 2018. https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2018.06.0748.html.

Government of New Brunswick. (2016) The New Brunswick Economic Growth Plan: September 2016. Fredericton: New Brunswick.

Government of Prince Edward Island. (2010) Proceedings of the Minister‘s Summit on Learning. Ministry of Early Education and Childhood Development.

New Brunswick Task Force on Experiential Learning. (2016) Final Report of the Task Force on Experiential Learning. Government of New Brunswick.

University of New Brunswick. (2014) Experiential Education: New Opportunities for Transforming the Student Experience. Bi-Campus Steering Committee.

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Published

2020-10-07

Issue

Vol. 22 (2018)

Section

Articles

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