Practical Questions

There are many important questions to consider which can help you narrow your search of internships and volunteer experiences. 

• Type of Experience
  Do you want to......
  -work at a vacation location in the resort, national park, or cruise line industry?
  -help others in your experience and work to improve societal issues?
  -work in the outdoors or with high adventure activities, such as rock climbing?
  -gain experience/ skills in a particular business or politics?
  
• Living Arrangements
  Do you prefer....
  -to live in a community setting among other volunteers and have a support system as you face challenges?
  -to live alone and tackle any uncertainties independently?
  -no preference, living arrangements are not a contributing factor in my decision.

• Location
  Do you prefer...
  -an opportunity to experience another culture through an international experience?
  -stay domestic in your experience? (if yes):
          -the setting of a big city or a rural community?
          -no preference, location is not a factor in my decision.
  
• Length of Service
  Do you prefer...
  -a summer experience?
  -a short term experience, less than six months or one academic semester?
  -a longer term experience, at least a year?

• Benefits
  Do you hope to gain...
  -professional experience within a successful business or specific skills?
  -personal benefits through sharing my abilities in order to help others? (Social issues)
  -educational benefits, college credit?
  -an exposure to other cultures and traditions?
  -free or reduced rates to recreational activities,  such as skiing?
  
• Financial
  Does the experience offer benefits or insurance?
  Does the experience allow you to defer your current college loans?
  How much compensation do you expect?
      -none, I will volunteer.
      -minimum wage through room, board, and a small stipend.
      -more than minimum wage.
  Is there additional compensation upon completion of your experience?
  If relocating, is the cost of travel the responsibility of the organization or individual?
  

Examine your responses to the Practical Questions.
Identify the three aspects that you found to be most important to you (i.e. location, etc.).  Then list how you answered this question (i.e. prefer to live with other volunteers).

Aspects

Preferred Answer

1.)
2.)
3.)

Freely write on any conclusions you have drawn concerning the experiences you want.

 

 

 

 

Resources
Now that you have identified the type of experience you will seek, it is important to examine any possible resources or networking capabilities you may have in that area.  Think broadly.  Your network capabilities most likely expand beyond your initial perceptions.  For example, if you are interested in politics consider any one you know that has previously been involved with an election campaign.  Knowing a previous or current politician is not only unlikely for most, but unnecessary.  Simply knowing someone involved is probably adequate to "get your foot in the door" toward a political internship.  Since this is a very important aspect take some time to consider your resources.

Resources for gaining more information are also important.  Some possibilities include: the library, volunteer centers, your academic advisor, Career Services Office, and the International Programs office.