Bridging School with the Workplace!

In the Fall of 2003, the Faculty of Science introduced a new course for students participating in the Science Internship Program, Science 390y Internship: Planning, Practicum & Prospects. This course aims to prepare all potential Science Internship students for the recruitment process in various employment settings [industry, business, research, private, public sector, etc.], and ensure that in a highly competitive recruitment market, Western’s Science students will not only able to demonstrate proficiency in technical/research areas, but that they will also possess strong interpersonal skills and a basic understanding of business practices.

Participating students will address topics ranging from making effective presentations, technical writing, business etiquette, to proprietary rights and intellectual property. We are very excited to receive assistance with this venture from the Office of Industry Liaison (OIL) as well as the Student Development Centre’s Career Services and Effective Writing Program.

As part of the course, once a student secures an internship placement, we will continue to have regular follow-up with both the student and employer via performance evaluations and site visits. Following an internship placement, students will continue to submit a written report focussing on the technical aspect of the placement and will prepare an oral presentation. In addition, all interns will participate in general discussions of what they have learned during their Internship placement, and how these areas differ from one business setting to another.

The strict eligibility requirements for this program, and consequently the new course, ensure that all potential interns are academically well qualified and that they will perform well in an employment setting. Potential interns have already begun attending preparation workshops, which focus on the recruitment process [resumes/interviews], as well as technical writing, use of effective presentations/memos/letters, legalities of proprietary rights and intellectual property, business etiquette, etc.

If you would like to find out about the possibility of having a Science Intern join your team, please visit www.uwo.ca/sci/iip or contact Iwona Ciesielka, Manager, Science Internship & Career Services, at 519-661-2111 X85009 or via email iwona@uwo.ca.

Also visit: Campaign Western - Foundation Western

Please send your questions or comments on "Science Flashpoint" to: iwona@uwo.ca

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