Not only did Denise Bang’s undergraduate internship opportunity in human resources lead to her first professional career position; it regularly brings her back to York University to recruit other interns and potential future employees.

“It was a great learning experience,” said Bang, now a campus ambassador for CGI, the information technology consulting firm where she undertook a human resources internship. “I found out what it was like on the other side.”

As a student in the Human Resources Management Honours program, Bang pursued her internship through the YU Experience Hub. The hub is home to the Internship and Co-op programs for students from the Faculties of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies and Science. Students in these specific undergraduate fields may secure valuable positions that offer valuable experiential education.

Staff at the YU Experience Hub perform outreach to corporations, encouraging them to recruit students from the programs for paid full-time internships. Once students apply and enter the program, staff assist with their job search, resume critiques and interview skills. After students secure a work term, an on-the-job success workshop is provided.  Approximately 200 students are monitored annually while on the job and support is provided as they achieve their specific learning objectives.

“We don’t place students,” Kristen Papadakos, internship coordinator in the YU Experience Hub said. “The internship program mimics real life recruitment practices. The employer decides who to hire after students submit resumes and are interviewed. They have to be polished professionals to best display their skills.

“Internships are an excellent opportunity for students to test drive their careers and determine if their majors are realistic in the current job landscape,” said Papadakos. “The experience that students gain while on internships also helps students beef up their resumes so they have concrete experience when they graduate.” [read more...]