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Internships

The OTM program expects students to seek internships between their first and second year of study. Students may also serve as an intern the summer before entering the OTM program. Internships typically lasts from the last week of May through the last week of August (i.e., about 3 months).

What is a summer internship?

A summer internship is limited term employment extended by a firm to a student. During the internship period, the student engages in one or more projects defined by the firm. These can be one-time projects with well-defined boundaries and time-lines, or on-going projects in the firm. Summer interns often prove instrumental in the accomplishment of various high priority projects that generally would not be completed due to resource limitations.

Examples of internship projects include:

  • market analyses

  • product/process design and continuous improvement programs

  • capacity planning and analysis

  • product or project scheduling

  • information systems analysis, selection, and implementation

  • technology assessment

  • ISO/QS registration efforts

  • supplier relation improvement programs

  • performance assessment systems

  • project management

  • process reengineering

  • inventory management

  • workplace organization

Internships are beneficial to both the firm and the student:

  • The firm has access to a highly qualified and motivated individual to work on projects of importance (i.e., this is not a one-sided educational experience; students bring real value to the firm as well). Internships are also a way for the firm to assess the skills and character of a potential future hire - in fact, some firms view internships as "extended interviews" which incorporate real performance analysis. It is not uncommon that internships lead to offers of permanent employment.
  • The OTM student gets involved with challenging projects, draws on previous experience and academic knowledge, and gets valuable exposure to problem-solving in an organizational context to bring back to campus. The internship also gives the student an opportunity to evaluate the firm as a potential employer. Additionally, the extended practical experience will improve his/her prospects during subsequent job searches.