Internship Handbook & Resources

Exact internship positions vary each semester.  Positions generally fall into the following categories:

• Business Operations - business process improvement, project management, project coordination, event management, process documentation
• Data Services - data cleansing, data analysis, report writing, findings reports & presentations
• Digital Communications - digital newsletter creation, website content strategy, social media, visual communications creation such as posters and digital signage
• Emerging Technologies - creation of games, exploration of virtual reality tools, analysis with machine learning techniques, investigation of artificial intelligence services, creation of websites using machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques to solve problems
• Website Development - creation and maintenance of websites using content management systems such as WordPress and Drupal (HTML, javascript knowledge not required), training non-technical staff on site maintenance using content management systems

Before the Internship Begins

• Interview for and accept an ATLAS Internship Program offer.
• Read the handbook completely. Submit Handbook Confirmation in Canvas.
• Sign and submit your MOU in Canvas.
• If applicable, register for course credit.

Week One

• Goals and Objectives: Submit in Canvas
• Client Kick-Off Meeting: You will meet with your client, coordinator, and any team members for the first time. This meeting will introduce everyone and discuss the project overview and details. Bring something to take notes (preferably a laptop or tablet).
• Work Schedule: Set your weekly hours and submit to your internship coordinator. Plan on scheduling 10-15 hours a week to work.
• Status Reports: Canvas submission due every Monday by 9:00 am.

Week Two

• Work your regular shifts, and attend meetings as scheduled. Continue submitting status reports.
• Professional Development:  Attend workshops or online training sessions to grow your skills.

Mid-Semester

• Performance self-evaluation submitted in Canvas

End of the Semester

• Prepare a Showcase Presentation detailing your project and what you learned over the course of your internship.
  • You will present to a group of peers, clients, and ATLAS Staff.
• Notes to Future Intern: Write a one to two-page letter describing the status of your project and next steps. Submit in Canvas.
• Talk to your client to wrap up the project, set an end date. Make sure to turn in all of their expected deliverables.
• Complete all course requirements if earning credit.

ATLAS Interns are expected to spend 10–15 hours per week on their internship. Plans should be made for the majority of those hours to be during traditional business hours to allow collaboration with staff and clients. The exact hours are flexible and can be arranged with your assigned client.

Time spent creating both ATLAS and client-related materials counts towards your weekly 10–15 hours of work.

ATLAS Interns must submit the following to ATLAS:

• Weekly status report (expected time investment 10 minutes or less)
• Personalized goals and objectives (30–60 minutes)
• A midterm self-evaluation (30–60 minutes)
• A final Showcase Presentation
• 1–2 page paper with notes to future interns and suggested next steps

Interns may qualify to earn 0–3 hours of academic credit through a variety of courses. After receiving your internship offer, contact your academic advisor to discuss which course fits your schedule and academic plan. Many academic units have courses specific for their majors that are designed to pair with internships and other professional experiences.  The College of LAS also offers courses open to all majors, including BTW 199 and LAS 302.

Interns who complete the ATLAS Internship Program can receive a Certificate of Completion from the Internship Coordinators.

Participation Certificate

• Completed full length internship
• Client received deliverables

Meets Expectations Certificate

• ATLAS requirements:
  • Responded to feedback and made corrective actions
  • Less than 2 late or missing submissions
• Client expectations achieved with minimal corrective measures

Exceeds Expectations Certifcate

• All ATLAS submissions on time
  • Goals and Objectives
  • Weekly Progress Documentation
  • Kick Off Summary Report
  • Spotlight Questionnaire
  • Resume Building
  • Mid-Term Self Evaluation
  • Two Professional Development Submissions
  • Note to Future Intern
  • Showcase Presentation
• Client expectations achieved without corrective measures