The Internship Handbook

The Internship Handbook is designed to prepare students and then guide them through the internship experience. It combines theoretical knowledge to help readers better understand their personalities, traits, values, and strengths with practical activities such as discussion questions and activities to streamline the internship process.

The handbook begins with self-assessment, encouraging readers to engage in self-awareness and exploration to identify their personal strengths and professional values. Succeeding chapters detail how to navigate the job market, emphasizing the importance of networking, and presenting strategies for the application process. The book offers insight into the dynamics of securing an internship, thriving within one, and transitioning smoothly at its conclusion. It places a strong emphasis on the development of soft skills alongside the acquisition of professional competencies, describing internships as pivotal to gaining practical experience while facilitating reflection on personal growth and career paths.

The Internship Handbook is an excellent resource for students embarking upon the internship experience. It could also be used in courses or programs focused on career development and professional readiness.

Michael G. Strawser (Ph.D., University of Kentucky) is an associate professor of communication in the Nicholson School of Communication and Media at the University of Central Florida, where he also serves as the Director of Community Engaged Scholarship for UCF Downtown.

Stephanie A. Smith (Ph.D., The University of Arizona) is an associate professor in the School of Communication at Virginia Tech. Her professional research focuses on public relations, organizational communication, job searching, and workplace technology.

Lauren Pieper Coffey (M.A., Bellarmine University) is the program manager at the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute. She develops experiential education initiatives, including internship, domestic and global experiences, and leadership development programming for students.