at Otago - School of Business, University of Otago, New Zealand ...

Undergraduate
Internship Programme
The global employment market
is becoming increasingly
competitive. Otago’s Business
School recognises this fact and
offers business students who
have completed their 200-level
BCom requirements (second
year papers) the opportunity to
participate on the Undergraduate
Internship Programme.
What is an internship?
Internships offer you a period of practical
experience in an industry related to your field
of study. This experience is valuable as a means
of allowing you to experience how your studies
are applied in the “real world”, and as work
experience that can be highly attractive to
potential employers.
Internships give you the ability to test
yourself in the workforce, integrate theory
and practice, make a more informed career
choice, tailor your BCom specifically to your
future goals, create a network of contacts, and
stand out from the crowd in the international
marketplace for the very best jobs.
Why do an internship?
Participation on the internship programme
will ultimately better prepare you to enter the
workforce after you graduate. You’ll improve
your interview and application skills, identify
your strengths and weaknesses, refine your
interest in your study area, and make industry
contacts.
Employers look for graduates who not only
achieve well academically and have good
social skills, but those with meaningful work
experience. Having a part-time job during
high school or while at University is a good
start, but getting work experience relevant
to your chosen career is more difficult. The
Business School can provide you with both an
internationally recognised business degree and
meaningful paid work experience through the
Internship Programme.
So often we hear it’s ‘who you know’ – an
internship is your opportunity to meet
successful industry professionals, learn from
them, network, and keep in touch with them
long after your internship ends.
Duration of internship
Internships run through the Business School
usually last between six – 15 months. A
standard BCom usually takes three years to
complete. If you choose to complete a 12
month internship your BCom will therefore
take four years to complete. Students complete
a pre-placement training programme.
As part of this pre-placement programme
you’ll enhance your CV and cover letter writing
skills, practice interview techniques, as well as
gain valuable insight into professional skills
and attitudes.
Gain credit towards
your BCom
During your internship you will complete
one 18-point 300-level distance learning
paper related to your internship experience.
This helps reinforce your learning and also
potentially lightens your workload when you
return to campus to complete your BCom.
You’ll have access to a mentor at your place of
employment as well as an Academic Mentor
and the Internship Coordinator back oncampus.
There’s always someone to answer
your questions or seek advice from.