Prerequisite:

Completion of a minimum of 15 credits in CIS or CAS with a grade of C or better in each course and consent of instructor, department coordinator, or chairperson

Course (Catalog) Description:

Course consists of direct work experience for a minimum of 10 (ten) hours per week in a computer-related environment, applying previously learned skills and knowledge to daily work activities. Close work with discipline-related instructor, and weekly classroom meeting to integrate work experience with classroom activities.

Learning Objectives:

1. Develop career goals and strategies
2. Develop appropriate work habits
3. Demonstrate technical skills
4. Develop skills in seeking employment in a computer-related field
5. Strengthen interpersonal communication skills
6. Develop problem solving skills
7. Develop career strategies for professional growth

Academic Integrity:

Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity and follow Oakton's Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:

·  cheating

·  plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation)

·  falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth)

·  helping others to cheat

·  unauthorized changes on official documents

·  pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you

·  making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats

·  any other behavior that violates academic integrity

There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton's policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.

Details of the Code of Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.

Outline of Topics:

1. Introduction to the Internship Experience
   1. Course objectives
   2. Requirements for successful completion
   3. Orientation to the work place
2. Individual Work Plan
   1. Educational objectives
   2. Assessment of skills
   3. Career goals
       a. Short term
       b. Long term
3. The Work Place Environment
   1. Organizational charts
   2. Supervisor
   3. Responsibilities and goals
   4. Evaluations
   5. Job descriptions
   6. Procedure manuals
   7. Office resources
4. Professional Organizations
   1. Affiliation
   2. Membership
5. Communication Skills
   1. Working with individuals below and above your level in the organization
   2. Developing team goals
   3. Conflict resolution
   4. Decision making
   5. Problem solving
   6. Interpersonal communication skills
       a. Formal and informal oral communication
       b. Written communication
       c. Listening skills
6. Occupational Skills
   1. Attitude and adjustments
   2. Developing good work habits
   3. Skills specific to your job
   4. Time management
   5. Stress management
   6. Management preparation
7. Work Place Issues
   1. Burnout
   2. Sexual harassment
   3. Professional growth training
   4. Promotions
   5. Ergonomic and safety issues
   6. Ethics
   7. Appropriate use of employers' resources
       a. Telephone
       b. Internet
       c. Copying software
       d. Copyrights
   8. American Disabilities Act
8. Job Search Process
   1. Identifying career objectives
   2. Preparing an effective resume and cover letter
   3. Sources of employment opportunities
   4. How to interview effectively
   5. Networking
   6. Negotiating a salary
   7. Employee benefits
9. Assessment of Work Experience
   1. Skill assessment
   2. Self evaluation
   3. New skills acquired

Methods of Instruction:

Students will meet once a week in an instructional setting to evaluate and develop the work experience and its relationship to the educational goals.

Course Practices Required:

1. Work a minimum of 10 hours per week in a computer-related environment
2. On-the-job and in-class performance strengthening reading, writing, listening, researching, and technical skills and participating in team building activities
3. Share job experiences in classroom setting

Instructional Materials:

TEXTBOOK: Information will be distributed by the Instructor

Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

Attend class weekly and participate in classroom activities.

Complete reading assignments and prepare for presentations.

Evaluations completed by employer, instructor, and student.

Other Course Information:

Students are expected to maintain their employment throughout the term.

Software Users!  Copying software is in violation of Federal Law and College policies.  Suspected violations will be vigorously investigated and if warranted, appropriate penalties applied.  Specifically, you do not have the right to make copies of software for yourself or others or receive and use unauthorized copies of software.

If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in Instructional Support Services. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.