A respectable grade point average is key to staying in college, but as the reality of graduating looms over students, pursuing and acquiring work experience can be a deal breaker for prospective employers.

Matt Ishler, assistant director for employer relations and on-campus recruiting, said employers look at internship histories to gauge whether a candidate can apply their classroom knowledge where it matters.

"Employers view internships as a way to see a work sample for a future candidate," Ishler said. "They want to see people apply their problem-solving skills in real-world settings."

Several departments, such as information sciences and technologies and business, use compulsory internships as a graduation requirement.

Max Lamas (junior-turfgrass science) was obliged to find an internship because it is a requirement for graduation in his major, and he's not alone.

"Out in the field there are some really smart superintendents who can teach you more than just what's in the classroom," Lamas said.

Mike Koritko (junior-information sciences and technology) agreed and said he doesn't look forward to the process, but it's a good idea.

"It's annoying, but a good experience," he said.

Koritko said he understands why the information sciences and technology field in particular demands the rigors of interning.

"A lot of the things you have to do are technically oriented, and you can't really learn them in the classroom," he said.

Penn State offers a wide array of services for students of all majors who are ready to make the commitment. Located on Bigler Road, between Curtin and Pollock roads, the Bank of America Career Services Center houses a wealth of resources. Its Career Library contains everything from manuals on resumé writing to a collection of records on internships students have held since 2001.

Students can drop in to initiate the job search by discussing their goals with an adviser, and they should begin right away.

"It's never too early to reach out to employers and talk about internships," Ishler said.
Later on, an adviser can follow up with a one-hour career counseling appointment.

Career fairs are another great starting point. The Student Affairs Web site lists an array of relevant fall events. These will run Sept. 17 to 21 at the Bryce Jordan Center. Information on Fall Career Days 2007 can be found at www.fairs.sa. psu.edu/fall.

Students are advised by the Career Center that when they attend Fall Career Days, they will want to come as prepared as possible. They are also made aware that companies like to conduct interviews early on and may set aside time at the fair to talk to students one-on-one, according to the Fall Career Days 2006 booklet.

"Sometimes a student must take initiative and ask if they could earn [college] credit for their internship," Ishler said. "The internship is not only the student's investment, but the employer's investment."