Summer Scholars Internship Program Professionalism

Expectations

• Make the most of your summer experience
• Ensure you inform Sherrie Green of any conflicts or prior commitments before intern activities
• Remeber your behavior during the summer at work, home or while traveling reflects on NSF

As an intern, you are a representative of your school, the sponsoring program, and NSF. As such, you are governed by these organizations professional practices.  A breach of conduct may have consequences detrimental to all parties involved. It is expected that you will respect and acknowledge cultural and religious differences. Any variance from this position is cause for immediate concern, and could ultimately result in termination of the internship experience.

You are also obligated to comply with confidentiality and professional policies established by NSF. In all instances, you should conduct yourself as a professional. That conduct should extend to writing reports, exchanging information, and interacting with staff and the outside science and engineering community, and should guide you in respecting the people with whom you come into contact. If you have any questions about conflicts of interest, confidentiality, work place harassment, or any other issues, please contact Sherrie B. Green, Internship Coordinator or; Robin C. Fritsch, Deputy Ethics Official at the Office of the General Counsel.

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTERNSHIP

• Contact your mentor prior to your arrival and define the scope of the experience at the onset. Try to get a broad general perspective but also have some clearly defined projects for completion.
• Plan and set regular meetings with your mentor to communicate your progress and where you need support.
• Report concerns or problems immediately
• Be punctual.
• Dress professionally.
• Avoid office politics, gossip and romantic relationships.
• Learn about the organizational culture, norms and expectations.
• Seek out other mentors and support people in the organization
• Treat everyone with respect and kindness
• Be polite and assertive. Have a positive attitude even if some of the tasks are not what you hope to do in the future.  Be willing to go the extra mile.
• Show your enthusiasm, professionalism and ability to work well with others.
• Establish good working relationships with site and faculty supervisors so you can leave with contacts within the field and a strong letter(s) of reference.
• Ask for support in your job search or graduate school efforts or indicate an interest in the organization if it appears to be a place you would consider for employment in the future

(Used with permission from http://www.bridgew.edu/DEPTS/CARPLAN/Internsh.htm)

YOUR ROLE AS AN INTERN

As an intern at the NSF, you role is to be professional, responsible and efficient in all of your work.  The success of your internship experience is directly correlated with the extent to which you assume responsibility.  Mentors providing internship opportunities understand the value of such experiences to interns as well as to their own operation. Mentors expect students to learn from the experience as well as contribute to the organizations goals. Benefits to being an NSF intern include

• realistically testing your career objectives.
• exposure to career opportunities in STEM.
• developing valuable work experience and skills which enrich your education and make you more marketable upon graduation.
• building a work history for your résumé.
• making a smoother transition into full-time employment upon graduation.