Get the most out of your practicum or internship experience
For many university students, an internship, or student practicum, is an opportunity to explore where your qualification can take you in the workforce. Such opportunities often occur towards the end of your degree. Successful participation in such programs can enhance your employability and help you decide your career options after graduation.
Here are some tips to help get the most out of your practicum/internship.
GET REAL
Ensure your expectations are realistic and be open to alternatives. For example, many students aspire to work exclusively with elite athletes, however the reality is that positions in this area are few and far between.
Therefore, it may be worthwhile adjusting your perspective. For example, many graduates who have aspired to work with elite athletes have also have achieved great career satisfaction from working with everyday people who are doing extraordinary things, whether it’s recovering from injury or participating in masters sport.
GET SMART
Ensure your presentation is immaculate – it is the “small things” that make a big difference and leave a good lasting impression. Be on time, be well presented (clothing clean and ironed, if applicable) and make sure your hair is neat and tidy.
GET YOUR COMMS GAME ON
It’s understandable to feel nervous when you start your practicum experience. However, the profession of exercise science, like medicine, is conducted face-to-face. It takes time and practice to develop exemplary communication and coaching skills. A few great tips include:
» Focus on asking the clients about themselves, their goals and aspirations. Speak sincerely and make eye contact. A simple opener could be, “what brought you to the clinic?”
» Seek to understand a client’s motivation. One technique is ‘mirroring’ – that is repeating the client’s goal back to them. For example, a client complains about their knee pain. You might say, “so, you’re suffering from knee pain HERE (point to area) and HERE and wish to get back into regular jogging?”
» Use the CRC method of coaching when refining a client’s technique: Correct (describe what the client is doing), Recommend (describe/ show the client what to do), Commend (give positive feedback to the client as they make changes). For example:
- Commend – “John, make sure your left knee isn’t rolling inwards when you squat.”
- Recommend – “Here, have a look in the mirror and watch your left knee as you move.”
- Commend – “Now, that squat is looking great, John”
» Remember that clients want to feel valued and welcomed and may feel nervous about exercising with a professional. A friendly smile and showing genuine interest can open the doorway to a productive working relationship.
GET TO KNOW THE BUSINESS BEFORE YOU START
It’s a great idea to gain some knowledge and understanding of the business you are working for. By discovering who works there, the clients serviced and their special interests, this can help inform you about what to expect. Plus, it can lead to opportunities to question the staff about their roles.
GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY
Even though placements are typically unpaid, treat your internship/practicum experience as if it’s paid work. Get your hands dirty and volunteer your help at any opportunity, even if it’s a mundane task such as tidying the gym or washing up the staff dishes. It improves your employability and perhaps your chances of landing a paid job with the facility. This is an opportunity to show your potential new employer that you’re not only enthusiastic but would be an excellent paid employee if given the opportunity.
GET QUESTIONING AND LEARNING
Although it’s tempting to want to view a practicum or internship as a “number of hours” completed, consider a successful practicum as a “number of experiences” gained. For example, how is the theory you learned at university applied in the real world?
As a practicum student or intern, you are not expected to know everything, however your practicum is an excellent opportunity to learn more and shows the employer that you’re interested and engaged with their offering. Furthermore, asking plenty of questions takes initiative, which is essential if you’re going to succeed in the employment market.
GET RID OF YOUR PHONE
When you’re at your internship or practicum, ensure that you put your phone away – your clients and perhaps potential new employer require your maximum engagement. Using your phone to check personal emails and texts during working hours is poor etiquette.
GET CONNECTED (IN THE RIGHT WAY)
There are often periods of downtime in an exercise facility or clinic. Use this time to connect with the other staff; ask them questions about their roles and don’t forget to ask them for any relevant advice, tips or tricks where appropriate.
GET THANKFUL
Everybody, including your practicum supervisors, wants to feel valued and appreciated for the work they do. Leave a lasting positive impression by thanking them for their time and input during your practicum/ internship hours. Be specific about how they helped you. For example, “I really learned a lot about how to teach correct squatting technique” is far more memorable than just a generic, “thank you”.
Finally, take your internship/ practicum one day at a time. Enjoy the opportunity to not only learn practical skills that will improve your employability after you graduate, but to also learn about yourself and your future career.
Best of luck!
Written by Liz Nelson. Liz Nelson is an Exercise Scientist and freelance journalist with over 20 years’ experience in the field of exercise science, including managing practicum students. Liz provides allied health and medical businesses with quality content and copywriting through her business, Dauntless Media. When she’s not writing, she races road bikes with Brisbane-based team, Splatt Lawyers Racing.