The Center for Research on College-Workforce 
The aim of this cohort is to provide tools and resources to interns and supervisors, which include:
- Competency assessments,
- Professional development facilitation manuals & materials,
- Onboarding & orientation resources, and
- Supervision tools
CCWT designed these evidence-informed tools and frameworks in collaboration with undergraduate student interns and graduate project assistants.
Below you will find descriptions of the professional development workshops. The sessions will be scheduled based on intern availability after the registration window has closed.
Sign up at: bit.ly/Int25Coh
What’s in it for you & your interns?
- FREE supervision resources
- FREE intern professional development
- FREE access to expert support
What are the expectations for interns?
- Attendance at each workshop
- Active participation in internship/work-integrated learning
- Completion of workshop activities
What are the expectations for employers/supervisors?
- Accountability for intern participation
- Career Readiness Competency Assessment at 3 time points (instructions provided)
Intern Development Series
Session 1
Goals & Intentions: Setting Yourself Up for Success
What’s the biggest difference between the classroom and the workplace? Whether this is your first internship or you’ve worked before, this session will help you get ready for a professional setting. Through quiet reflection and interactive activities, you’ll explore how to set meaningful goals, understand what’s expected of you, and communicate effectively with your supervisor—so you can make the most of your internship experience.
Session 3
Introduction to Career Exploration
What really matters most when choosing a career? Career development isn’t just about picking a job—it’s a lifelong journey. In this session, you’ll challenge outdated ideas and take part in activities that build your self-determination skills. You’ll explore your interests and values, and learn how aligning them with your career path can boost both your success and personal well-being.
Session 5
Meeting Needs & Resolving Conflict: Basic Communication Skills
Think you’re a good communicator? What about when things get tough? Communication is one of the top skills employers look for—but many new grads feel unprepared for real-world challenges. This workshop builds on what you’re learning in your internship by focusing on conflict resolution and self-advocacy. Through reflection, case scenarios, and role plays, you’ll strengthen your ability to speak up, handle tough conversations, and connect better with coworkers and supervisors.
Session 7
Career Networking – Addressing 5 Common Concerns
Who’s in your career corner—and how do you grow your network? No matter your field, having a strong career network is key. In this session, you’ll work through a hands-on workbook that tackles five common networking challenges. You’ll leave with a clearer picture of your current contacts and practical strategies to expand your network with confidence.
Session 9
Communicating with Employers – Part 2: Standing Out in the Recruitment Process
Ready to turn your skills into a standout application? You’ve identified what you bring to the table—now it’s time to land that interview. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll polish your resume, practice your personal pitch, and learn how to use the STAR technique to confidently answer interview questions. Walk away with tools to help you shine in any professional setting.
Session 2
Approaching Your Internship with a Growth Mindset
Ever felt nervous starting something new? You’re not alone. New environments—like internships—can feel intimidating. In this session, you’ll learn how to tackle challenges with a growth mindset. Through guided reflection and three thought-provoking prompts, you’ll build confidence, develop key skills, and learn how to push back against imposter syndrome.
Session 4
Know Your Worth: Identifying & Quantifying Community Cultural Wealth
Where do you really learn the most—school, family, or your community? Learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. The experiences you’ve had with family, friends, and your community have shaped valuable skills and knowledge. In this workshop, you’ll explore your social networks and discover the unique strengths they’ve helped you build—strengths that can support your academic success and career growth.
Session 6
Mid-point Assessment & Goal Refinement
How far have you come since your first day? In this session, you’ll use your Career Readiness Competency Assessment to look back at the goals you set at the start of your internship. Through journaling and small group discussions, you’ll reflect on your progress, celebrate wins, and identify areas for continued growth. Then, you’ll update your goals—or set new ones—and create a plan to share with your supervisor.
Session 8
Communicating with Employers – Part 1: Identifying Your Unique Skills
What makes you stand out to future employers? In previous sessions, you had opportunities for skill-building and reflecting on your Community Cultural Wealth. In this session, you’ll look into your future for inspiration as you identify the meaningful experiences that have given you the unique skills that set you apart from other applicants.
Session 10
What’s Next After Your Internship?
What’s next after your internship? In this final session, you’ll take stock of the skills you’ve built and make a plan for what comes next. Whether you’re assessing your growth or setting new goals, you’ll explore strategies to keep developing the knowledge and skills that matter most for your future career.

