Rising GEL 2s seek and find their own summer internships (often with the help and consultation of the GEL staff, and also through interactions with the many practicing engineers who participate in the Engineering Leadership Labs). Then, students plan how they’ll use the summer experience as an opportunity to practice some of the Capabilities of Effective Engineering Leaders [Links to 1.4 Capabilities] that GEL is founded upon.
In InternshipPlus, GEL challenges you to take ownership over transforming what could be “just a summer job” into a personal development experience. Once at your internship, you will see other interns around you punching in and out each day, simply doing the tasks assigned to them—InternshipPlus empowers you to do much more.
This may mean stepping up to take on more responsibility; gaining attendance to key strategic meetings that interns may not normally attend; leading a small team on a project; seeking out relationships with key leaders within the company; building a network for your professional future—in essence, you should constantly reflect on the Capabilities and actively explore ways to practice them.
As part of InternshipPlus, you’ll submit an “Initial Report” and “Final Report.” These straightforward reports are designed to guide you through the process of expanding the leadership practice opportunities at your internship. The initial report will be due after you’ve been at the internship for a few weeks. Both reports are submitted via online forms to the 6.913l (ELL) Course Canvas Site.
You’re strongly encouraged to engage with your supervisor about InternshipPlus. Supervisors can help provide you with leadership opportunities, as well as provide feedback about your leadership development. You’ll be asked about supervisor engagement in a survey about InternshipPlus.
Community is a big part of InternshipPlus. Though you’ll be geographically separated, you and your GEL 2 peers will discuss your experiences over the course of the summer, taking opportunities to share lessons learned, tips, and suggestions.
You’ll participate in an online forum where you can share stories, pictures, observations, and progress, and where you can ask fellow GEL 2s for advice and support. You’ll also have video calls (typically via Zoom) that will allow your regional team to meet to discuss major themes.