Steven Zwisohn
Stuart A. Rothstein
Core Values
Reasons to Become a Community Sponsor
WISE offers the chance to be a positive role model for graduating seniors and to train future employees.
It creates rewarding partnerships and public relations with the community.
It provides a chance to excite and energize your business.
The Placement Process Once you decide that your organization can provide a field placement, the W.I.S.E. Task Force Resource Sub-Committee will make this opportunity known to a student with an interest in your field of work. You will be contacted by that student to set up a meeting.
The purpose of this employer interview is to check that you are comfortable in accepting the assigned student and that the student is enthusiastic about the opportunity you are offering. This is also an opportunity to determine if time schedules will make this placement feasible. Students may bring resumes with them and be prepared with questions for this interview. We suggest that you may want to review and discuss the following information during this meeting with the student:
Your organization's purpose and activities
The goals of the internship
The typical tasks and responsibilities
Hours of work and duration of placement' typically 5-15 hours weekly
Any constraints or limitations of the work
Opportunities for increased responsibility during the placement
The name of the immediate supervisor (include him/her in the interview if possible)
The type of orientation that will be provided.
The Orientation
The sooner the student understands what the organization does and how it operates, the sooner he or she can assume assigned responsibilities and become productive. To help make this happen, all supervisors should prepare their colleagues for the arrival of the W.I.S.E. student and plan an orientation. This might include:
A tour of the facilities
An introduction to other workers
Reading materials about the organization such as newsletters, brochures, etc.
Moving into the work space (supplies, telephone and computer information, etc.)
Explanation of work standards and procedures
Location/policies regarding breaks
Supervising the Student
As a sponsor we hope you will use all the skills needed in any effective supervisory relationship, including motivating, communicating, delegating, training, and coaching. The students will look to you for assistance in their introduction to the world of work. We suggest that you meet at least weekly with your interns to provide feedback concerning their performance. During these meetings the students can:
A) Report on the status of their work,
B) Ask questions,
C) Learn how their work is contributing to the organization,
D) Consider why the work needs to be done, and who benefits from it
E) Participate in an evaluation of their strengths and areas needing growth and development and
F) Get a sense of work that lies ahead.
Evaluation/Exit Interview
Both parties' the student and the sponsor should evaluate the internship. This evaluation is a critical part of the learning experience. You will receive a written form to use (copy appears later in this booklet.) If possible, please meet with your student to review the performance evaluation. Students should be encouraged to provide feedback on the placement from their point of view as well. In addition to assessing the student's performance, we ask you to share with us any suggestions you have that would improve the W.I.S.E. program. A program evaluation form will also be sent for this purpose.
Letter of Reference
We ask sponsors of W.I.S.E. students to provide a letter of reference at the end of the placement. This will be very helpful when the student applies for a job in the future. Please give this letter to the student at the exit interview and forward a copy to the Midwood High School Guidance Office for inclusion in our records.
Final Presentation
Students are required to do a presentation based on their internship or project. This presentation is an opportunity for the student to discuss their learnings and to receive feedback from a panel of teachers, community members, and other students. You are invited to attend this presentation and to recognize the student's accomplishments in the program.