SOME EXPERIENCE REQUIRED - Eight in 10 Executives Say Internships Important When Hiring Recent IT Grads

TORONTO, Aug. 9 /CNW/ - Technology students heading back to college this fall may want to add something to their busy class schedules: an internship. In a recent Robert Half Technology survey, 80 per cent of chief information officers (CIOs) said internships are an important consideration when hiring new graduates for information technology (IT) positions. Only 10 per cent viewed these programs as unimportant.

The Canadian survey was developed by Robert Half Technology, a leading provider of information technology professionals on a project and full-time basis, and conducted by an independent research firm. The survey is based on more than 270 telephone interviews with CIOs from a random sample of Canadian companies with 100 or more employees.

CIOs were asked, "When hiring recent college graduates for IT positions, how important is it that they have completed work-related internships while in school?" Their responses:

    <<
         Important.................................................    80%
         Unimportant..............................................     10%
         Doesn't apply/don't know.................................     10%
                                                                    ------
                                                                      100%
    >>

"An internship simply levels the playing field for graduates as they seek entry-level IT positions," said Lara Dodo, regional vice-president of Robert Half Technology in Canada. "There is currently high demand for skilled IT employees in areas such as networking and software development - however, employers are looking for professionals who can contribute to the company right away, and internships help college graduates hit the ground running."

Robert Half Technology offers these five tips on acing your internship:

    <<
    1. Act the part. Rather than thinking of yourself as "just an intern,"
       adopt the mind-set of a full-time employee. Get off to a strong start
       by clarifying core duties, priorities and goals with your supervisor
       early on.

    2. Be upbeat. Accept assignments with enthusiasm, even when you're asked
       to tackle less-than-glamorous tasks. Ask for feedback on your
       performance, and show that you can take direction, collaborate
       effectively with others and respond well to constructive criticism.

    3. Sweat the details. Small actions can have a big impact on the
       impression you make. For example, if you're tethered to your
       smartphone, you could be perceived as distracted and disengaged.
       Running habitually late, even by only a few minutes, could signal that
       you're not taking the internship seriously.

    4. Network. Use your time on-site to forge new business relationships.
       You want to impress your direct supervisor and colleagues so that you
       leave with strong references. Go to lunch with coworkers, attend
       company events and strike up conversations at the water cooler.

    5. Say thanks. Write thank-you notes to those who helped or mentored you
       during your internship and commit to staying in touch.
    >>

About Robert Half Technology

With more than 100 locations worldwide, Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of technology professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems to network security and technical support. Robert Half Technology offers online job search services at www.rht.com. Follow Robert Half Technology at twitter.com/RobertHalfTech.

SOURCE: Robert Half Technology

TO SPEAK WITH A LOCAL EXPERT, CONTACT: Robert Half Technology Contact: Nadia Santoli, [phone], [email protected]