Chatham Interns Impress Pittsburgh Employers
Data analysis and report by: Mercy Nyoni | Editor: Hannah Su Hepler, Associate Director for Career Development
Chatham University interns are impressing employers with their remarkable strengths and abilities. Mercy Nyoni, the Graduate Associate for the Internship Program, oversees the current 74 students completing an internship this spring semester. Mercy completed the Spring 2024 Mid-term Evaluation Report that highlights the outstanding performance of these students during their internships.
The bar graph below displays the results of 71 Site Supervisors responses to midterm evaluation. Site Supervisors reviewed Chatham interns' on different skills on a scale of 1-5. 1 being never demonstrates this ability and 5 being always demonstrates this ability. No intern received a 1 or 2 rating.
Students possess a range of strengths that contribute to their effective performance. They are strongly interested in their fields of study and enthusiastic about learning and growing within their courses, while some demonstrate self-motivation and take initiative to achieve their goals. There is a notable ability among them to adapt to different learning environments and changes within the institution, showing flexibility. Certain students possess specialized knowledge and expertise that contribute to their efficient academic performance. Effective communication, strong interpersonal skills, efficiency in completing assignments, and the ability to work well in a team setting are common strengths. Some students excel at problem-solving and finding innovative solutions to challenges they encounter, while others maintain appropriate boundaries and interactions in the academic setting, demonstrating professionalism. Creativity and the ability to engage with academic tasks and projects, as well as a willingness to learn and a growth mindset, are also noted as strengths.
Specific quotes from Site Supervisors
[Student] is enthusiastic about learning and shows desire to gain knowledge daily.
[Student] is very adaptable to many different roles and assignments. [Student] is quick to volunteer when we need help during peak times like dismissal or escorting and supervising children during classes, like Cooking or Museum. also works very well with a variety of age groups.
[Student] is patient, kind, and genuine in all interactions with our program participants. [Student] is a team player and is always willing to offer support to our team when on site. is extremely organized and has used these strengths to organize office files. has gotten to know our program participants, which is empowering for them and these relationships help them in reaching their goals.
Many students received commendations for their contributions, adaptability, and professional growth. Students were praised for their excellent contributions to their teams and for being great assets to their organizations while others were recognized for their eagerness to learn and adapt to new challenges. Additionally, Chatham students were commended for their professionalism, punctuality, and work ethic. Although some students were encouraged to show more initiative and engage more proactively in seeking new tasks, the overall feedback indicates an improvement in work and recognition of the student's capabilities to handle more responsibilities. The importance of effective communication has been highlighted, and some students need to improve in this area. However, many students have been praised for their communication skills and positive attitudes. The feedback reflects a strong belief in the student's potential for professional growth and future success in their respective fields, and supervisors have expressed their eagerness to see how the students will continue to develop their skills and contribute to their professions.
Specific quotes from site supervisors
[Student] has been balancing this internship along with being a student-athlete which has been amazing to see. With the season winding down, she can now shift her focus to the home stretch of the Penguins season and get as much hands-on experience that she'd like before her time with us ends.
The intern will accomplish any task with promptness and efficiency
[Student] is an amazing intern, who gives a hundred percent in the work they do in the admin department and the participation in the practicum series portion of our internship program.
[Student] dresses well and is presentable in front of clients. [Student] is not afraid to speak their opinion regarding any design choices...which for some, can be difficult to do at early stages of this career!