WORKPLACE ETHICS/CODE OF CONDUCT FOR STUDENT INTERNS
HOW TO PREPARE/WHAT TO EXPECT
- Ask about the dress code for the workplace.
- Know when and where to report. Make sure you will arrive on time during rush hour traffic. Never be late. Never. Ever. Be. Late.
- Know what documents you need to bring. You may need your driver’s license and social security card. You may start your first day in Human Resources, completing paperwork for employment, taking a drug screen, or a competency exam.
- Depending on the organization, you may have a desk, phone, computer. Only use these for work.
- You will likely be given a tour and introduced around. Pay attention and ask questions.
- It’s ok to take notes. Not only is it OK, but it’s also the number one thing that students say at the end of their internship. They wish they had taken notes when people were talking to go back and refer to them and not make as many mistakes. You won’t remember everything. No one expects you to.
- Some of the first projects you are assigned may be simple projects. Companies like to see how you can perform to determine your ability for more complex tasks.
- Ask questions. Communicate to prevent problems from occurring. However, if you feel that you are taking a large amount of their time, accumulate questions to ask all at once instead of asking each time a problem arises.
- Keep track of projects and meetings. Do not show up late or be unprepared.
- If you have nothing to do, it is your responsibility to let your employer know.
WHAT EMPLOYERS EXPECT FROM YOU AS AN INTERN/EMPLOYEE
- Come to work every day, on time. Most employers will forgive a mistake, but not a lack of dependability.
- Follow directions and care about the quality of your work.
- Expect to work during scheduled school breaks.
- Recognize problems and find solutions. Finish the job.
- Dress properly and practice well.
- Do not text or play on the internet while at work.
- Knock on closed doors, do not enter offices uninvited, and do not lurk outside open doors. If someone you need to meet with is very busy, send an email or call and ask to set a time to meet regarding the question.
WHAT IF I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY INTERNSHIP?
Occasionally, students have problems, such as lack of work, assignments not matching their major field of study, conflicts with other employees, etc.
- Try to work the problem out on your own first. We will provide guidance and recommend several courses of action.
- The Black School of Business will not contact a company based on a conversation with a student unless they agree to this course of action. We can call to work through problems or talk with a supervisor.
- Make every effort to resolve the problem from the beginning. There is likely a chain of command in the office. If you are having problems, follow the chain of command.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
As an intern/employee with a company/organization, you are entitled to an environment free of harassment. If you are subjected to an environment that you feel is harmful, please contact us to discuss possible solutions. The discussion is confidential unless the student agrees to disclose the information to the employer, faculty, advisor, etc.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission defines Sexual Harassment as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
- submission to such conduct is a condition for employment, promotion, grades, or academic status;
- submission to or rejection of such conduct is the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting an individual;
- conduct that has the purpose or effect of interfering unreasonably with the individual’s work or academic performance or creates an offensive, hostile, or intimidating working or learning
Adapted from: Northwest PA Industrial Resource Center, “What Do Employers Expect of Me as an Employee?”; University Park, “Engineering Co-op Office Handbook,” 2001; The Penn State University brochure “Sexual Harassment,” Affirmative Action Office.