Elle DuBois
Room 207
Phone: (949)582-4990

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
9am to 5pm
Closed Weekends

Dr. Patricia Moretti of Santa Clara University has outlined the six stages of student development during a typical internship assignment. Understanding these six stages can help the student to benefit from the challenges encountered and allow for personal and professional growth through this multi-level transformation. The first three stages are the uncomfortable stages; the second three stages are the reward.

Anxiety - This is the vulnerable period. Wondering..... Can I do this job? Will I succeed? etc.

Disappointment - What have I gotten into? This is not working out! Disillusion sets in.

Conflict - With others and oneself. Conflict always involves an element of self-conflict. Students need to learn how to solve their own problems. Bad experiences can be wonderful opportunities for growth. Remember this when you are going through this difficult stage.

Self-awareness - Beginning to see the light.

Confidence - I got through this and actually came out a stronger, smarter person.

Closure
These Six Stages can be recycled throughout the internship. You might get to stage #4 and then recycle back up to #2. Eventually you will make it through all six stages. A successful internship allows students to upgrade their vocational skills while learning wonderful interpersonal skills that can have lifelong benefits.