In-field Work Experience (IWE) at Thaddeus Stevens College

IWE Program Mission

The mission of the In-Field Work Experience (IWE) Program at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is to provide undergraduates with a means to integrate academic theories and principles with practical hands-on experiences, external in-field work, thereby reinforcing and expanding classroom learning while preparing them for postgraduate employment. In support of the mission of the college, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology’s IWE Program is committed to Equal Opportunity in education, employment, and participation in university activities and programs, without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, political ideas, marital status, physical or mental disabilities, or national origin.

Statement of IWE Policies

Operating out of Career Services, the In-Field Work Experience Program is an informal extension of the academic program whereby a student elects to complete a work experience in their respective field of study, provided they can secure an employer to provide the experience. See “Student Eligibility Requirements” for Career Center assistance. While internships are not required for graduation nor embedded into the curriculum, students may choose to participate in hands-on, in-field work experiences with an employer directly related to their field of study. The In-field work experience reinforces the skills, competencies, and knowledge attained by the student. This work experience also demonstrates the relevance of the subject matter taught at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.

For Students

Student Eligibility Requirements (to request Career Center assistance):

Any enrolled students who meet the student eligibility requirements below may contact the Career Services office for assistance connecting with in-field work (for example, over winter break, the summer between first and second year, or part-time during the academic year).

• The student intends to work at a job that is within the major discipline.
• The student has earned at least a 2.0 GPA in major program of study.
• The student has completed a minimum of 12 credits in the major program of study (at least one full semester).
• The student attended one “Summer In-field Work Experience (IWE)” workshops during the Fall semester.

Procedure:

• Students interested in summer or winter break in-field work, should attend a Fall IWE Workshop hosted by Career Services during their first semester of college. Dates, times, and location will be posted on the
  Career Services SharePoint page via the student Thad’s Pad portal.
• After attending a Fall IWE Workshop, if additional help is needed, students should contact the Career Center at careerservices@stevenscollege.edu to schedule an appointment to discuss securing an in-field work experience.

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For Employers

Student Responsibilities and Guidelines:

• Arrange his/her own transportation to the sponsoring employer.
• Arrive on time each day as scheduled.
• Contact the sponsoring employer in advance to report all absences for the normal work schedule.
• Maintain good conduct, in actions and towards others, on the job and at school.

Note: Presenting an unsatisfactory attitude at work can result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from in-field work experience.

Sponsoring Employer’s Responsibilities and Guidelines:

• Provide the student with a copy of the company’s environmental, health, safety, and human resource policies and procedures.
• Provide the student with supervised on-the-job training.
• Arrange a work schedule agreeable to the sponsoring employer and student.
• Inform Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology if the student conducts himself/herself in an inappropriate or unprofessional manner or has violated any documented company policy or procedure.
• Contact the student’s designated emergency contact should an accident, injury, or illness occur to the student during work hours. Following the sponsoring employer’s written policy and with approval from the student’s emergency contact, notify Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Director of Career Services, or appropriate faculty member that an accident, injury, or illness has occurred to the student during work hours.