Internship Expectations

The following is information regarding the College of Charleston orientation internship.

Job Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Provide an essential service to the College of Charleston by assisting the Office of New Student Program with transition programs for new students and families
  • Serve as a resource of information about the College and its various student services
  • Facilitate in person small group discussions among incoming students regarding topics of student resources, major exploration, diversity and various other topics
  • Instruct students in the use of e-mail and MyPortal
  • Be a positive leader and role model to new students
  • Guide students through the academic advising and registration process
  • Handle questions and referring new students and families to appropriate resources on campus

Qualifications:

  • Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 or higher (by the end of the Fall semester before application)
  • Have and maintain good conduct standards with no outstanding judicial sanctions
  • Excellent communication skills, dependability, tolerance, maturity, and professionalism
  • Knowledge of the College of Charleston campus, services, and technology
  • Excitement and pride for the College of Charleston and an interest in helping students and families have a positive transition experience.
  • Ability to work well with students, parents, peers, faculty, and staff
  • Willingness to interact with and lead both large and small groups of new students and families
  • Flexibility and a positive attitude while working with fellow interns, incoming students and families
  • Experience in working in a group/team setting as a positive team player and provide services needed by the Office of New Student Programs
  • Ability to separate personal situations from work environment

Expectations:

  • Present and maintain the values and professional image of the College and the Office of New Student Programs to new students, their families, faculty, staff and community members
  • Understand that the work is an essential service to the College of Charleston and the Office of New Student Programs. The main expectation is to provide transition services to new students and families that the Office of New Student Programs need to be completed.
  • Interns can enroll in Maymester classes; in person Summer classes will conflict with Orientation but asynchronous virtual classes are OK. The orientation internship is primary job and interns are expected to be available during work days and hours listed.
  • Attend all training dates and professional development sessions
  • Work at all summer 2025 orientation sessions, summer Wednesday work sessions, August move-in weekend events, Maroon Mayhem, Welcome Week and the spring 2026 orientation sessions.  
  • Start workdays at 6:30 am and work until 7 pm (on the first day of orientation) and until 4 pm (on the second day of orientation) during summer orientation sessions
  • Meeting with the Director of Orientation in January 2026 for a job evaluation
  • Maintain good conduct standards with no outstanding judicial sanctions  
  • Be registered for fall classes in the upcoming semester by May 1

Transferable Job Skills You Will Learn: 

  • Communication Skills (verbal and nonverbal)
  • Problem Solving
  • Independent Work
  • Multi-tasking
  • Teaching
  • Teamwork
  • Customer Service
  • Logistics/Planning
  • Group Facilitation
  • Creativity
  • Leadership
  • Knowledge of Campus Resources
  • Professionalism
  • Critical Thinking
  • Confidence
  • Empathy
  • Active listening skills development

Compensation:

  • $10.75 per hour for training, all Orientation sessions, all preparation and professional development sessions, and Welcome Week
  • Interns may work an estimated total of 40 hours per week during the summer orientations and 20 hours during the spring orientation sessions. Additional hours at the beginning of the academic year may be required
  • Interns are provided with uniforms, campus parking during orientation events, and a housing stipend (that can be used for on or off campus housing) during orientation if needed. Lunch during orientation is provided to interns at no charge.

If you have questions regarding the internship, please e-mail Stephanie Auwaerter, the Director of Orientation.