Overview
TMCF offers two distinct internship models designed to connect high-achieving students with meaningful career opportunities: TMCF turnkey internships and partner-led internships.
In the turnkey model, TMCF manages the full internship experience in collaboration with employer partners and government agencies. This includes student recruitment, candidate vetting, onboarding, stipend disbursement, lodging accommodations, travel arrangements and ongoing program oversight. This model offers a seamless, end-to-end solution for partners seeking a fully supported internship process.
In contrast, partner-led Internships are embedded within the employer’s existing internship infrastructure. TMCF supports the promotion and recruitment of top HBCU talent based on the partner’s specific needs. Once selected, students are fully integrated into the partner’s internship program and experience, following the employer’s timeline, onboarding and compensation structure.
TMCF Turnkey Internships
TMCF manages the full internship process in partnership with employers or government agencies. Ideal for organizations seeking a comprehensive, low-lift internship solution.
- TMCF leads recruitment, vetting and candidate matching
- TMCF manages onboarding and orientation
- Stipend disbursement is handled by TMCF
- TMCF arranges lodging and travel accommodations
- Includes ongoing student support and program oversight
- Internships may follow a cohort model or serve multiple departments
- Designed for efficiency, scalability and partner convenience
Partner-Led Internships
The employer owns the internship program and TMCF supports talent sourcing and exposure to top talent. Ideal for partners with an existing internal internship structure.
- Employer defines roles, scope of work and selection criteria
- TMCF supports promotion and recruitment of candidates
- Partner conducts interviews, selection and onboarding
- Partner provides stipends/salary and manages logistics
- Students are fully integrated into the partner’s internship program
- Strong alignment with partner’s early talent and conversion pipeline
- Offers greater customization and brand control for the partner
Benefits
The practical work experience gained through our internship program is priceless and goes beyond what a classroom can offer, marking it as a pivotal aspect of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund experience. Interns delve into real-world applications of their acquired knowledge, gaining insight into the daily responsibilities in their chosen fields. Beyond mastering the skills of their respective disciplines, interns also develop transferable skills such as effective communication, teamwork, and computer proficiency. These experiences enrich their academic journey and ensure interns are well-equipped and confident as they transition into the workforce upon graduation.
Exploration is a vital component of the college journey, and internships are an excellent gateway for students to familiarize themselves with their chosen fields. While some students enter college with a predefined major or career trajectory, many change their preferences over time. Engaging in internships during college allows students to immerse themselves in their desired fields, aiding in the decision-making process regarding the suitability of their chosen paths. Graduating students who have completed internships are more likely to possess confidence in their degree choices, having gained practical insights that validate and affirm their academic and career pursuits.
A key advantage of our internships is their enhanced marketability to college graduates. Those with internship experience stand out to potential employers, showcasing a readiness for the professional world. Having navigated real work scenarios, these graduates often require less training and can shoulder greater responsibilities from the outset. Seize the opportunity to distinguish yourself and launch your career with a competitive edge through our internship program.
An internship is a valuable journey of self-discovery where you can gain insights into both your strengths and areas for improvement. It provides a platform for receiving constructive feedback from experienced supervisors and professionals in the field. This unique learning opportunity is unparalleled and may not be readily available once you transition into the workforce as a full-fledged adult. Embracing the mistakes made during your internship and acknowledging the aspects you may need to become more familiar with is an integral part of the learning process. To maximize the benefits of your internship training experience, actively engage by asking questions, keenly observing, and daring to take calculated risks.
TMCF internships offer compensation, allowing you to accrue significant work experience while earning income concurrently. Opting for a paid internship not only enhances your professional development but also provides financial support for your college tuition and related expenses.
In the professional realm, networking plays a crucial role, and as an intern with TMCF, you’ll be immersed in an environment surrounded by industry professionals. Beyond the conventional objectives of earning credit, receiving grades, or making money, internships are a unique platform for learning from those around you. Seize the opportunity to ask questions and make a lasting impression. The professionals you engage with during your internship have the potential to become your future colleagues or the critical connection to your initial job placement.
Internships provide a testing ground for applying specific techniques learned in the classroom before venturing into the professional arena. This invaluable opportunity allows you to put your acquired knowledge into practice within a supportive environment where making mistakes is anticipated. Instead of navigating potential challenges in your initial post-college job, internships are a safe space for hands-on learning and skill refinement.
Numerous companies leverage internships to strengthen their recruitment strategies. Occasionally, a company may extend a job offer to an intern upon completing their assignment. Even if immediate employment is not guaranteed, an intern who leaves a positive impression may receive an offer when a relevant position becomes available. This practice allows companies to assess an individual’s fit within the organization before committing to long-term hiring.
Internship Tips
Once you understand the job description and role, connect your skills and interests to the opportunity. Identify the critical areas where you have experience and use the STAR (S-Situation, T-Task, A-Action, R-Results) method to walk through prior experiences.
If you are seeking an internship and need to decide which career to explore, look at your resume and identify your strengths and experiences. Then, utilize TMCF for an exploratory coaching and development session to identify your passion and interest and receive immediate feedback. Remember your campus’s college and career center; most centers have resources for enrolled students and recent graduates.
When seeking an opportunity, you must conduct thorough research to understand the company’s culture, mission, vision, and values. The results can help you connect to the company and understand its why.
Suppose the company you’re most interested in is currently out of stock. In that case, you can express your interest by emailing and sharing your continued interest in addition to networking on platforms such as LinkedIn. It is essential to be intentional with this message. Please express your interest and ask questions about the company and its internship program. It is a great way to connect and learn more about the company. If the conversation goes well, request a virtual meeting to learn more about the work the individual you have been in contact with is doing.
You’ve landed an interview! Here are a few interview-specific tips:
- Be on time! You want to be checking in for your interview at least five minutes before your scheduled start time. Nothing looks worse than showing up late for an interview.
- Dress professionally. Even if it is a more casual company or occupation that doesn’t require professional clothes, always dress a little nicer than the job entails.
- Practice your handshake. Weak handshakes are not welcome in the professional world and you want to impress them from the beginning.
- Bring a few copies of your resume with you, even if you previously sent it to the employer.
- DO NOT USE YOUR PHONE DURING THE INTERVIEW. Even if you are completely used to entering information or taking notes via your phone or tablet, just this once use a notepad. It’s disrespectful to be on a device during an interview, because it’s impossible to know if you’re paying attention or doing other things.
- Write any questions down you may have for the interviewer, and take notes during the interview, all on the same notepad.
- Be honest. If the interviewer is detailing the job’s responsibilities and it requires something you can’t do—such as working nights, weekends, and/or more hours in the week than you can give—tell them! It may be uncomfortable, but what’s more uncomfortable is accepting a job offer you can’t fulfill the duties of.
- To keep everything organized, invest in a portfolio to bring to interviews.
- Write and email/mail a note once the interview has concluded, that day, to the interviewer thanking him or her for their time and insight about the job.