Employer Resources

for TRAL students

Welcome, employers!

Thank you for being a vital part of the TRAL students’ journey at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½-Cascades! Your time, energy, and mentorship help shape inclusive and impactful experiences that empower students, and the communities they’ll serve, for years to come!

What is experiential learning?

Experiential learning through internships or jobs provide students with hands-on, real-world experience that complements their academic studies and prepares them for professional success.

By hosting interns, employers gain fresh perspectives, contribute to workforce development, and build meaningful connections with emerging talent.

Internships for TRAL students are generally 180 hours over a term.

10 steps to hosting a student for experiential learning

1. Hosting a student

 

Site initiated

Create a job or intern position description and post the position on Handshake.

Student initiated

If a student contacts your organization about experiential learning, follow the steps below.

2. Double check your organization's requirements

 

Employers interested in hosting ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½-Cascades' interns should review the guidelines, responsibilities, and legal considerations outlined by the Career Development Center. Internships must comply with ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½â€™s employer policies and meet academic standards. ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½-Cascades' Internship Guidelines details expectations for site supervisors and provides contact information for further support.

Learning Agreements

Completed before the internship, in the student approval process via Handshake. 

3. Identify an supervisor for the intern

 

The site should designate at least one supervisor for the student during the internship process that is available to sign paperwork, meet with the student, provide mentorship and feedback on work projects, orientations, and onboarding procedures.

4. Provide relevant projects

 

When hosting a TRAL student from ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½â€“Cascades, it’s important to align job/internship activities with the student’s focus; whether that’s outdoor leadership, sustainable tourism, conservation, or recreation management. These hands-on experiences allow students to apply classroom knowledge in meaningful, real-world settings while contributing to your organization’s mission. Your mentorship helps build career-ready professionals who will go on to lead and serve in outdoor, tourism, and conservation industries.

5. Provide a workspace

 

It is the responsibility of the site to provide the student with workspace, expectations of work schedule, and office policies of the site.

6. Provide 180 hours within a ten week academic term

 

TRAL students at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½â€“Cascades complete a minimum of 180 hours of experiential learning, earning 6 academic credits.
These hours can be completed in one term or spread across multiple terms, depending on the internship structure and student availability.

Internship activities should reflect the student’s focus; such as outdoor leadership, sustainable tourism, recreation management, or conservation. Activities may include attending staff meetings, participating in professional development, assisting with programming or instruction, shadowing professionals, contributing to planning efforts, or engaging with community partners. These experiences help students apply their academic learning in real-world settings while building essential career skills.

7. Meet regularly with the student

 

The supervisor should schedule regular meeting times to meet with the student to check in, provide feedback, discuss activities, and share evaluations. 

8. Provide feedback to the student

 

Most students will be seeking employment after their internship. It is vital that they receive ongoing feedback regarding their performance, skills, and projects.

It is the expectation that students come ready to learn, be flexible, honest, and show integrity.

It is important to show the student what it is like in the day of the job with appropriate supervision.

9. Documentation for the student

 

Students are enrolled in an internship course and must complete assignments, reflections, and a final project that connect their experience to academic goals. These components are required to pass the course and are completed alongside their on-site responsibilities. Supervisors are not responsible for grading but may support the student’s learning by providing context and feedback.

  • Review Student Goals
    Please take time to review the student’s internship learning goals and career aspirations. This helps ensure the experience is aligned with their academic and professional development.

  • Midterm Evaluation
    Complete a brief evaluation midway through the internship to assess the student’s progress, engagement, and areas for growth. This feedback is essential for helping students stay on track and make adjustments if needed.

  • Final Evaluation
    Provide a comprehensive evaluation at the end of the internship that reflects the student’s overall performance, contributions, and professionalism. This final assessment is a key component of the student’s course grade.

  • Approve Student Hours Log
    Please review and verify the student’s internship hours by signing off on their log regularly. This confirmation ensures accurate tracking of time and is required for the student to receive credit for their internship experience.

10. Contact us

 

Contact the TRAL Internship Faculty Advisor, Julia Conrad, during the internship. 

Contact the Cascades Career Development Center for support in posting a job position or more information about hosting a student intern.