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Internships
What are the benefits of an Small Business Development Center (SBDC) internship?
A student intern will receive hands-on experience working with small business entrepreneurs in a confidential and professional environment. Interns will be required to work in a team environment with professional Business Advisors. They are expected to offer solutions to real business problems. The program will allow students the opportunity to apply their educational, organizational and time management skills as they assist in solving real life business issues.
Student Intern Tasks
- Selected co-counseling with SBDC Business Advisor
- Development of financial projections
- Marketing research for business plans and loan packages
- Assistance with development of resources and partners
- Assist Business Advisors with case management
Required Skills and Experience
- Microsoft Office Word for various administrative documents
- Microsoft Office Excel for financial spreadsheet development
- Conduct research via Internet and libraries
What will I be expected to do?
- You will sit in on client meetings. Interns will co-counsel clients and Business Advisors will most likely ask for your thoughts or feedback.
- You will assist the business advisor in gathering data for clients, preparing financial reports, developing promotional materials and marketing plans, and editing or writing business plans.
- You will keep a daily journal and track your internship hours.
NOTE: ALL SBDC information is confidential. Client names or business names are kept in strict confidence. Before beginning an internship, you will be required to sign a conflict of interest agreement, which also serves as a confidentiality agreement.
How will I be evaluated?
Interns will receive an orientation when they first arrive at the SBDC, which will include review of required course tasks, expectations, and reporting requirements.
At the end of the internship, the Office of Career Opportunities (SBE) or your advisor will provide an evaluation form. Your Business Advisor-Mentor will complete an evaluation with you. They will assess your job related skills, work habits, interpersonal skills, and attitude.
How do I apply for an internship at SBDC?
Student interns work independently as well as with one of our professional business advisors including client interaction with the SBDC. Students in the School of Business and Economics are strongly encouraged initiate their interest in an SBDC internship and to register during Academic Advisement.
- Up to three credit internships may be granted each semester, a 15-week period.
- In order for the intern to assist an SBDC business advisor effectively, it is recommended that a minimum of 10-12 hours a week of student intern time be scheduled for 2-3 credits.
Appropriate registration documents must be obtained by contacting The Office of Career Opportunities and Internships by phone: (518) 564-4187 or by e-mail SBE-Careers@plattsburgh.edu.
Once you have initiated interest with your advisor and with The Office of Career Opportunities and Internships, obtain a request for an interview form from the SBDC office at 564-2042 to set up an appointment with Director Dee Clark.
If you are offered the internship, you will need to ask a faculty member to be your faculty sponsor. The two of you will prepare a learning agreement, working with The Office of Career Opportunities and Internships in the School of Business and Economics.
Contact Information
To learn more about the Small Business Development Center, please contact:
Mr. Rick LeibowitzRegional Director,
SUNY
194 US Oval, 2nd Floor North
Phone: (518) 564-2042
Fax: (518) 564-2043
E-mail: sbdc@plattsburgh.edu