Thank you, supervisors, for supporting Bethany students through EBE sponsorship.

What is an EBE?

Experience-Based Education (EBE) is an important part of effective career planning during college years.  The EBE program at Bethany allows students to learn and earn credit through professional experiences outside the classroom.  This experience can range from observing several professionals simultaneously to learning about one office through the hands-on experience of a formal internship.  Administered by the Office of Career Services, the EBE program gives students the opportunity to explore different careers, and find a solid match between careers and interests.

What are the responsibilities of a worksite supervisor?

As the person who will most directly coordinate the student’s daily experiences, the contribution of the worksite supervisor is essential to the success of the EBE program.  The Office of Career Services expects the supervisor to:

• Outline the duties, responsibilities and Learning Goals of the intern, prior to the beginning of the internship.  Meet with the student during the first week of the internship to communicate these responsibilities and Learning Goals to the student and develop a list of projects/tasks for which the student will be responsible.
• Provide the appropriate training and orientation for the student at the EBE site, including expectations for professional dress and attendance.
• Evaluate the student’s performance at the end of the EBE, using evaluation forms provided by the Office of Career Services.
• Follow-up with student throughout the EBE to check on student performance and the quality of the internship.
• Contact the Office of Career Services with any concerns or needs.

Does the student have any responsibilities in addition to those assigned by the worksite supervisor?

Yes.  The student must complete a journal.  The journal includes two parts – daily entries and assigned writings.  The assigned writings will be completed throughout the internship.  Some will require the student to get information from the supervisor or another person at the EBE site. The expectations for journal entries are outlined in the “EBE Journal” handout.  In addition to the journal, the student must submit a packet prior to beginning the EBE.  This packet includes a resumé, list of measurable learning goals, and contact information about the worksite.  After the EBE, each student will participate in a final meeting with the faculty sponsor and the Director of Career Services. 

Who else is involved in the EBE?

Each student must get the approval of an academic advisor and work with a faculty sponsor.  The faculty sponsor meets with the student before and after the EBE.  Prior to the EBE, the faculty sponsor advises the student in establishing their learning goals.  After the EBE, the sponsor reads the student’s EBE journal and participates in a final meeting with the student and the Director of Career Services. 

How does a student earn credit?

The student can earn 1 hour of credit for every 50 hours spent at the worksite (or working for the supervisor).  There are limits on how much EBE credit can be earned during a specific academic period.  A maximum of 12 credits can be earned during a semester, 6 during the summer, and 4 during interterm.  Most students perform their EBE for 200 level credit.  A student wishing to earn 300 level credit must work with their academic department chair to determine an additional project that might include research.  The student might ask the worksite supervisor to act as a resource for this additional project. 

Checklist/Timeline for the EBE Worksite Supervisor:

1. Respond to student contact about arranging the EBE.
2. Receive a letter from Career Services, confirming your participation as a worksite supervisor. This will include a copy of the student’s learning contract and Learning Goals.
3. Work with student to arrange the details of the EBE, such as starting and ending date, where to meet on the first day, proper worksite dress, etc.  The student should initiate this contact.
4. Meet with student sometime during the first week of the EBE to discuss the student’s goals and responsibilities.  (See Responsibilities, #1 above)
5. Receive, complete, and return the evaluation form sent by Career Services.  This should arrive at the worksite before the student completes the EBE.

Can the student receive payment for an EBE?

Yes.  The primary purpose of an EBE is to gain valuable work experience and career clarity.  While it is acceptable for students to receive payment, Career Services advises students that they should not expect employers to provide payment for an internship experience. 

Am I required to read the student’s journal?

Worksite supervisors are not required to read the student’s journal. If you are interested in reading the student’s responses to their experience, discuss this with the student.