Employment at Mason LIFE supports students in learning job-specific tasks, general employee responsibilities, and social behaviors appropriate for the work environment.
During Year 1 in the program, students are enrolled into an Employability Skills course. This course will cover topics such as developing and updating a resume, professionalism, and overall preparation for a job. Upon successful completion of the first year Employability Skills course, students will be assigned internships on-and-off campus their second through fourth year in the program.
Internship assignments are based on several factors such as schedule, interests, skill-set, available options, and rank in program.
Some internships will offer compensation, others will not; the experience is designed to be a learning opportunity and to enhance students’ skill development.
Students will meet for Employment Advising every semester to discuss their interests, skills, and career goals. Internship placements are scheduled for a semester period, however in some instances a student could remain at an internship for a full academic year.
Students may be assigned support staff to accompany them to internship sites. Support staff are current GMU undergraduate and graduate students. The goal is to fade support as a student progresses through the program.
No, Mason LIFE is not a job placement program. Students will gain skills through their internship experiences, but we cannot guarantee an employment offer after successful completion of the program. However, Mason LIFE will assist students with preparing a resume, practicing interview skills, and providing a letter of recommendation as they seek out employment.
