Tips for a Successful Committee Internship

TIP #1: Connect With The Current Associate: Contact the committee’s current intern to ask any questions you may have and to learn about the role of the intern on your specific committee.

TIP #2: Take The Initiative: Introduce yourself to the Chair and ask what you can do to help and then follow through and complete the task!

TIP #3: Be Present: Each Committee has varying expectations regarding Annual, Midwinter or Virtual meeting attendance. Ask early to ensure conference attendance expectations are clear.

TIP #4: “Minute To Win It”: Be prepared to take minutes. Brush up on minute-taking formats, bring a voice recorder and review minutes previously posted in ALA Connect to ensure consistent format and style.

TIP #5: Communicate with Connect: ALA Connect (http://connect.ala.org/) is the official communication vehicle for all ALA Committees.

FINAL TIP: Ask Questions! The only way you can find out exactly what your committee will require of you as an intern is to ask.

This page was created under the direction of the ALA Training, Orientation and Leadership Development Committee (TOLD). For additional assistance, comments or questions please contact the committee's staff liaison, Lorelle Swader, Director of the Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment (HRDR) at lswader@ala.org.