Internships provide a valuable and cost-effective instrument for organizations to offer entry-level employment to individuals attempting to gain experience in a particular field.

There are many types of internships for individuals starting a career in intercollegiate athletics, but there can never be enough of these opportunities. Our enterprise has a responsibility as members of the higher education community to provide a means of entry into our profession for student-athletes and other interested people. There is no better vehicle to fulfill this commitment than the internship.

For some, the internship is the first professional employment after graduation. For others, the internship is the first opportunity to explore a new career. Regardless of the circumstances, an internship will lay the foundation that supports a career in intercollegiate athletics. Creating a solid foundation may be an internship's most important goal. The lessons and habits learned during the internship will shape the future work characteristics of the person. The quality of the foundation ultimately will determine if the internship has been a success.

Defining a successful internship seems fairly straightforward. Athletics entities benefit from a chance to evaluate a prospective employee while the intern successfully completes necessary tasks for the organization. Many people would declare their internship a success if a full-time position is the final outcome. However, as I reflect back on my experience, I no longer believe that obtaining full-time employment is the ultimate goal. If the focus is on professional growth and continuous development, the result will be a uniquely skilled individual with his or her choice of rewarding full-time positions.

Focusing on professional and personal growth is vital. If no change has occurred during the course of an internship, the intern has missed an opportunity. Enhanced analytical, writing and leadership skills are a few of the noticeable improvements that should result from the internship. By the end of the appointment, the participant should have undergone significant change. In many ways, a successful internship should result in a professional epiphany. An individual is transformed through a shift in perspective and increase in knowledge.

An occasion to begin the process of transformation will take place January 29-31 at the NCAA office. The NCAA Conference Intern Seminar consists of three days of workshops, lectures and activities to enhance skills. The seminar will educate participants on matters related to athletics, provide professional development and networking opportunities and allow the participants to develop relationships that will last a lifetime. The seminar will demonstrate the value of professional development and sow the seeds for transformation.

The NCAA Conference Intern Seminar has proven to be an excellent vehicle to provide development opportunities through an academy-style setting. Seminars on networking, resume writing, interviewing and other important topics will provide valuable knowledge to all participants. The theme for this year's seminar is "It's Your Move." This is a most appropriate theme because after the seminar each participant will have the tools to take control of their own professional development. Some people believe that others are responsible for their professional development. While others may be important in the process, you are the most important actor in your quest for professional development. It's your move. In other words, take the initiative for your professional development by seeking chances to grow.

This will not be an easy task. The difficulty is determining one's strengths and weaknesses. Only the rare individual will consistently perform accurate self-evaluation. Not too many of us can objectively and honestly review our performance and determine strengths and weaknesses. People who can, however, have a valuable and unique skill that will serve them well. These talented folks will continuously improve and become the most valuable employees. Individuals who transcend themselves to a place of pure improvement without insecurities will reach their full potential. With continuous development, weaknesses will become strengths.

Interns cannot develop these strengths on their own, however. Mentors must play a prominent role. Each person in a workplace should embrace the role of mentor. However, there is a benefit in designating a single individual to serve as a mentor. Mentors must make a commitment to ensure that the intern has chances to develop. Mentors must turn the work place into a professional-development academy. Taking the time to teach and educate the individuals served will result in a positive experience for the intern and the organization. It is not enough to provide the answer; the mentor has the responsibility to explain the rationale so that in the future the intern can use the previous experience to overcome similar challenges.

The NCAA Conference Intern Seminar is a great opportunity to meet and network with other interns and obtain professional development. However, seminars are not the only means to develop professionally. Take advantage of the education that your workplace can offer through observation, asking questions, work assignments and constructive feedback. If you are a marketing intern, take the initiative and develop the first draft of the marketing plan for the department. If you are a compliance intern, offer to research the appropriate interpretation for a particular fact scenario. Take the time to use your mentor as a sounding board to obtain feedback regarding your thoughts and ideas.

Ultimately, whether you fully develop will depend on you, but others will be instrumental in the process. Remember that you are responsible for your own professional development. It's time to "make your move."

Keith Gill is a director of membership services at the NCAA national office and a former intern with the national office staff.