It is an exciting time at The Ohio State University as we prepare for a conversion from quarters to semesters that will occur in the summer of 2012. In relation to career management, there are many benefits associated with the new academic calendar that will affect employers and CFAES students, such as earlier fall recruiting opportunities and student availability consistent with many internship programs designed for semesters.

One of the most important aspects of the transition from Quarters to Semesters is the availability of students for internships during the shorter summer of 2012. During this time, students will end spring quarter based on the quarter calendar and will return to school in the fall based on the new semester calendar. Students will be available for a maximum of 10 weeks during the summer of 2012, from June 11 to August 17 (without a break after spring quarter or before fall semester).

As a CFAES student who may be considering an internship during the shorter summer of 2012, there are some key points for you to consider as you conduct your internship search:

Employers will likely need to offer special accommodations and flexibility due to the shorter summer, but we are confident that the quality of CFAES students, the value you will add to the company, and the focus on the long-term recruiting relationship with CFAES will enable companies to consider and accommodate CFAES students.

We are happy to report that initial conversations with employers indicate a strong willingness to adjust accordingly during the shorter summer 2012, as many internship programs are project-based, lending themselves to flexibility.

After the summer of 2012, the academic schedule will return to a more traditional timeline with students having approximately 15 weeks of availability for summer internships. The semester calendar is available on the OSU Registrar's website. If you would like additional information regarding the OSU transition from quarters to semesters, a semester conversion website has been developed.

The summer of Ohio State's conversion to semesters (summer of 2012) will be a 10 week work term, maximum. Classes end June 7, 2012 and start again August 22, 2012. Students will be available for internships from June 11, 2012 - August 17, 2012.

As a CFAES student who may be considering an internship during the shorter summer of 2012, there are some key points for you to consider as you conduct your internship search:

·         Employers will likely need to offer special accommodations and flexibility due to the shorter summer, but we are confident that the quality of CFAES students, the value you will add to the company, and the focus on the long-term recruiting relationship with CFAES will enable companies to consider and accommodate CFAES students.

·         It is important for students to become familiar with the timeline of the summer of 2012 (the last day of finals for spring quarter is Thursday, June 7 and autumn semester classes begin on Wednesday, August 22) in order to discuss your availability with potential employers.

·         It is important to be up front and honest with employers about your summer availability, taking into consideration that students will not be excused from their Ohio State finals to accommodate an internship.

·         Employers will likely expect that you are available for a 10-week internship, which will consume your entire summer.

·         If you accept an internship, you are expected to complete the internship.

·         Flexibility is crucial, both on the part of the employer and the student.