Capstone Paper

Students are required to write a document that explains the work completed and lessons learned during the internship project(s). This document can take many forms, and the student should select a document type that is most appropriate to their particular internship experience. Document types include, but are not limited to, white papers, technical reports, or business plans. If guidance is required to determine the appropriate paper format, the student should consult with the sponsoring organization professional or faculty advisor.

The purpose of the internship report is to explain and demonstrate the work produced, challenges faced, and lessons learned during the internship. The specific elements included in the internship report will vary depending on the internship project and type of document.

Besides other potential content, the paper should answer the questions:

  • What was done?
  • Why is it important (i.e. Why should anyone care)?
  • What was learned?

It is important to apply the writing style learned in GRAD 710, specifically BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) for the internship report. It is anticipated that the document could become part of a student’s portfolio to illustrate competence in specific skills and/or used by the internship organization. The internship report should demonstrate a clear understanding of the technical expertise required for the internship experience, the ability to get things done in an organization, and an ability to write clearly and concisely for a broad audience.

The internship report will be evaluated by the student’s faculty advisor and sponsoring organization professional, and possibly one additional program faculty member.

Capstone Presentation

Students are required to deliver a public oral presentation to the academic community summarizing the internship work, which will include a question-and-answer session. This comprehensive examination substitute will be evaluated by the student’s internship committee, comprised of the faculty advisor and sponsoring organization professional, and possibly one additional program faculty member. The question-and-answer session will cover both the internship project and the student’s overall knowledge gained in the program. It is also expected that the student will make a final presentation at the internship site. 

It is important to create a presentation of professional quality. You should: 

  • Consider what the C-suite would be interested in knowing about your work. 
  • Make your work relevant and interesting. 
  • Include what you learned professionally and personally. 
  • Apply BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) organization to your presentation.