How To Select the Right Candidate for an Internship Program for Japanese Host Companies.

The method used by the American Graduate School of International Management (AZ) to select participants for internships with Japanese companies is described and some case studies are offered as illustrations. The composition of the selection committee is noted, the interview process is discussed briefly (focusing on elicitation of student attitudes, expectations, and cultural adaptability), and the kinds of criteria used to evaluate applicants are examined. These criteria include: (1) attitudes toward an internship and toward interviewers; (2) personality traits that can promote success or create problems; and (3) rules and requirements to be met in each of three departments (world business, modern languages, and international studies). Internship participants' suggestions for successful experiences are offered. They include a sense of humor, willingness to participate actively, and low expectations because of the short duration of the internship. It is noted that the internship in Japan differs from an internship in the United States in that the Japanese internship is likely to be non-task-oriented. (MSE)