OASIS offers quality housing throughout prime areas of Orlando, Florida. In addition to safe, affordable housing, OASIS is there to assist students with any problems that may occur during the course of their internship experience. OASIS manages and maintains all properties. They also provide students with the necessary cleaning supplies for daily living as well as a monthly cleaning service. In return, OASIS has its own expectations of students by holding them responsible for following the guidelines set forth by the organization as well as for the general cleaning required to maintain a healthy living environment for all students.
When choosing to live in OASIS housing, students have the option of living alone or sharing an apartment with one or more students. Housing costs depend on student preferences for individual, double, or multiple options in housing arrangements. These living arrangements are much like the college residence halls students are already accustomed to. As a continuation of their college experience, this opportunity helps students learn the necessary skills required to make these living arrangements work. Students have the chance to meet new people and get exposure to new experiences as they are beginning to transition from academic life to the professional world.
On a recent visit to Orlando I had the opportunity to meet OASIS founder and CEO, Mark Cail, and his wife Wendy. They provided me with a tour of Orlando as well as a brief visit to one of the internship properties. I have to say that the growth of central Florida amazes me each time that I visit. As a native of Orlando, Mark discussed this growth and explained to me that it includes all areas of business and, as many people often think, is not just limited to the tourism industry. It is this growth of the Orlando area that makes it an ideal location for students from a variety of majors who are interested in a broad range of career fields to travel there to do their internship.
Mark began his career in internship housing while working for the WISH program in Washington, DC. Upon his return to Orlando, he saw a similar need for students interested in doing internships in this fascinating and growing city. Since Mark already knew what it took to work with colleges, employers, and students; he decided to apply this knowledge to fill the need of employers in the Orlando area as well as for students looking for a unique and rewarding internship program in a new and exciting city. OASIS also offers housing to students who obtain their own internship.
OASIS works with students from all over the country as well as students abroad. OASIS has a database of thousands of local employers and works directly with them to find students who possess the knowledge and skills employers seek to fill their internship needs. They also work directly with college career centers to promote internship positions that meet the students’ need for quality internships and meet college requirements so students can obtain academic credit. Most students work full-time at their internship and many of the internships are paid. In addition, students may also work a part-time job to make additional money during their stay in Orlando.
Students are required to pay a nominal fee for each internship placement. Although OASIS does not guarantee placement, Mark said that they have been able to place between 70 – 75% of all students who have applied for the program. Due to the nature of Orlando and the quality and dedication of the staff at OASIS, I think student are getting a good value for their money. These rates are much cheaper than many internship programs and the personalized service received by the students only adds to the benefits provided by OASIS.
OASIS prides itself on making sure that students get a quality experience along with affordable, safe, and clean living arrangements throughout their internship experience. The staff at OASIS handles all of the internship and housing arrangements and wants students to only focus on the internship experience. The support received from OASIS continues during the entire time the student interns in Orlando which offers additional comfort to both the student and their families.
Each employer that signs on with OASIS is provided with a training packet and understands that each internship experience must follow strict guidelines to ensure students will have a quality internship experience. OASIS works with students on what it takes to get a successful internship and offers some assistance with resumes and interviewing strategies. OASIS provides a link between employers and students by handling the many questions and the logistics that occur in making these internship opportunities a reality.
OASIS recognizes the value of networking and the importance of establishing good working relationships in order to grow professionally. Students are encouraged to learn effective networking skills while doing their internship and will often do so with other employers as well. Although OASIS does work to find the internship, the student participates in every step of the process. From developing and updating their resume to learning effective strategies and techniques used in the interviewing process. Even though from a career development and personal growth standpoint the ideal situation would be for the student to find their own internship and make their own arrangements; the reality is that many students would not get the opportunity to move to Orlando and partake in an internship experience without the assistance of the dedicated staff at OASIS.
