Internships
Internships are a great way to test drive a job and gain valuable working experience.
Internship Process
There are two types of internships: one for college credit and one for work experience.
- If your internship is for work experience, then you have more flexibility to decide what you want to do. Make certain that you and the employer agree on what you will be working on and the expected outcomes.
- If you receive college credit for your internship, begin the internship process by working with the supervising faculty member. You will need to work with this person to structure the academic component. The faculty member may be able to help you identify a potential internship, or you might find your own internship.
There are two parts of an internship for academic credit:
- The actual work experience. You may or may not be paid for this depending upon the employer.
- The academic course component. This requires the permission and involvement of a faculty member to supervise and evaluate the learning outcomes.
These two components are integrated through an internship agreement and formal communication between the student, faculty member, and the employer. The educational institution provides the agreement forms needed to set up the internship.
Faculty Involvement
Internships taken for academic credit require enrollment in an internship course. Each institution has its own requirements and agreement forms that need to be completed before the internship begins. Students should contact the designated internship faculty member early in the placement process for more information.
Employer Involvement
The employer is formally known as the internship sponsor. They will make the final decision about placement for a particular position. This is based on the student's qualifications and availability, the learning objectives being sought by the student, and the recommendation of a faculty member.
Where Can I Find Internship Postings?
You can start with the websites below to find internship postings. You may also need to use your networking contacts, social networks, or employer research to find other opportunities.
