Internship FAQ

Weekday College students are required to do at least one internship for academic credit. Some majors, such as MGT, MGA, and PSY require two internships. You should talk with their advisor to determine if your major requires one or two internships.

In order to do an internship for credit, you must have taken PPS-229, have two 300-level courses completed in your major, be in good academic standing, and have approval from your faculty advisor. You can also do an internship prior to that point. It's never too early to start gaining experience in your field/s of interest, and you don't have to be receiving credit in order to intern. The Career Studio can help you research and prepare for internships, whether for credit or not for credit.

If you are interning for credit, you will be on site a total of 120-180 hours throughout the semester. This equals about eight to 12 hours a week. You will also attend a seminar on campus concurrently with the internship experience (other arrangements are made for national and international internships).

Sometimes interns are paid, and sometimes they are not paid. Starting the internship search process early can increase your chances of finding a paid internship as you will be ready to apply for paid options as they become available. Certainly, the highest priority for your internship is that it aligns with your learning goals and aids in your career development.

You can do an internship at your job only if you can negotiate a new project or job where you will learn new professional skills. It is usually in your best interest to explore other organizations and make new contacts.

The Career Studio does not place you in an internship. We help you explore your internship site options by working one-on-one with you to understand your learning goals and career interests. We have connections at sites that we can draw upon, and we also develop new sites. In addition, we expect that you are researching companies and internship sites, and reaching out to your contacts to explore internship options. We will collaborate with you to create an action plan of internship positions for you to pursue. Expect to cater your resume to each position, interview with organizations, and coordinate with those organizations to secure an internship. The Career Studio is here to coach you through the process.

Please note, though: due to ethical, safety, and liability concerns, students may not do an internship at a business based out of someone's private residence or with a family member.