Internships are educational, employment positions in which students apply the
information gained from their classes to real-world work situations. They gain
hands-on experience in their career path, assess their interests and abilities,
and learn what is required to be successful in their chosen field. Internships
also provide opportunities for students to "try out" a field of work
and develop professional relationships. Employers use internships to try out
potential new employees, to get work projects completed, and to make
professional relationships with colleges and universities. Students have found
that internships are often the best route to find full-time employment after
graduation. Employers have found that interns often make the best long-term
employees. Here are some internship guidelines and facts:
Internships are usually related to the student’s major or career goals
and involve the student in real-world work experience. Most internships are
paid work experiences.
Internships may be part-time or full-time employment, and may be offered
year-round, depending on the coursework schedule of the student and
requirements of the college or university sponsoring the internship.
Many employers, including the federal government, have created ways for
interns to convert to full-time, career employment after graduation.
Internships are commonly the length of an academic term. Length
requirements may vary between educational institutions and programs. Check
with your school/program for their policies & standards.
Most colleges and universities require at least 45 hours of work
experience for each hour of registered course credit. The amount of total
credits available and number of hours worked per credit varies between
programs and schools. Check with your college/university for their policies.
A majority of students do internships part-time near their school and take
other classes while in their internships (parallel internships). Students
also find opportunities for full-time internships away from their home
school during summer and/or other semesters and alternate periods of
employment with school (alternating internships).
An internship must include hands-on work experience that compliments
classroom learning. Internships often engage students in significant
projects and endeavors. Internships involve a committed supervisor who will
guide, evaluate, and mentor the intern.
The student/intern and the sponsoring company or organization usually
discuss and negotiate projects and learning goals at the outset of the
internship. Most colleges/universities require learning objectives and/or
learning contracts to be signed between the student, the
company/organization and the college/university. Employer evaluations,
weekly assignments and/or final reports may be required by the
college/university of the student in order to obtain academic credit for the
experience.
Credit is often available from an academic department or Career Service
Office at a college or university if the internship meets its academic
standards. Credit is awarded from the academic institution, not the
employer.
The majority of students do internships within the United States, but
interest and opportunities in international work experience are available
and have been increasing.
Most colleges and universities have formal Internship or
"Co-op" programs. Many are located with the campus Career
Service office. Students & employers should contact their local
college/university for information and assistance.
Universities and colleges benefit from the relationships created with
employers. Feedback preserves curriculum relevancy, and employer-academic
relations benefit all.