Internships offer you an opportunity to obtain a learning experience that builds on your academic coursework. You will develop specific learning objectives and evaluate how you are meeting those objectives. According to a recent survey of 259 service, manufacturing and nonprofit employers, 61% of those employer's new hires had some type of internship experience. Additionally, 24% of those employers hired the students who interned with them.
Before you can do an internship you must take CED205, Introduction to Field Experience. This 4-week class will prepare you for the internship through career research, resume development and orientation to internship procedures. It is recommended that you take this class in your freshman year.
To do an internship you must have sophomore status or higher, have passed CED205, and have at least a 2.0 GPA. You can apply up to 12 credit hours toward graduation. A faculty member in the discipline whose internship number you are using must agree to be your faculty sponsor and approve that the internship applies to your major or your career goal.
Some internship points to remember:
Internships have a learning element. Look for an opportunity that gives you the chance to put your classroom learning into practice. Look for internships that offer substance in the work you will be asked to do.
Internships may or may not be paid. Paid internships may be a flat sum or hourly wage.
Internships may be for credit or not for credit. Either way, the experience you are gaining will be valuable. Credit internships will be included on your academic transcript and also provide more structure and evaluation for you.
Your professor or career development office does not get the internship for you. They are there to offer advice and contact names. Career Development has internship information in binders and on databases, but securing an internship is up to you.
Helpful Internship Links