Academic Internships provide students with a great opportunity to practice the knowledge and skills acquired through classroom learning. Internships will involve experiential learning, meaning the learner is in direct touch with the realities being studied. This unique educational experience can provide professional skill development, exposure to workplace protocols and valuable networking opportunities.
Because our internships are academic in nature and award college credit, you should expect academic assignments in addition to the minimum 135 hours of work you do at the site. You will work closely with your faculty and site supervisors throughout the semester as they mentor and guide you through the learning process.
Eligibility:
Internships are available to students who are matriculated into a degree program. Prerequisites for internships will at minimum include a cumulative GPA of 3.0, with at least 30 credits earned in the program of study and permission of the Associate Academic Dean. Some programs may include more rigorous or additional requirements that students must meet. You can verify specific requirements by checking the official course outline.
Getting Started:
1) Communicate your Interest - Talk to your instructor and/or department chair and let them know that you are interested in an academic internship. Businesses and non-profits will often contact them when they are looking for student interns. They also may have contacts from past placements that can help you get your foot in the door.
2) Polish up your Resume and Cover Letter - Whether you are revising an existing resume and cover letter or starting from scratch, Career & Transfer Services can help you present yourself in a professional manner. They also have listings from companies that are looking for volunteer and paid help, and may have suggestions for contacts within your field of study. We highly recommend that you take advantage of this service that the college provides.
3) Identify a Site - No matter how you find a potential site, the college follows the same approval process which requires a site visit and a signed agreement. Because this process can take several weeks, you should forward the site's name and contact information to the college during the semester before you wish to begin your internship. For example, if you know you want to do an internship during the spring semester, you should be attempting to secure a location during the fall semester. Pay close attention to the Internship Deadlines.