Career Services

Frequently Asked Questions About Internships

  1. What is an internship?
  2. Why should I do one?
  3. Can an internship be paid and credit-bearing simultaneously?
  4. Can I do an internship for more than 1 unit?
  5. How is an academic internship graded? 
  6. What if I can't find a full-time faculty member to sponsor me?
  7. How do I find an internship?
  8. Once my internship is approved, is there any other paperwork to complete?

1. What is an internship?
An internship is a practical work experience that enables a student to gain knowledge and skills within an organization, industry, or functional area that reflects the student's academic and professional interests.

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2. Why should I do one?
The advantages of doing an internship are significant. An internship provides:
  • the opportunity to explore a career field and gain relevant work experience
  • a chance to develop transferable skills valued by employers
  • networking opportunities with professionals in your field of interest
  • experience with the job search process

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3. Can an internship be paid and credit-bearing simultaneously?
Yes, an internship can be paid and registered for academic credit.  Internships approved for one unit of credit require a minimum of 140 hours and an academic component.

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4. Can I do an internship for more than 1 unit?
Two-unit internships are rare; however, students may pursue a two-unit internship if the internship project(s) and academic component are deemed substantial enough by the faculty sponsor, site supervisor, and Career Services.

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5. How is an academic internship graded? 

Academic internships are graded on a credit / no credit basis, based on: 
  • completion of 140 hours per unit of credit
  • favorable evaluations from the internship site
  • completion of the academic component

Letter grades are occasionally approved for internships that are highly academic in nature.  If you wish to receive a letter grade, you first need to obtain support from your faculty sponsor. You then petition the Dean of the College for approval of a letter grade.  You must do so no later than two weeks following the beginning date of your internship.  Your petition letter must include:

  • A discussion of what is exceptionally academic about your internship
  • A copy of your internship application and proposal
  • A letter of support from your faculty sponsor indicating why he or she supports your request as well as information on how your internship comprises an exceptional academic experience
  • A bibliography showing required reading for the internship

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6. What if I can't find a full-time faculty member to sponsor me?
This is a departmental issue that must be addressed by the faculty chair of the academic department.

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7. How do I find an internship?
Start early!  While internships are posted year-round, you will be more successful at getting an internship if you give yourself a few months to search and apply for a variety of positions.  Start by searching the Clark Recruiter to identify internships in your area of interest and location - there are typically over 300 internships posted in the Clark Recruiter every year.  If you need additional assistance, you are welcome to make a one-on-one appointment with a counselor in our office.

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8. Once my internship is approved, is there any other paperwork to complete?
It is the student's responsibility to complete a mid-semester and final semester evaluation form. The evaluation forms are part of the grading process. Students should remind their site supervisors to submit the employer mid-semester and final evaluation forms as these are necessary to receive a final grade.

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