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An internship is a valuable form of professional training that provides students with the opportunity to test their career interests in an off-campus setting.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Internships
What is an Academic Internship | Types of Internships | FAQs | Recent Internships | Share Your Experience
- What is an internship?
- Why should I do one?
- Can an internship be paid and credit-bearing simultaneously?
- Can I do an internship for more than 1 unit?
- How is an academic internship graded?
- What if I can't find a full-time faculty member to sponsor
me?
- How do I find a summer internship?
- When do I have to submit my evaluation forms?
1. What is an internship?
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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.
Please note: International students must
receive academic credit to be authorized to intern in the U.S.
(Please see Amy Daly in ISSO for further information).
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2. Why should I do one?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 a summer internship?
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Start early. Many large organizations post summer internship
opportunities in the fall and early spring. Search the "Clark
Recruiter" to identify internships in your area of interest and location.
www.clarku.edu/offices/career
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8. Once my internship is approved, is there any other paperwork to
complete?
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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. Back to Top |
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Tools and Resources
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Eric Saczawa assists a student with his research.
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