Internships

What is an Internship?

An internship is a structured, short-term work experience offered by companies and organizations to provide students or recent graduates with practical exposure to a specific field or industry. Internships allow participants to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios, gaining hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced professionals. Internships can be paid or unpaid and typically last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, offering invaluable opportunities for learning and professional growth.

Why Participate in an Internship?

Participating in an internship is a crucial step in your career development. Internships bridge the gap between academic studies and the professional world, providing you with firsthand experience in your chosen field. They offer a unique opportunity to explore different career paths, understand industry dynamics, and make informed decisions about your future. Internships also help you build a professional network, enhance your resume, and develop essential skills that are highly valued by employers.

Types of Internships Opportunties

Paid Internships (Credit and Non-Credit) - See Career Services for Assistance

• Interns receive monetary compensation for their work
• Provides financial support, often more competitive, and offers real-world job experience

Unpaid Internships (Credit and Non-Credit) - See Center for Community & Civic Engagement for Assistance

• Interns do not receive monetary compensation but gain valuable experience
• May offer more flexibility and opportunities in non-profit or volunteer sectors, and can still provide important industry experience and networking opportunities

Academic Internships (Paid and Non-Paid) - See the Academic Department related to the internship.

• Internships that are part of an academic program and often provide academic credit
• Integrated with a students coursework, helping them apply academic knowledge in a practical setting while earning credits towards their degree

Work-Based Learning

What is Work-Based Learning?

Work-based learning is an educational strategy that integrates classroom instruction with practical, hands-on experience in a professional setting. This approach includes a range of opportunities such as apprenticeships, cooperative education (co-op), internships, and job shadowing. These programs are designed to provide students with real-world experience, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations. Work-based learning fosters a deeper understanding of a particular field or industry, bridging the gap between academic study and professional practice.

Why Participate in Work-Based Learning?

Participating in work-based learning is a valuable step in your career development. It allows you to gain firsthand experience in your chosen field, enhancing your understanding of industry dynamics and workplace expectations. Work-based learning also helps you build a professional network, develop critical skills, and make informed decisions about your career path. By engaging in these programs, you can explore different roles within an industry, discover your strengths and interests, and gain a competitive edge in the job market.

Types of Work-Based Learning - See Center for Community & Civic Engagement for Assistance

Unpaid Internships (Credit and Non-Credit)

• Interns do not receive monetary compensation but gain valuable experience
• May offer more flexibility and opportunities in non-profit or volunteer sectors, and can still provide important industry experience and networking opportunities

Service Learning

• Combines community service with academic learning objectives.
• Encourages civic responsibility and allows students to apply academic skills to address community needs.

To Learn more about Service Learning and the various components, please visit the Center for Community & Civic Engagement websites under Services Learning.