Internship vs. Career Exploration

"An academic internship [and career exploration] is a form of experiential education that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skill development in a professional setting. Students earn academic credit, or there is some other connection to a degree‐granting, educational institution. This work/learning arrangement is overseen by a faculty or staff member of an educational institution and by a designated employee of an organization. The [experience] is usually the length or equivalent of an academic term, may be part‐time or full‐time, paid or unpaid. An integral component of the experience that distinguishes it from other types of work is one or more forms of structured and deliberate reflection contained within learning agendas or objectives."
(formulated by subscribers to the Internship‐Net Listserv – May 2010)

Internship

Semester long internships (fall, spring or summer) require at least junior status in order to receive academic credit. Internships are flexible in terms of how many hours a week you work ( from 10 hours per week to 35 hours per week) and how much academic credit you receive (from 0.5 credits to 3 credits). Your credit earned is determined by how many hours a week you intern. Please note that summer tuition are required to receive summer credit.

Career Exploration

Career Explorations are full-time opportunities to job shadow or intern that take place over the four weeks of January. The Interim Career Exploration requires at least sophomore status in order to receive academic credit. You must intern for 35 hours per week and you will receive one Interim academic credit for your experience. It is possible to participate in a Career Exploration at more than one site as long as the time requirement will be met between locations and it is approved by Career Development.

Requirements

To participate in an Internship or Career Exploration you will need a faculty sponsor and a site supervisor. During the semester your faculty sponsor is typically your academic advisor. It is important that your faculty sponsor be familiar with the industry you are interning in. Career Exploration faculty sponsors are assigned for the month of January. Your site supervisor will be who you report to at your internship site. While you can work in a relative's office, they cannot be your site supervisor. Additionally, Career Development requires that you complete a few short assignments throughout your Internship or Career Exploration to facilitate reflection on your experience. Your faculty sponsor may assign additional work.

Updated 10/15/15 JK