INTERNSHIPS

EARNING ACADEMIC CREDIT FOR YOUR INTERNSHIP

Students of all majors are eligible to enroll for 1-3 credit hours for their internship experience. Students may also elect to receive a non-credit transcript notation for their experience (CE-199). The internship courses are designed to promote individual career development and self-awareness by integrating classroom learning with practical work experience.

Who Is Eligible?

• Must be at least sophomore status with a minimum 2.2 GPA
• Update your Career Connection profile and upload a resume
• Attend an Internship Registration appointment with the Internship Coordinator (requires completed Learning Agreement, 3 Learning Objectives, and Job Description)

Requirements

• NO RETROACTIVE CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN
• Must be able to acquire 135 work hours from the time of registration until the end of the semester in which you will be receiving credit
• 1 credit option:  Job Description, Learning Agreement, Learning Objectives, Performance Evaluation, 5 page Reflection Paper, Log of Hours
• 2 credit option: Job Description, Learning Agreement, Learning Objectives, Performance Evaluation, 7 page Reflection Paper, Informational Interviews, Log of Hours
• 3 credit option:  Job Description, Learning Agreement, Learning Objectives, Performance Evaluation, Informational Interviews, Blackboard discussion topics, 10 page Reflection Paper, Log of Hours
• CE-199 (noncredit transcript notation):  Learning Agreement, Job Description, Learning Objectives, Performance Evaluation. Log of Hours
• Submit your final paperwork during Return Interview (dates and times TBA)
• If completing an internship during the summer, you may either take it for summer term credit and pay per credit hour or you may defer into the fall
• Students who register their internship on or after the ninth week of the semester must apply the credit(s) to the following semester

Already have an internship lined up?

Download the forms you need to enroll for credit or a transcript notation here:

Learning Agreement

Once you have a signed Learning Agreement, Job Description, and at least 3 Learning Objectives, call 216-397-4237 to set up an appointment with Liz Osicki, Internship Coordinator and register for the appropriate course.

Scholarships available for internship students.

SEARCHING FOR INTERNSHIPS:

Career Connection should be your first stop in the quest for an internship. There are many opportunities there in various career fields posted by employers who want to specifically hire JCU students. In addition, many of them will come to campus and conduct interviews for internships. You can also use Career Connection to get a sample of the kinds of internships available in order to compare information you receive from other sources.

Students are encouraged to make an appointment to get help strategizing an internship search with a Career Center staff member. JCU students have such a variety of interests and priorities when it comes to finding the right internship, and we would like to assist you as you move forward in the search process. There are plenty of opportunities out there, but sometimes students do not know the appropriate resources to connect with the right opportunities. You may even decide that you need to talk over your plans and values with a staff member or take an assessment to determine a best-fit. Just call x4237 to set up an appointment - we look forward to working with you!

Participating in Career Center events, taking advantage of networking opportunities with employers and others willing to share important information on the job search can greatly assist in securing a best-fit internship.

Other resources, such as discussing your plans with faculty and academic advisors and browsing other search engines and job postings can also be helpful. The Career Center has some recommended online resources, as well as hard copy sources available in our library room. The main JCU library also has resources available to you.

INTERVIEWING FOR INTERNSHIPS Adapted from JobWeb

Interviewing for an internship or co-op assignment does not have to be a scary process. Think of it as a conversation between you and an internship representative to see if there is a fit between your goals and the internship position. Doing your homework prior to your interview is the key to a successful interview 'conversation.' Taking the time to lay the groundwork increases the odds that your meeting will be productive.

Begin by researching the organization, including the web site, brochures, annual reports, and other published literature.

When you attend the interview, dress like the serious professional you will soon be. Choose dark colored suits. Practice your interview basics: handshake, posture, and smile. Rehearse/role play answers to typical questions you may be asked. Don't memorize your responses word-for-word.

Typical questions you could be asked in an interview for an internship, "What made you interested in our company? Why should we hire you for our program? Do your grades reflect your true ability? Why or why not? How will this internship help you meet your career goals?"

Prepare questions to ask. This is your chance to make sure that a particular internship will meet your needs and goals. Suggested questions include: "Could you list some tasks or projects I would be involved with? Should I expect training or an orientation prior to my internship? Would I receive a wage, stipend, or reimbursement for my expenses?"

Bring along samples of your work. Show the interviewer articles you've written, programs from events you have planned, photographs of activities you have organized, and any other supporting evidence to your qualifications. Use these as visual aids to help convey information about your skills that otherwise would not be known.

You might get an offer on the spot if your interview goes well. It is recommended that you allow yourself at least a few days to weigh the pros and cons of this position and consider your other options. Be sure to leave the interview with the interviewer's business card and contact information. Always send a thank you letter to thank the interviewer for his/her time and remind him/her of your strengths