Internships & Experience
Internships are a critical part of your educational experience. They help you gain excellent on-the-job experience, provide networking opportunities with employers, and allow you to narrow your career interests. It is also important to note that employers consistently rank their organization’s internship program as one of the most effective tools for recruiting college graduates for full time positions (National Association of Colleges and Employers, Job Outlook 2005).
-- If you plan to receive credit for your internship, review your departmental requirements for receiving credit for internships in your specific major. Have an initial conversation with faculty member who will be advising your internship about his/her expectations for credit.
-- Locate an internship using resources available through the St. Paul Campus Career Center, including InterNetwork.
-- Before accepting an internship, be sure to talk with the site supervisor in detail about your and their expectations. If you're getting credit for the experience, print and complete the learning agreement form, obtain the required signatures, acquire a permission number from your departmental contact, and register for the appropriate course for your major program.
-- Enjoy your internship! Read up on how to succeed in your internship. Be sure to complete the requirements arranged through your learning agreement and ask your faculty internship advisor or coordinator to be sure to submit your grade on-line.
-- Share your experience, including internship contact information and your advice for other students interested in your experience, on InterNetwork!
Advice from alumni regarding internships:
“An internship will open your eyes to the career and you will know in a very short time whether that career is right for you.”
“Internships or any job experience related to your major is extremely valuable. Start doing internship and job searching early.”
“Outstanding work in your internships leads to great references and experiences and ultimately you will be very appealing to employers.”