Our Programs

An internship is an opportunity to practice and develop professional skills under supervision in the workplace. Internships are for fixed periods of time and may be referred to as vacation programs. Some courses offer internship subjects where students are required to participate in industry-based placements. This is sometimes referred to as 'Working Integrated Learning' (WIL).

An internship is:

• A structured work experience related to a student's major and/or career goal
• An experience that should enhance a student's academic, career, and personal development
• Supervised by a professional in the field
• An experience that can be one academic term (summer, spring, fall) or multiple academic terms in length
• Paid or unpaid, part-time or full-time
• An experience that is mutually agreed upon by the student, supervisor and/or faculty member
• Meets registration requirements for 0 credit hour or academic internship course
• Depending on the field the experience might also be called a practicum or co-op

Benefits of an Internship

One of the recurring themes in any entry level job search is lack of experience. "Where do I get experience if no one is willing to hire me?" The answer is simple: Get an internship!

Students planning to enter the permanent workforce should complement their academic preparation with a range of other experiences, such as study abroad, community service, undergraduate research experiences, participation in sports and other student organizations, membership in pre-professional organizations, and internships.

An internship offers you the chance to learn by doing in a setting where you are supervised by a work-place professional and have the opportunity to achieve your own learning goals, without the responsibilities of being a permanent employee.

An internship also offers you the opportunity to work with someone who can become a mentor for you - not only in the internship but throughout your career.

Leadership and Skill Development

• Learn new skills and add to your knowledge base while gaining confidence in your abilities
• Opportunity to practice communication and teamwork skills
• Gain industry knowledge first hand from an organization and professionals
• Provide evidence that you have initiative, are reliable and have a sense of responsibility
• Apply some of the ideas learned in school and provide a bridge between school and the professional world
• Achieve a sense of accomplishment by contributing to an organization

Career Exploration

• Learn about a career field from the inside and decide if this is the right career field for you
• Work alongside a professional in your chosen career area
• Observe the workplace and see if it matches expectations

Leadership and Skill Development

• Learn new skills and add to your knowledge base while gaining confidence in your abilities
• Opportunity to practice communication and teamwork skills
• Gain industry knowledge first hand from an organization and professionals
• Provide evidence that you have initiative, are reliable and have a sense of responsibility
• Apply some of the ideas learned in school and provide a bridge between school and the professional world
• Achieve a sense of accomplishment by contributing to an organization

Networking and Establishing Mentors and References

• Meet new people and practice networking skills while establishing a network of professional contacts, mentors, and references
• Open to door to advice on the next steps to take on your career path

Resume Enhancements

• Gain valuable experience and accomplishments to add to your resume and/or enhance your application to graduate school
• Create an advantage over other job or graduate school applicants
• Potential for a full-time job offer at the end of the internship based on your performance