An internship is an opportunity for experiential learning – learning though experience. It is also an opportunity for you to learn new skills, expand your knowledge of a particular field of study, explore career options, and apply academic knowledge in a "real-life" situation. Academic credit can be earned for the learning that takes place in an internship. Internships can be paid and unpaid opportunities.

An internship:

• Provides you the opportunity to earn academic credit and, at the same time, gain experience in the career-related field
• Allows you to put theoretical learning into practice
• Teaches you skills that cannot be taught in the classroom
• Broadens your career opportunities and teaches you about jobs in particular fields

In a national study conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 72% of all entry-level positions are filled with former interns or employees. Employers strongly recommend that college graduates have at least two internship experiences on their resumes. Three internships are ideal.

There are various types of internships: credit bearing and non-credit bearing, paid and unpaid, full-time and part-time. As a student, you may find an internship that includes some of these traits.

Credit Bearing Internship:

• Tied to the semester cycle (Fall, Spring, Summer)
• Has a time commitment of 13-15 weeks (averaging 12-15 hours per week)
• Must be approved (Internship Agreement must be signed) by the faculty supervisor, the internship site supervisor, and the student intern.
• Forms are available in the Career Planning Office, Moody Hall 134.
• Must also be evaluated (at mid-term and end-of-term) by the intern and site supervisor and returned to the faculty supervisor
• A letter grade based on your mid-term and final evaluations will be assigned
  

Non-Credit Bearing Internship:

• Not tied to the semester cycle; flexible in its duration and requirements
• Terms and qualifications for this type of internship are usually determined and agreed upon by student and site supervisor
• Generally considered "part-time" employment

Paid Internships vs. Unpaid Internships
Although limited, paid internships usually provide an hourly stipend between $6 to $15 per our depending upon the nature of the intern responsibilities, previous experience and their major area of study.

While paid internships are the first opportunities students seek, students should not underestimate the experience one gains through unpaid internships. Many non-profit agencies provide excellent internship opportunities that give interns a profound experience through the non-profits’ mission of community service. Because non-profits are usually smaller, interns have access to key people in the organization. These people could act as strong professional references after an intern has proven their eager and motivation during the internship.

Full-time vs. Part-time
In regards to full-time vs. part-time internships, it is very important for students to consider their course schedule, work schedule, and study time. Map out a weekly schedule and consider what is best for you and your studies, as well as the organization that you wish to intern. After realistically looking at your weekly schedule, choose an internship that is suitable. Remember, you are committing for a 10-12 week period.

For an academic credit-bearing internship, a total of 150 hours must be worked
over the course of the semester. That equates to approximately 12-15
hours/week for 10-12 weeks (Fall/Spring). For most majors, a credit-bearing internship is equal to a three hour academic course.

To participate in a credit-bearing internship, you must:

• Complete any prerequisites for the internship as determined by your academic school.
• Seek faculty supervisor approval of internship.
• Pre-register for your internship course. The fee for internship credit is the same fee as for any other course at SEU
• Complete the University contracts form (included in Internship Learning Agreement packet - available in the Career Planning Office, Moody Hall 134) and secure appropriate signatures.
• Conduct, with your instructor and supervisor, a mid-term and end-of-term written evaluation which includes your initial goals and progress you have made toward attaining them.
  
  

Internships are available in a wide variety of businesses and professional organizations throughout Austin and surrounding areas. You can begin the search process by reflecting on your interests and researching company’s websites for internship opportunities. If you are unable to find information on their website, you may inquire with the company's human resources department.

All internships received in the Career Planning Office are posted in the Career Planning Internship database. Some are televised on the Career Planning television outside the Career Planning Office in the Moody Hall atrium.

If you need cover letter and/or resume assistance, you may set up an appointment with a career counselor in Career Planning Office by calling 448.8530 or visiting the office in Moody Hall, Room 134.