What is an internship and do I really need one?
An internship is a form of "experiential education" in which a student gains practical work experience in a specific field of interest within a supervised setting. To receive academic credit, an internship must have specific educational outcomes (learning objectives) that have been determined beforehand in collaboration with the employer and your faculty supervisor. It is important for all students to obtain some kind of "internship" or experiential education in a field of interest during your college years. Competitively speaking, you are at a disadvantage without such an experience! Some programs at WJU require an internship while others do not. While all students are eligible and encouraged to participate in an internship, it is important for you to contact your academic advisor first if expect to receive academic credit. Employers may also have specific requirements that you'll need to follow.

How do I get started?
The first step in obtaining an internship at WJU is to meet with your academic advisor. You must have support from a full-time faculty member for any potential internship in order to get credit.

What criteria should I look for in choosing an internship?
While you're looking for an internship, consider the following criteria:

• Program fit---the relationship between your career objectives and academic program
• Geographic location---in a large city or a rural area, close or far away from home
• Quality of program---potential for learning opportunities
• Type of organization---large corporation, small private company, or not-for-profit
• Compensation---paid or non-paid position
• Cost of living issues---your housing and transportation needs
• Work environment---preference for outdoors, office area, medical setting
• Contact with other employees---potential for networking with others

How many credits do I get for an internship experience?
The number of credits you receive will depend upon the number of hours you work at your worksite. According to WJU's Internship Workbook: 45 hrs = 1 credit; 90 hrs = 2 credits; and 135+ hrs = 3 credits.

You will also need to keep a daily or weekly journal detailing your personal observations and interactions with your co-workers as well as what you have done, heard, seen, learned and felt during your time on the job. Your Faculty Supervisor may have some specific guidelines for you to follow. These journal guidelines will be established at the onset of the internship.

How do I obtain credit for an internship during summer break? (registrar)
Some companies may require that students obtain academic credit as part of their internship program. If you find such an opportunity while you're home over a break, you'll have to enroll for a summer session by calling the Registrar's office.

Basically, the same rules apply as with any internship for credit, that is, you must find a Faculty Supervisor and have all the appropriate forms completed BEFORE your internship experience begins regardless of how far away you are from campus. In short, it's best to start an internship search early while you're on campus to ensure that you'll have everything in order by the end of the semester.

Updated 9/8/06 AW