Academics
Internships
Internships
How do I apply for an internship?
Are out of area internship opportunities available?
How can an employer host an internship opportunity?
How do I contact the Center for Experiential Learning (CEL)?
Why do an internship?
According to a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the link between internship programs and full-time jobs keeps getting stronger. Between 2001 and 2004 there was a 13% increase in the number of interns who went from internships to full-time employment. Repeatedly, we hear from students that their internship experience is one of the most significant experiences of their college education outside the classroom.
Internships are planned, structured, and supervised experiences that enable students to develop the skills and abilities expected of professionals in a given discipline. Internships offer an off-campus learning experience that engages a student in the practical application of academic knowledge. Communication, teamwork and leadership skills are often tested and honed within an internship/employment setting.
Some internships are already established and students design others. Internships are offered every term, including summer. When it is clear that the experience will require an integration of knowledge from the classroom with work experience, then academic credit may be earned. Past students have interned with state and national government agencies, local hospitals, veterinarians, doctors, newspapers, television stations, high-tech and finance companies. Internship credit is offered by most college departments.
How do I apply for an internship?
The procedure for doing an internship follows:
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Students first meet with CEL staff to determine their readiness for an internship opportunity and to discuss likely internship prospects. At that meeting the student will be provided with an application form.
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Students may seek internships using our job postings page where all positions including internships are available. You may browse the entire page or conduct a search using "Control F" for the type of position you are seeking (internship, F/T, P/T), by location, or by any other criteria available in the posting. Other opportunities may be eligible for internship experience.
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After the student has located an internship host, the student finds a faculty member who is willing to supervise the academic portion of the internship experience. The completed application must be on file with CEL and the registrar before the internship begins.
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No more than three credits may be earned with any one internship host except with the permission of Curriculum Council.
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No more than a total of six credits are allowed in the undergraduate program except with the permission of Curriculum Council.
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Internships may straddle more than one semester. Credit is earned during the semester that the internship begins.
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All paperwork must be completed and submitted to the Center for Experiential Learning before beginning the internship with the host.
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CEL will request a standardized written evaluation of the student intern from the host agency and provide a copy for the faculty supervisor’s files. Some academic departments may request additional evaluation forms from the host.
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Each student intern is required to complete both faculty and CEL requirements before a grade is posted.
Are out of the area opportunities available?
CEL encourages students to consider "high-power" internships during summer break that are generally located outside of the state in large metropolitan areas. Many provide a stipend and require early application. Access a comprehensive listing in multiple areas of interest at the following link: www.internships-usa.com. Visit CEL (Hendren Hall) for the login and password. Also, academic departments usually post recent out of the area internship opportunities on their departmental bulletin boards.
How can an employer host an internship opportunity?
Internship postings are provided as a service for students. Employers (host agencies) may have positions posted by submitting company name, address, contact information, job description, qualifications, salary information and applicable deadlines along with application procedures through an e-mail to careerservices@collegeofidaho.edu or a fax to the Center for Experiential Learning at (208) 459-5849.
For an example of the information needed for a posting, you can see all positions at Postings (F/T, P/T, Internships). You may browse the entire page or conduct a search using "Control F" for the type of position you are seeking (F/T, P/T, internship), by location, or by any other criteria available in the posting.
How do I contact the Center for Experiential Learning (CEL)?
For additional information on any internship, visit the Center for Experiential Learning in Hendren Hall, contact us at (208) 459-5688 or 459-5508, or e-mail careerservices@collegeofidaho.edu.