An internship or practicum gives you the opportunity to apply what you are learning in the classroom, gain professional experience, explore a career field, and build connections for your future.
Experiences may be paid or unpaid and may take place on or off campus. Depending on your academic program, an internship or practicum may be required or optional.
Whether you are looking for an opportunity or already have one lined up, Career Engagement can help you navigate the process.
Looking for an internship?
You do not need to have an internship secured before asking for help.
Start by exploring opportunities in Handshake, talking with faculty members, researching organizations that interest you, and using your personal and professional network.
Career Engagement can also help you identify opportunities, develop a search strategy, and prepare your résumé or application materials.
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Completing an internship or Practicum for Academic Credit?
If you plan to receive academic credit for your internship or practicum, complete the KWC approval process before beginning your experience for academic credit.
Step 1: Talk With Your Faculty Advisor
Before submitting your internship, talk with your faculty advisor or faculty sponsor.
Confirm:
- Whether the experience will count toward your academic program
- The number of credit hours you plan to earn
- Who will serve as your faculty sponsor
- Any academic requirements specific to your program
Step 2: Secure Your Internship or Practicum
Once you have identified and accepted an appropriate experience, gather the information you will need for your application.
Before opening Handshake, have the following information available:
- Organization/employer name
- Internship or practicum title
- Site supervisor name and email
- Start and end dates
- Expected work schedule and hours
- Number of academic credit hours
- Faculty sponsor information
- Description of your responsibilities
- Learning objectives for the experience
Step 3: Submit Your Experience in Handshake
All internships and practicums completed for academic credit must be submitted through Handshake. Complete the Internship/Practicum Experience application and provide all required information.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
After you submit your experience, it will move through the KWC approval process. Monitor your KWC email and Handshake for updates or requests for additional information. You do not need to manage the approval process yourself. Career Engagement will coordinate the appropriate reviews. Do not begin counting hours toward academic credit until you have received confirmation that your experience has been approved.
During Your Internship
Once your experience is approved:
- Complete the required internship/practicum hours.
- Follow the expectations and policies of your host organization.
- Communicate regularly with your faculty sponsor.
- Complete academic assignments established by your faculty sponsor.
- Maintain professional conduct throughout the experience.
- Contact your faculty sponsor or Career Engagement if questions or concerns arise.
Finishing Your Internship
At the end of your internship or practicum, complete any required academic assignments and final evaluations.
Your faculty sponsor will provide information about academic requirements specific to your course or program.
Career Engagement will provide instructions for any college-wide internship evaluations that must be completed.
Internship FAQs
Do I have to find my own internship?
Students are encouraged to actively participate in finding opportunities that match their academic and career interests. You can search Handshake, connect with faculty and employers, and work with Career Engagement for additional assistance.
Can Career Engagement help me find an internship?
Yes. Career Engagement can help you identify possible opportunities, develop a search strategy, prepare application materials, and navigate Handshake.
When should I submit my internship?
Submit your internship as soon as you have secured the experience and have the information needed to complete your Handshake application. Do not wait until your internship has already begun.
Where do I submit my internship?
Internships and practicums completed for academic credit are submitted through Handshake.
Who approves my internship?
Internships for academic credit are reviewed through the appropriate KWC approval process, which may include Career Engagement, your faculty sponsor, your site supervisor, and other appropriate college offices. Career Engagement coordinates this process through Handshake.
Can my internship be paid?
Yes. Internships may be paid or unpaid. Compensation does not determine whether an experience may qualify for academic credit.
Can I start before my internship is approved?
You should complete the KWC approval process before beginning your experience for academic credit.If your start date is approaching and your experience is still awaiting approval, contact Career Engagement.
What if I already started an internship but did not submit it in Handshake?
Contact Career Engagement as soon as possible to discuss your situation and determine your next steps.
What happens at the end of my internship?
You will complete any academic requirements established by your faculty sponsor and any required final internship evaluations. Specific requirements may vary by academic program.