Getting experience in your field BEFORE you graduate is crucial to your employment success!
4 Step Internship Course Enrollment Process:
Students in the College of Arts & Science, Maine College of Business and College of Technology must complete the following steps to enroll in an internship course:
STEP 1: Submit 4 Document Application Package For Your Internship Course!
SUBMISSION DATES:
- Fall Semester: April 15 - May 15
- Winter Semester: August 15 - September 15
- Spring / Summer Semester: December 15 - January 15
THE COURSE APPLICATION PACKAGE CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING 4 DOCUMENTS:
Fill out the internship course application form and include this in your email for the Internship Application Package. All fields but be filled out completely and accurately. Incomplete forms will be denied and could delay your internsip process. Click the "Internship Course Application Form" button below to access the Word document form.
NOTICE: F-1 Visa international students also need to include a completed CPT Application form found on the Work Authorization page here.
INTERNSHIP COURSE APPLICATION FORM
DOCUMENT 2 = Signed Degree Plan From Your Academic Advisor
Make an appointment with your advisor to go over your degree plan and have it signed, if you are eligible.
DOCUMENT 4 = Screenshot of Resume in "Reviewed Status" on Handshake:
Upload your resume in Handshake to get it reviewed by a Career Coach. Your resume must be in "Pending Status" to be accepted as part of your Internship Course Application Package. "Reviewed Status" preferred. To upload your resume into Handshake or recieve assistance on creating a resume, click the buttons below.
Upload Your ResumE NOW Contact a Career CoacH TODAY
STEP 2: Search For Positions, Apply, Interview & Be Selected!
It is your responsibility to find an internship relating to your major. There are several ways to find internships.
a) Handshake (Formerly Panther Jobs):
Handshake has a wide variety of active internships for all majors. Click the link below to view the website and find an internship that will suit you.
Find Positions ON Handshake Now
b) Career Services Events:
Attend Career Services events to meet with various employers about potential internships available. Click the button below to see when the next career event near you will take place.
c) Search Employer Websites & Use Search Engines like Indeed.com:
Go to the sites of employers you are curious about or are a fan of, and find the Careers, Jobs or Internships section to review and apply for relevant opportunities for potential internship. If none are posted, but there is a Contact Us page, use that to inquire. You might also find a Talent Pool or similar mention where you can upload your resume for general consideration.
Not sure what kind of internship is a fit for you and / or your major? See Additional Resources below to find the Internship Guide for your degree program. You may share these resources with your prospective employers.
STEP 3: After You Accept And Are Committed To A Site - Report It!
DEADLINE DATES FOR SELECTION:
- Fall Semester: July 15
- Winter Semester: November 15
- Spring / Summer Semester: March 15
After you accept a position, you must fill out a Student Experiential Learning Agreement and email it to your IM. All fields must be filled out completely and accurately. Incomplete forms are denied and could delay your internsip process. Click the "Student Experiential Learning Agreement" button below to access the Word document form.
**If you are unable to meet this deadline date, you must email your Internship Manager a list of all the places you have interviewed, or will be interviewing, and request an extension.
Student Experiential Learning Agreement
STEP 4: IM Verifies The Position & Authorizes Enrollment In The Course!
Your IM contacts the organization directly to verify the position. Your IM will notify you by email after this process is complete and at that time will authorize your academic advisor to enroll you in the course.
INTERNSHIP MANAGER CONTACT INFO
Internship Resources:
Benefits of an Internship
An internship is one of the most important things you can do in your college career:
- The percent of interns that convert to full-time employment is nearly 50%
- Students from internship programs are “more successful as employees”
- Interns receiving full-time job offers has increased more than 10% in the last 7 years
Internships provide you the opportunity to:
- Establish professional contacts within your field
- Receive on-the-job training and experience industry firsthand
- Make informed career decisions
- Apply new skills and experiences to classroom instruction
- Gain academic credit toward graduation
- Enhance resumes, references, and work experience
- Develop professional skills
- Use specialized facilities and equipment on the job
Required versus Optional Internships
- All Allied Health programs in the College of Health Professions require a practicum
- The Colleges of Business and Technology require Experiential Learning in all Bachelor level academic programs, internship is one option to fulfill
- Internships are highly recommended for all students in these colleges
Credit v. Non-Credit Internship
- Credit and non-credit bearing internships help students gain experience
- Some DU academic programs require internships and they are optional electives in all programs
- Regional Internship Managers can assist students to develop credit bearing internships, Career Services Coordinators can assist with non-credit opportunities
- Both types of internships are posted on Handshake
Internship Alternative – BUSN489 or TECH489
See interns connecting with employers at the West Michigan Intern Connect event!
International Internships
Please visit the websites of DU-approved internship program providers and consult the Global Programs Office for further guidance and approval. Working one year ahead is vital for success in an international search and approval process.