How to Get Started with the MBA Internship Process
Pursuing an internship as part of your MBA at Saint Cloud State University is a valuable opportunity to apply classroom learning in a real-world business setting. This page outlines the steps you need to follow, from planning your internship to completing the required coursework, to ensure your experience is approved for academic credit.
IMPORTANT: If you are applying for an internship position at a company for which you are already (or have been) employed part- or full-time, you must review and follow the Current Position Policy information.
Internship Process Steps
Step 1: Make a Plan
Meet with your major advisor or the Internship Coordinator to discuss how the internship credits will fit within your specific academic plan and to make sure there are no concerns about an internship's duties, etc. For additional information, watch the following video:
Step 2: Obtain an Offer Letter
Upon accepting an internship position, obtain an "offer letter" (either an official letter or email) that states the internship start/end dates and wage. You will need to upload this offer as part of Step 3. For help finding an internship, watch the following videos:
Step 3: Submit Request on Handshake
Follow the Handshake Internship Instructions to begin the approval process. NOTE: The review and approval process may take 1-2 weeks, depending on the time of year. Plan ahead and be patient. Note: Internship paperwork must be submitted and approved no later than the end of the second week of classes; internship credit will not be applied retroactively.
Step 4: Register and Choose Credits
If approved, you will receive an email from the Internship Coordinator with override information that will enable you to register for the course. When you register, you will choose the number of credits (part-time internship students choose 1-3 credits; full-time internship students choose 3-12 credits).
International students must first enroll in the internship course, and then email their CPT (and possibly FTE/RCL) paperwork to the Internship Coordinator to be signed. The appropriate forms can be downloaded here.
Step 5: Complete the Course Work
In order to receive a grade, you are required to complete a week-by-week list of duties, a written report, and a class presentation. You can learn more about those aspects on the Requirements to Receive Grade web page.