What is an Internship?

An academic internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theories learned in the classroom with practical application and skill development in a professional setting. Students earn academic credit and are evaluated according to a job description that is incorporated into a course.

Internships are overseen by a faculty member and by a designated employee of the host organization. Academic learning objectives are integral to the internship, distinguishing them from volunteer positions or jobs.

Why Should I do an Internship?

Internships are a critical part of your educational experience and provide the following benefits:

• Gain work experience to help you build your skills and resume
• Apply your classroom education to the work world
• Develop a professional network of contacts and mentors
• Define and help focus your career interest
• Possible employment after internship

Internship Process

1. Meet with your major advisor to ensure that an internship meets program requirements
2. Meet with your department Internship Faculty Coordinator regarding internship requirements. Department requirements links below.
   • Criminal Justice
     Professor Mario Hesse mlhesse@stcloudstate.edu
     
   • Economics
     Professor Patricia Hughes pahughes@stcloudstate.edu
   • Land Surveying and Mapping/Geography
     Professor Eric Fuller eifuller@stcloudstate.edu
   • Planning and Community Development
     Professor Chuks Ugochukwu (fall 2018) ccugochukwu@stcloudstate.edu
   • Political Science
     Professor Pat Bodelson pbodelson@stcloudstate.edu
   • Travel and Tourism
     Professor Alvin Yu hyu@stcloudstate.edu
3. Departments do not assign or locate internships for students. Apply and secure an internship.
4. Once you have secured an internship, meet again with your department Internship Faculty Coordinator for approval of the internship. Complete any department paperwork.
5. Make an appointment to meet with Kristy Modrow, School of Public Affairs Experiential Learning and Outreach Director to complete all required university paperwork.
6. Once paperwork is approved, start your internship.

Additional Career Center Resources