{"id":3631,"date":"2017-04-07T15:32:48","date_gmt":"2017-04-07T22:32:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wou.edu\/slcd\/?page_id=3631"},"modified":"2026-04-10T15:50:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T22:50:57","slug":"internships","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/internships\/","title":{"rendered":"Internships"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/files\/2021\/10\/redBG.gif&#8221; parallax=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;24px||24px||true|&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;30px||25px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;20px||15px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; header_font_size=&#8221;50px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||-4px|||&#8221; header_font_size_tablet=&#8221;30px&#8221; header_font_size_phone=&#8221;26px&#8221; header_font_size_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: left\">Internships<\/h1>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; header_font_size=&#8221;24px&#8221; header_font_size_tablet=&#8221;30px&#8221; header_font_size_phone=&#8221;26px&#8221; header_font_size_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: left\">for Students<\/h1>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; module_class=&#8221;fixed&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/files\/2022\/07\/WOU-campus-from-above-with-track.jpg&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; max_width_phone=&#8221;&#8221; max_width_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;background-repeat:no-repeat;||background-attachment:fixed;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row module_class=&#8221; et_pb_row_fullwidth&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; width_tablet=&#8221;80%&#8221; width_phone=&#8221;&#8221; width_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; max_width_tablet=&#8221;80%&#8221; max_width_phone=&#8221;&#8221; max_width_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;65px|562px|65px|24px|true|false&#8221; make_fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_color=&#8221;rgba(255,255,255,0.86)&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;rgba(198,198,198,0.34)&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Montserrat|800||on|||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;33px&#8221; width=&#8221;99.9%&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;3px|52px|3px||true|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;1.1%|2.7%||2.7%|false|true&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Experience matters<\/h2>\n<p>Doing an internship is one of the best ways to, not only gain professional experience in an organization or industry, but to learn more about yourself; what you like and don&#8217;t like, and can help you find what truly interests you and what could turn into a career. Internships are experiences which help you to design your future.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/files\/2021\/10\/redBG.gif&#8221; parallax=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4&#8243; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;43px||43px||true|&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;30px||25px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;20px||15px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/students\/appointments\/&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;MAKE AN APPOINTMENT&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|18px||19px||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/students\/pursuing-the-next-steps\/job_search_resources\/&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SEARCH INTERNSHIPS&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/wou-cip\/&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;WOU CIP&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|49px||49px|false|true&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/internships\/list-of-internship-courses\/&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;INTERNSHIP COURSES&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;7px||5px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;73px||73px||true|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|211px||211px||true&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Internships can truly enhance students&#8217; education and overall college experience by expanding skill sets, connecting with others and exposure to real-world situations. It is no longer a question of whether or not a student should do an internship during their college careers, but rather how many and where. Students of all majors at WOU are encouraged to engage with their communities (WOU, Monmouth\/Independence and surrounding areas, and wherever else they may call home) in a variety of ways: internships, research, volunteering, etc.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;5px||19px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;0.2%|auto||auto|false|false&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||true|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; header_2_font=&#8221;Montserrat|600|||||||&#8221; min_height=&#8221;44px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||7px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;1px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center\">Get Experience<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;#d3d3d3&#8243; divider_weight=&#8221;2px&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; width=&#8221;19%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_3,1_3,1_3&#8243; make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;||||false|true&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|3%||3%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;6px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; header_2_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; header_2_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#db0a29&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;28px&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;Montserrat|600||on|||||&#8221; header_3_text_align=&#8221;right&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; header_3_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; header_4_font=&#8221;Montserrat|500|||||||&#8221; header_4_text_color=&#8221;#db0a29&#8243; header_4_font_size=&#8221;29px&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;10%||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|true&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_color_right=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"background-color: #db0a29;padding: 10px 20px\">Off-Campus Internships<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; header_2_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; header_2_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#db0a29&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;28px&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;Montserrat|600||on|||||&#8221; header_3_text_align=&#8221;right&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; header_3_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; header_4_font=&#8221;Montserrat|500|||||||&#8221; header_4_text_color=&#8221;#db0a29&#8243; header_4_font_size=&#8221;29px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;3%|5%|10%|5%|false|true&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_color_right=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4>Gain Real-World Experience<\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px\">WOU partners with many businesses\/organizations in the Monmouth\/Independence and surrounding areas to offer real-world, professional experiences for students of all majors. Some degrees require an internship or practicum but it is a clear consensus that internships are a great idea for any student looking to gain more experience, make connections, or expand on their education.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;6px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; header_2_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; header_2_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#db0a29&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;28px&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;Montserrat|600||on|||||&#8221; header_3_text_align=&#8221;right&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; header_3_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; header_4_font=&#8221;Montserrat|500|||||||&#8221; header_4_text_color=&#8221;#db0a29&#8243; header_4_font_size=&#8221;29px&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;10%||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|true&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_color_right=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"background-color: #db0a29;padding: 10px 20px\">On-Campus Internships<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; header_2_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; header_2_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#db0a29&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;28px&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;Montserrat|600||on|||||&#8221; header_3_text_align=&#8221;right&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; header_3_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; header_4_font=&#8221;Montserrat|500|||||||&#8221; header_4_text_color=&#8221;#db0a29&#8243; header_4_font_size=&#8221;29px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;3%|5%|10%|5%|false|true&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_color_right=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4>Our Community is Your Classroom<\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px\">Our campus is home to a variety of internship opportunities. On-campus internships are convenient and flexible in working around your class schedule while still gaining professional experience. Consider applying for the <a href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/wou-cip\/\">WOU Community Internship Program (WOU CIP)<\/a> during the fall term to complete and on-campus internship during Winter\/Spring.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;6px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; header_2_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; header_2_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#db0a29&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;28px&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;Montserrat|600||on|||||&#8221; header_3_text_align=&#8221;right&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; header_3_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; header_4_font=&#8221;Montserrat|500|||||||&#8221; header_4_text_color=&#8221;#db0a29&#8243; header_4_font_size=&#8221;29px&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;10%||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|true&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_color_right=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"background-color: #db0a29;padding: 10px 20px\">Micro-Internships<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; header_2_font=&#8221;Montserrat||||||||&#8221; header_2_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#db0a29&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;28px&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;Montserrat|600||on|||||&#8221; header_3_text_align=&#8221;right&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; header_3_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; header_4_font=&#8221;Montserrat|500|||||||&#8221; header_4_text_color=&#8221;#db0a29&#8243; header_4_font_size=&#8221;29px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;3%|5%|10%|5%|false|true&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e7e7e7&#8243; border_color_right=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4>Experiences of all Shapes and Sizes<\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px\">Micro-internships are short-term, project-based internships, typically remote, which offer students a whole new way to gain experience and make money doing so. Projects vary depending on the business&#8217; needs but can range from marketing, to report building and lead generation. Organizations like <a href=\"https:\/\/info.parkerdewey.com\/wou\/students\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Parker Dewey<\/a>\u00a0are excellent resources for such opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;6px||4px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||9px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What is an Internship?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>An internship is a short term (typically 3 to 9 months) opportunity within a given department, organization, or business, which is designed for students and recent graduates to gain work experience and skills they wouldn&#8217;t typically gain in a classroom setting. These experiences could be paid or unpaid, depending on the organization and nature of work being completed and are typically part-time (anywhere from 5-20 hours per week) although summer internships and co-ops can be closer to full-time commitment.\u00a0<\/p>\n<ol><\/ol>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||10px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Why Intern?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>9 out of 10 employers say they look for new grads with internship experience<\/li>\n<li>Just over 70% of employers end up offering their interns full-time jobs. Almost 80% of students accept these offers.<br \/>(National Association of Colleges and Employers)<\/li>\n<li>According to 34% of college graduates, doing an internship has significantly impacted career directions and employment opportunities. <br \/>(National Association of Colleges and Employers)<\/li>\n<li>At least 60% of students in each graduating class since 2013 completed an internship and\/or co-op during their time in college.<br \/>(National Association of Colleges and Employers)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol><\/ol>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Internship vs. Part-Time Job: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>What makes internships unique is the focus on student learning. This is an opportunity for you, as the student, to apply skills learned in the classroom or elsewhere, that tie to your academic, career and\/or personal goals. While the you might perform some roles that are not for your learning, the goal is for you to explore and practice your professional identity under supervision and with mentoring.<\/p>\n<p>For example: say you want to apply your writing skills and learn professionalism by writing press releases for a department. The expectation of the employer\/supervisor is that you will need some coaching and guidance and you are not expected to accomplish the task perfectly on the first try. With feedback from your mentor\/supervisor, however, the final output will be more professional, well written and allow you to offer a fresh, student oriented perspective that relates to the business&#8217; audience.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Internships for Academic Credit<\/strong><span style=\"font-family: Gotham, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'sans-serif';font-size: 20px\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/slcd\/files\/2015\/06\/WOU-internship_brochure.pdf\"><\/a><span>Policies and procedures regarding internships for credit, are somewhat unique to each academic department at WOU. Most programs have a designated course of 1-12 available upper-division credits. The program or designated faculty member stipulates prerequisites as well as a process for creating learning outcomes, reflection and supervision. Here is a <a href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/experiential-learning\/resourcetools\/internships__trashed\/list-of-internship-courses\/\">list of internship courses by major<\/a>, available to WOU students.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>In order for an internship or an experiential learning activity to be eligible for academic credit, several individuals must work together: the student, faculty advisor, and the site supervisor. Below you will find general guidelines helpful in getting started.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/files\/2015\/06\/NACE-Improving-Academic-Internships.docx\">NACE Improving Academic Internships<\/a>, <em>National Association of Colleges and Employers<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;33px|||||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;8px||22px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;0.3%|auto||auto|false|false&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||true|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; header_2_font=&#8221;Montserrat|600|||||||&#8221; min_height=&#8221;44px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||7px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center\">Preparing for an Internship Search<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;#d3d3d3&#8243; divider_weight=&#8221;2px&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; width=&#8221;19%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_enable_image=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;5px|3%||3%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;2%|5%|0%|5%|false|true&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;7px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#e9712b&#8221; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step 1: Know yourself<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>What personal strengths, skills, interests, and values do I have?<\/li>\n<li>Make a list of possible job titles and fields of interest to you<\/li>\n<li>Pick two or three careers you plan to pursue<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; header_3_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2%|5%|0%|5%|false|true&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;7px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#3fa2a5&#8243; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step 2: Know where you want to work\/intern<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Research organizations or companies that might hire someone with your skills, interests, and background<\/li>\n<li>Pay close attention to desired qualifications in these fields and know what employers are looking for<\/li>\n<li>Make a list of 10 (or more) potential employers for these types of work and where they are located<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|3%||3%|false|true&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;0px|5%||5%|false|true&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;2%|5%|0%|5%|false|true&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;7px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#6d9e4f&#8221; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step 3: Get ready to search<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Build your resume and cover letter and have them reviewed by a professional in the field or an CPP staff member<\/li>\n<li>Prepare a portfolio or work samples to highlight your experiences, skills, and talents<span style=\"font-size: medium\"><\/span><\/li>\n<li>Develop your &#8220;30-second speech&#8221; which briefly tells someone who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you want to work\/intern in this field<\/li>\n<li>Confirm at least three individuals who will serve as a <a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/files\/2022\/03\/Reference-Sheet-Outline-2022-CPP.pdf\">reference<\/a> for you<\/li>\n<li>Practice and develop your interview skills &#8211; answer common interview questions and complete a mock interview with CPP<\/li>\n<li>Have proper interview attire for the field you plan to work in<\/li>\n<li>Make sure your voicemail is set-up with a professional-sounding voicemail recording<\/li>\n<li>Create\/update your <a href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/students\/making-connections\/linkedin\/\">LinkedIn<\/a> profile<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;2%|5%|0%|5%|false|true&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;7px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#a3a3a3&#8243; border_width_right=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_right=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; border_width_left=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_left=&#8221;rgba(51,51,51,0.18)&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step 4: Start searching<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Update your profile on <a href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/home\/services\/wolflink\/\">WolfLink\/Handshake<\/a> and upload your resume<\/li>\n<li>Check Handshake regularly for internship opportunities and review emails\/opportunities sent via email by both CPP and your department\/major<\/li>\n<li>Keep track of your contacts, interviews, and internships you apply for<\/li>\n<li>Create a list of potential networking contacts and stay in touch (LinkedIn)<\/li>\n<li>Follow-up on opportunities you apply for with a phone call to express your interest and excitement<\/li>\n<li>Send Thank You letters or emails to every person who interviews you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/files\/2015\/06\/WOU-internship_brochure.pdf&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Internship Guide&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;|||150px||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/files\/2022\/03\/An-Internship-and-Job-Search-Checklist-2022-CPP.pdf&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Internship Search Checklist&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;|||37px||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||12px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/wou-cip\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">WOU Community Internship Program (WOU CiP)<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n<p><span>The WOU Community Internship Program (WOU CiP) provides access to academically and career relevant paid on-campus internship opportunities for Western students.\u00a0WOU students are able to gain invaluable internship experiences that facilitate professional development and integration of classroom knowledge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>To learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/wou-cip\">WOU CiP<\/a> page.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/internships\/fund\/\">Internship Fund<\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span>Through generous donations by benefactors on and off campus, WOU has funding available for students scheduled to participate in internships. This funding program is intended to alleviate the costs incurred by a student as a result of participating in an internship crucial to their career success. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Requests have included support to purchase professional clothing\/shoes and transportation\/gas. Awards have ranged from $50 \u2013 $400 dollars.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>To learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/internships\/fund\/\">Internship Fund<\/a> page.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; module_class=&#8221;fixed&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/files\/2021\/10\/redBG.gif&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_3,1_3,1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; width=&#8221;81.7%&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;28px|0px|28px|0px|true|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;15px&#8221; header_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|||on|||||&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Quick Links<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"textwidget\">\n<p><a style=\"color: #fff\" href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/home\/services\/wolflink\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WolfLink\/Handshake<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a style=\"color: #fff\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/students\/appointments\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Schedule an Appointment<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a style=\"color: #fff\" href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/wou-cip\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WOU Community Internship Program<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wou.careercenterguides.com\/\" style=\"color: #ffffff\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Career Guide<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; text_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; header_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|||on|||||&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Contact Us<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><a href=\"mailto:pathways@wou.edu\" style=\"color: #ffffff;text-decoration: underline\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pathways@wou.edu<\/a><\/span><br \/>503-838-8432<\/p>\n<p><strong>Erin Lieuallen<\/strong><br \/>Assistant Director<br \/><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><a href=\"mailto:lieuallene@wou.edu\" style=\"color: #ffffff\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">lieuallene@wou.edu<\/a><\/span><br \/>503-838-8041<\/p>\n<p>Or stop by between 9am-5pm Monday-Friday &#8211; Student Success Center 205<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Internships for Students Experience matters Doing an&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1334,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"Internships can truly enhance students' education by expanding skill sets and exposure to real world situations. It is no longer a question of whether or not a student should do an internship during their college careers, but rather how many.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/slcd\/internships\/fund\/\">Internship Fund<\/a><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<span>Through generous donations by benefactors on and off campus, WOU has funding available for students scheduled to participate in internships. This funding program is intended to alleviate the costs incurred by a student as a result of participating in an internship crucial to their career success. <\/span>\r\n\r\n<span>Requests have included support to purchase professional clothing\/shoes and transportation\/gas. Awards have ranged from $50 \u2013 $400 dollars.<\/span>\r\n\r\nTo learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/slcd\/internships\/fund\/\">Internship Fund<\/a> page.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/slcd\/wou-cip\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">WOU Community Internship Program (WOU CiP)<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\r\n<span>The WOU Community Internship Program (WOU CiP) provides access to academically and career relevant paid on-campus internship opportunities for Western students.\u00a0WOU students are able to gain invaluable internship experiences that facilitate professional development and integration of classroom knowledge.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nTo learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/slcd\/wou-cip\">WOU CiP<\/a>\u00a0page.\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left\">Preparing for an Internship Search<\/h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSLCD offers students a variety of career-related programs, events, and appointments that can help students in their internship preparation, search, and experience. Learn more below or <a href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/slcd\/home\/services\/contact-us\/\">contact our staff<\/a> for additional details.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Search for internships on <a href=\"http:\/\/wou.joinhandshake.com\">WolfLink<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/slcd\/files\/2015\/06\/Job-Internship-Search-Checklist.pdf\">Job Internship Search Checklist<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/slcd\/students\/appointments\/\">Make an Appointment with SLCD Staff<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=1&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjc666TtdXMAhUJ2mMKHesaCokQFggdMAA&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.internships.com%2Fpredictor&amp;usg=AFQjCNHQSxbF2vmPUjty0T1cf5uwDjvxFQ\">Internship Predictor<\/a>\u00a0- An assessment tool that may assist students in identifying internship goals<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/slcd\/files\/2015\/06\/WOU-internship_brochure.pdf\">WOU Internship Guide for Students<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<hr \/>\r\n\r\n[section=What is an Internship?]\r\n\r\nTo ensure that an experience is educational, and thus eligible to be considered a legitimate internship by the <em>National Association of Colleges and Employers<\/em> definition, all the following criteria must be met:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>The experience must be an extension of the classroom: a learning experience that provides for applying the knowledge gained in the classroom. It must not be simply to advance the operations of the employer or be the work that a regular employee would routinely perform.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The skills or knowledge learned must be transferable to other employment settings.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The experience has a defined beginning and end, and a job description with desired qualifications.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>There are clearly defined learning objectives\/goals related to the professional goals of the student\u2019s academic coursework.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>There is supervision by a professional with expertise and educational and\/or professional background in the field of the experience.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>There is routine feedback by the experienced supervisor.<em>\u00a0<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>There are resources, equipment, and facilities provided by the host employer that support learning objectives\/goals.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<strong>Experiences that Typically DO NOT qualify as Internships:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Commission-based positions.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Internships located in home-based businesses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Situations where 100% of the work is done remotely or virtually.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Positions in which the intern displaces a regular employee.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Positions that require door-to-door canvassing, cold-calling, or petition gathering.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>\"Independent contractor\" relationships that require the intern to set up his\/her own business for the purpose of selling products, services, and\/or recruiting other individuals to set up their own business.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Family-owned businesses or positions supervised by a family member.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Telemarketing positions.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Positions in which the student is required to pay the employer for any part of the experience (fees for training, etc.).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Internship vs. Part-Time Job: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/strong>\r\n\r\nWhat makes internships unique is the focus on student learning. This is an opportunity for the student to apply skills learned in the classroom or elsewhere, that tie to the student\u2019s academic, career or personal goals. While the student might perform some roles that are not for their learning, the goal is for them to explore and practice their professional identity under supervision and with mentoring.\r\n\r\nAn example could be a student wanting to apply their writing skills and learn professionalism by writing press releases for a department. The expectation is that the student needs some coaching and guidance and not be expected to accomplish the task perfectly on\u00a0the\u00a0first try. With gentle feedback, however, the final output will be professional, well written and offer a fresh, student oriented perspective that relates to your audience.\r\n\r\n[endsection]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>[section=Benefits of an Internship]<\/span>\r\n\r\n<strong><u>Students<\/u><\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Gain exposure to real-world problems and issues that perhaps are not found in textbooks.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Cultivate adaptability and creativity in a dynamic world.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Increase marketability to employers. On average, only 30% of graduating seniors have job offers before graduation; however, after completing an internship, that figure rises to 58%.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Evaluate specific companies or specific careers prior to committing to full-time employment\u2014a \"try before you buy\" type experience.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Ease transition from being a student to entering the workforce.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Increase opportunities within a company for faster advancement and growth.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Increase self-confidence in the workplace while developing an expanded network of associates and professionals.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Facilitate a higher starting salary than non-interns. In a recent study interns received, on average, $2,240 more than non-interns for starting salary.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Have resume-building experiences while applying academic concepts and principles.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Have opportunities to fund college education.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Have personal growth experiences and exposure to different job opportunities.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Have hands-on opportunities to work with equipment and technology that may not be available on campus.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong><u>Department\/University<\/u><\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Provides learning experiences that are more valuable than case studies and lectures.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Connects faculty to current trends within their professional field.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Develops more competitive and employable graduates.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Increases program credibility and student excellence as well as stronger ties with alumni in the professional fields.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Validates the university's curriculum in a working environment.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Improves post-graduation statistics for the university.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>May accelerate corporate fund-raising efforts.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong><u>Internship Providers<\/u><\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Creates the opportunity to recruit future employees. (In one year, Hewlett Packard recruited 70% of its new hires from its pool of interns.)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Gives the opportunity to evaluate prospective employees virtually risk free.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Saves money since an intern receives less pay and fewer benefits than a full-time employee.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Functions as flexible, cost-effective work force without long-term commitments.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Frees up professional staff to pursue more creative projects.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Offers a year-round source of highly motivated pre-professionals.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Garners quality candidates for temporary or seasonal positions and short-term projects.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Brings new and innovative ideas to an employer.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Presents an excellent way to find new, energetic, and skilled employees who bring latest industry knowledge fresh from lectures and other campus resources.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Seamlessly converts student interns to full-time employees who can be immediately productive.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Strengthens the bond with the university and projects a favorable image in the community.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Allows the employer the opportunity to have an impact on molding the lives of students.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<span>[endsection]<\/span><span><\/span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>[section=Internships for Academic Credit]<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span>Policies and procedures regarding internships for credit, are somewhat unique to each academic department at WOU. Most programs have a designated course of 1-12 available credits. The program or designated faculty member stipulates prerequisites as well as a process for creating learning outcomes, reflection and supervision.\u00a0<\/span>In order for an internship or an experiential learning activity to be eligible for academic credit, several individuals must work together: the student, faculty advisor, and the site supervisor. Below you will find general guidelines helpful in getting started.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/slcd\/files\/2015\/06\/NACE-Improving-Academic-Internships.docx\">NACE Improving Academic Internships<\/a>, <em>National Association of Colleges and Employers<\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<span>[endsection]<\/span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[section=Best Practices and Legal Issues]\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nsee.org\/8-principles\">8 Principles for Experiential Learning Activities<\/a>, <em>National Society for Experiential Education<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.naceweb.org\/internships\/15-best-practices.aspx\">15 Best Practices for Internship Programs<\/a>, <em>National Association of Colleges and Employers<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/standards.cas.edu\/getpdf.cfm?PDF=E86CFB4D-0B9E-4853-6D82720BE0779895\">Internship Program Standards<\/a>,\u00a0<em>Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.naceweb.org\/advocacy\/position-statements\/united-states-internships.aspx\">Position Statement on Internships<\/a>, <em>National Association of Colleges and Employers<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.gov\/whd\/regs\/compliance\/whdfs71.htm\">Internship Programs Under the Fair Labor Standards Act<\/a>, <em>U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/slcd\/files\/2015\/06\/Legal-Issues-of-Internships-NACE-2015.docx\">Legal Issues: Internships<\/a>,\u00a0<em>National\u00a0Association\u00a0of Colleges and Employers<\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[endsection]<span><\/span>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-3631","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3631","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1334"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3631"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3631\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":108297,"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3631\/revisions\/108297"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/professional-pathways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3631"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}