Division of Business and Economics
Western Oregon University

The Division of Business and Economics encourages students to gain practical experience through internships. Students need to work about 3 hours a week per credit hour or thirty hours per term per credit hour over a ten week term. Typical internships are 3-4 credit hours per term so students work 90-120 hours (9-12 hours per week). Sponsors direct their work and provide a performance appraisal and a verification of hours worked at term end. The work needs to be related to business in some fashion. Work in specialty areas such as accounting, marketing, sales, operations, human resources and finance would qualify. However, any work that allows the student to experience or observe some facet of business operations would also qualify. Variety and richness of work experience is desirable.

Most of our students find internships themselves. However, a business may contact us if they are considering sponsoring an internship and we will either communicate the opportunity to students or refer possible candidates, depending on the wishes of the potential sponsor. It is then the sponsor’s responsibility to meet with possible candidates to determine if the student fits their needs or not.

Western Oregon University uses a quarter system. For example, this academic year, fall term begins 9/25/2017, winter term begins 1/8/2018 and spring term begins 4/02/2018. Normally students arrange for receiving internship credit with representatives of our department a week or two in advance of those dates.

If you need more information please let me know. Thank you for your interest in our internship program.

Michael Martin
Division of Business
martinm@wou.edu