Internship Program

I. Why Do An Internship?

For personal reasons:  Boost your self-confidence; improve your communication and interaction skills; prepare for life after graduation; gain a greater clarity about your career.

For academic reasons:  Integrate classroom theory with real-life experiences; understand the relevance of your course work; increase your motivation to learn; use resources that may not be available on campus.

For professional reasons:  Explore a potential career field; develop career-related skills and abilities, including effective job search strategies, resume writing and interviewing techniques; establish a work history; observe professional people and behavior; build a network of professional contacts; gain a competitive edge for employment or graduate school admission.

Hear how internships benefit you as a student and also the employer.
Julie Clerc - Italian Home for Children
Daniel Keeley - Marine Biology Laboratory
Washington Interns:  Zohaa Basra, Kristin Helm, Kristen Rowe and Alexandra Sousa
Melanie Lima - Melanie Lima, Director of Development at the Italian Home for Children talks about the value that interns bring to the workplace.
 

II. Student's Role/Guidelines

  1. Meet with a Career Services staff person to explore internship options and discuss the necessary paperwork

  2. Gain internship approval from your academic department.  Your Internship Faculty Supervisor should be available to sit down with you to explore your options, discuss internship search strategies and give you credit approval if you meet the minimum GPA requirement in your major as well as any specific course requirements prior to you securing an internship site placement.  Note:  Role of the Faculty Internship Supervisor

  3. Searching for an Internship Site:  Options include:  CareeerLink@BSU postings on Career Services website, networking with faculty for leads, or creating your own internship. 

  4. Upon securing your internship placement, complete the Application for Internship or Practicum form along with securing signatures on this document

  5. Obtaining the credit:  Submit your completed internship form to the Registrar's Office on/before the appropriate deadline date for each semester/summer.  NOTE:  Summer internships for credit are also course credit and require tuition and fees.

  6. Liability Insurance - Bridgewater State University holds a liability insurance policy that covers students in the performance of their internship during the agreed upon duration.

III. Commonly Asked Questions

What is an internship?

  • An internship is a temporary work experience that complements your academic course work.

  • It provides an opportunity to expand your skills, explore careers and pursue career goals, while at the same time allows you to begin building a professional network of contacts.

  • Internships often lead to offers of full-time employment.

When am I eligible to do an internship?

 In general,

  • Sophomores can do an internship for non-credit only (paid or unpaid).

  • As a junior and senior, you can do an internship for credit or non-credit / paid or non-paid.  Credited internships must be approved by your academic department prior to the experience.

  • Internships for academic credit require a minimum GPA of 2.5. Some departments may have a higher standard.  Some departments have specific criteria for internships within their majors.  Be sure to check with your major department's faculty internship supervisor.

 How much time does it require?

  • An internship is a semester-long experience.  It can be done during the fall, spring or summer.

  • Credit-bearing internships require 45 clocked hours per academic credit.*  (i.e., to earn 3 academic credits, a student typically interns 10-15 hours per week = 135 hours/semester.

  • Summer internships can be full or part-time.

 (Note:  Academic credit earned for summer internships falls outside the normal academic year tuition and fees and must be paid for separately as a summer course.)

 How many internships can I do?

  • Three to fifteen credits, unless otherwise noted in the college catalog, may be earned and applied towards graduation requirements.

  • The number of credits applied towards the major is determined by each department.

Are Internships paid?

  • An internship can be paid or unpaid.  Depending on the field of employment, internships generally pay $8-$20 per hour.  Typically internships in the social services and communication studies fields do not pay.

What is the difference between an internship and a part-time job?

  • An internship is related to your academic major and provides a paraprofessional experience.  You work alongside, are trained and supervised by, and receive feedback from an on-site supervisor.

  • While you may be asked to perform some clerical tasks (filing, errands, copying), you should also have the opportunity for more meaningful projects that will help build your resume.

  • A part-time job may or may not be related to your major field of study.  You are paid to perform specific duties once trained and supervision does not include reflection, review and bridging the gap between theoretical coursework and practical experience.

Other things to consider:

Do I want to do an internship for credit or non-credit?
If you would like to earn credit, contact your department to find out about the academic requirements and procedures.

Do I want a paid or unpaid internship?
Some of the best internships are unpaid.  If it is an unpaid internship, consider the experience your payment!  Remember, the main reason for doing an internship is to gain experience, establish professional networks, and build your resume.

What type of position do I want?  What skills do I have?
Career Services offers appointments, self-assessment tools, and resources to help with this process.

  • Location

    • If you do not have a car, your options may be more limited

    • Consider on-campus possibilities and investigate sites that are accessible by public transportation

    • What are the travel costs?

  • What kind of work environment best suits me?

Preparing for the search

  • Start early and get organized.  Begin your internship search at least one term prior to your targeted internship start date.  Many organizations hire summer summer interns in the late fall or early spring.

  • Set aside time each week to focus on internship search strategies.

  • Develop a filing and tracking system to document and organize your internship search contacts.

  • Develop a system to organize your electronic files (resumes and letters).  You can store your resumes and cover letters through your CareerLink account.

  • Develop a draft of your  Make sure to relate your skills to the position requirements.

  • Draft a cover letter that can be customized to fit specific positions.  Let the company know why they are of interest to you.

Register in CareerLink, review the Career Services Office handouts on Resumes and Cover Letters, schedule an appointment with the Career Services Internship Adviser, and have your resume and cover letter critiqued by a Career Services counselor.

Search Strategies

The Internship Adviser is available to sit down with you to explore your options and discuss internship search strategies.

  • Review postings in CareerLink

  • Create your own internship!   Only a small percentage of internship opportunities are advertised in the open market.

    • Research employers in your field.  Contact their Human Resources Office to inquire about internship opportunities.

    • Network with individuals.  Talk with family and friends; use LinkedIn.com; FACEBOOK.  (As a reminder, employers look at digital footprints.  Clean up your digital dirt before you embark on an internship search.  Remember, you want to project a professional image.

    • Attend career fairs - bring your resume!

  • Consider an internship with The Washington Center. 

Narrow your search to three possible sites for interviews.  Prior to sending a cover letter and resume, contact each employer either by phone or email to confirm the availability of the opening for the semester of interest, the contact information and address.  Confirm compensation if indicated.

After applying for a position, always follow up to check on the status of your submission and to see where the search committee is in the hiring cycle. Do not call the Hiring Manager if the internship description specifies "No Phone Calls".

The Interview

  • You may be asked to interview with the employer by phone, in person, or both.  Prior to the interview, refer to the Career Services Effective Interviewing guide and/or schedule an appointment with a Career Services counselor for a mock interview.

  • Remember that an internship is a professional work experience.  Arrive at your interview wearing appropriate attire.  A suit may not be necessary, but minimally a shirt, tie, slacks and shoes for men with similar attire for women  No jeans, t-shirts or athletic shoes.

  • Bring copies of your resume with you and a list of three references.

Upon accepting an internship offer, inform all other employers you may have been considering that you have accepted another offer so they can remove your application from consideration.

The Internship Experience

Before you begin

  • Obtain a written summary from the site placement, on letterhead, that details the expected duties and/or special projects assigned, and wage - if applicable.

  • Complete the college's Application for Internship or Practicum form.

  • Meet with your site supervisor to determine your schedule, expectations for the internship, appropriate dress, parking arrangements and finalize start and end dates.

Tips for Successful Internships

  1. Define the scope of the experience at the onset. Try to get a broad generalists perspective but also have some clearly defined projects for completion.

  2. Plan and set regular staff meetings with your site supervisor to let each other know your progress and where you need support.

  3. Report concerns or problems immediately.

  4. Be on time and be willing to go the extra mile. Show your enthusiasm, professionalism and ability to work well with others.

  5. Keep a journal or daily log of your experience. This will help you to identify your accomplishments more easily at the end of the experience.

  6. Dress professionally. Observe the dress code of the organization.

  7. Learn about the organizational culture, norms and expectations.

  8. Seek out mentors and support people in the organization.

  9. Attend professional association meetings, conferences and staff meetings when appropriate.

  10. Avoid office politics, gossip and romantic relationships.

  11. Treat everyone with respect and kindness including clients, secretaries and constituents.

  12. Be polite and assertive. Have a positive attitude even if some tasks are not what you hope to do in the future.

  13. Be a good listener and establish yourself.

  14. Establish good working relationships with site and faculty supervisors so you can leave with contacts within the field and a strong letter(s) of reference.

  15. Ask for support in your job search efforts or indicate an interest in the organization if it appears to be a place you would consider for employment in the future.

Careerlink@BSU - Career Service Internship Database

The internship database maintained by the Career Services Office has hundreds of opportunities for students considering internships. The internships can be searched by career field, geographic location as well as paid and unpaid opportunities.  Available to current BSU students and alumni only, the database may be accessed online at www.bridgew.edu/careerservices/careerlink.

Other Sites:

Federal Government - Student Internship Programs - The Federal Government is interested in finding people from diverse backgrounds who have skills needed to meet its future employment needs.  While some agencies have developed agency-specific programs, this internship listing has special programs that can be used for hiring in all Federal agencies.

Healthcarehiring.com - Career training and opportunities in health, medical and biotechnology fields.

Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) National Internship Program - HACU operates out of the organization's Washington, DC office, and places 600 student interns each year with federal agencies in Washington or in field offices around the country.  College-level students looking for an internship opportunity may want to consider applying.  Hundreds of students each year are placed in paid federal and corporate internships throughout the U.S. and Puerto. Rico.   

Idealist - A directory of nonprofit and volunteering resources on the Web, with information provided by 15,000 organizations in 130 countries.  Maintained by Action Without Borders.

INROADS - INROADS develops and places talented minority youth in business and industry and prepares them for corporate and community leadership.  Preference goes to African American, Hispanic and Native American high school and college students with 3.0 or better grade averages.

International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans - Internship Program - I.F. Interns gain experience in the dynamic field of employee benefits, human resources and compensation.  The International Foundation offers two options for internships in this field. 

Internships.com - The world's largest internship marketplace.

Internships4you - Find the experience you need to succeed.  Market your skills to secure the ideal internship.  Access quality internship openings worldwide.

Internship Listings - Feminist Career Center

Internship Programs.com - A national listing of internships throughout the United States.

InternWeb.com - An online resource that is devoted solely to student internships.  This site showcases a free national database with hundreds of internship opportunities.

Making the Difference - Federal Internships

Massachusetts Biotechnology Council - Use this website to explore biotech companies in Massachusetts for internship or employment leads.

Massachusetts Life Sciences Center's Internship Challenge - A workforce development program focused on enhancing the talent pipeline for Massachusetts companies engaged in life sciences.  The program facilitates the placement of students and recent graduates, who are considering career opportunities in the life sciences.

MassTech Internship - The MassTech Intern Partnership portal creates a direct pathway to internship opportunities for careers with innovative tech sector businesses and start-ups in Massachusetts.  You can find internship opportunities with firms in innovative technology sectors including:  Big Data and Analytics; Digital Interactive Gaming; Digital Interactive Media; Digital Marketing and Internet Business; Health IT and Ed Tech and Mobil Communications.  Apply Online Now!

Stay in MA - Stay in MA is a scholarship program for Massachusetts-based college students funded by Flybridge Capital Partners. The program is focused on fostering entrepreneurship and innovation between students and the local business community by providing financial assistance to students interested in joining or attending the events of technology and business organizations in the region. Scholarships are available for any currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student up to $100 per event per student.

TV Jobs - Broadcast Employment Services - This site lists opportunities in the broadcast field.

YouTern - YouTern is dedicated to matching the best young talent to leading organizations through internships.

Vista Web by Friends of VISTA - Since 1965, over 120,000 Americans have performed national service as VISTA Volunteers.   VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) places individuals with community-based agencies to help find long-term solutions to the problems caused by urban and rural poverty. 

Washington Center Internship Program -  The Washington Center is a non-profit, educational organization that provides full-time internships for college students from more than 800 colleges and universities in the United States and abroad.  Students are placed in internships in government offices, communications organizations, law firms, trade and professional associations, human rights groups and a host of other organizations in the DC area.  All majors are encouraged to apply. 

Postgraduate Professional Development Program (PPDP).  Introducing a NEW Postgraduate Professional Development Program!  Spring quarter 2012 brings a new opportunity for recent graduates interested in interning through the Washington Center.  For the first time this year, TWC will offer a 10-week option from March 11 to May 19, 2012 for students who wish to pursue the Postgraduate Professional Development Program (PPDP).

Check out what Katie Messner '10 had to say about her experience in our nation's capital. 

Application material that describes the program in detail is available in the Career Services Office, Campus Center, Room 8. To learn more about the program visit The Washington Center website.

Last Modified: March 12, 2013