Internships
An internship is a vital part of finding employment after college! The National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE) reported in 2016 that 72.2% of paid interns with private, for-profit companies received a job offer, while only 36% of students with no internship experience did so.
Internships allow a student to gain valuable career experience and professional skills, as well as provide opportunities to network for that first position! Internships also provide an opportunity to know what you may NOT want to do once you graduate.
There are two kinds of internships: Those for academic credit and those that are non-academic. Non-academic credit internships do not have to be vetted through the university and are essentially volunteer or temporary employment in the students’ field of choice.
If in a major with an internship requirement for graduation, students must meet eligibility requirements from their academic department prior to participating in the for-credit-internship. The following guide is specifically for internships for credit.
How do I find an internship?
The first step in finding an internship is to visit your faculty advisor or department secretary as they may have resources and suggestions to help you in the application process. You are responsible for locating and applying for internship positions on your own, the university will not provide an internship for you. Other ways to find an internship include:
- Searching for internship opportunities on Handshake (Click on the jobs tab).
- Network with family, friends or BU alumni in a career field of interest. Opportunities on campus can be found through campus events like the COLA Symposium or COST Pathways, the multiple Career Expos held throughout the year, or via panel presentations and workshops hosted by your academic department or college. Many of these opportunities are posted on Handshake or in your academic department.
- Personal research of opportunities in your field of study.
Am I eligible?
Every Bloomsburg University student may participate in a non-academic internship, and those who meet eligibility requirements can participate in a for-credit internship. Those requirements vary by department. Again, the best way to learn your eligibility is to meet with your adviser.
In general, to participate in an internship you must have: earned a minimum 2.0 GPA (Grade Point Average); completed all credits or specific courses required by your department. (Student teaching, field experience or residency that are required for certification or licensure do not quality for academic internship credits.)
When can I complete an internship?
You can complete an internship any time of the year: fall, spring, summer or winter sessions. If your internship is for-credit, however, there may be a timeline for completion. It is best to check with your academic adviser.
How do I apply?
After meeting with your adviser, you may apply directly to partner organizations offering internship opportunities.
Search Handshake for posted internship opportunities.
Before you begin your for credit internship, the internship application, 509 form, must be completed.
Whether for-credit or non-credit, you will most likely need to submit a professional resume and may need to prepare for an interview, whether in person, over the phone or virtually. While not a requirement for all internships, it is always helpful to submit a resume and cover letter with your application. If you need help or don’t know where to start, you can access resume toolkits on Handshake and make an appointment via Handshake with a peer coach at the Greenly Center. Bloomu.edu/careers
New Electronic 509 Internship Application
We are pleased to announce the 509 Internship Application is now an E-Form. This form can be accessed via the MyHusky Student Center. Instructions on how to complete the new form can be found on the MyHusky tutorial page.
Other resources include:
- Requesting an AA (Faculty or Organization):
- Active Affiliation Agreement List - Previously known as the A-Z List
- How to Submit 509 Form
- Submit a 509 Internship Application
What is the cost and will I get paid?
You are responsible for the cost of tuition and some fees as, you may earn one to 15 credits for successfully completing an internship, or what equals 40 hours per credit at the workplace site. Depending on the location, you may have travel or lodging expenses. Some employers offer a stipend to help cover these costs and there are some other resources that may provide funding to offset the cost of participating in a for-credit internship, like Professional Experience Grants
Employers offer both paid and unpaid internships. While wages are a consideration in selecting an opportunity, the quality of the internship experience should also be considered when applying for internships.
Will I be graded on my internship?
Just as any for-credit course, your performance will be assessed and you will receive a grade. Grading criteria are determined by your faculty internship instructor and your department. Your internship course and grade will appear on your college transcript.
What will I be required to do?
As with a job, you are expected to show up on time, conduct yourself appropriately to the workplace and complete all work assigned to you. Your department may require you to keep a daily log or a journal to track your time worked and your experience for grading purposes. Some departments expect interns to attend seminars or group meetings.
Alumni & Professional Engagement
The department of Alumni & Professional Engagement identifies BU partner organizations, executes affiliation agreements and promotes internship opportunities in collaboration with faculty advisors in all four colleges. If you are having a hard time finding an internship, you can find them at the Greenly Center in downtown Bloomsburg or email them at internships@bloomu.edu They can also assist with resumes and cover letters, and host several Career Expos on campus throughout the year where you can meet employers well before it’s time to apply to an internship.