Internships Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I find an internship?
Students are responsible for actively searching for and applying to internship opportunities. Handshake is the primary platform for early‑career hiring, but students should also check individual company websites and use tools like LinkedIn.com, Bandana.com or Google Jobs. Networking with professors, past supervisors, and building connections on LinkedIn can also help identify opportunities. Once you find an internship you’re interested in, apply with an résumé. If you do not have a résumé, students can create one using vMock.
When should I start applying to internships?
It is strongly advised that students begin applying for internships at least one semester prior to when they wish to complete an internship. For example, if you want to complete an internship during the Spring semester, begin applying during the Summer or Fall semester prior. The same applies to identifying competitive summer internships. However, please be advised that some industries begin internship recruitment one year prior. This is especially true for students majoring in Finance, Accounting, Business Management, Computer Science/IT, Biology, Chemistry and other related majors. Students should understand the internship recruitment timeline for their desired industry to be best prepared.
How many internships should I apply to in order when considering an internship?
It is recommended that students apply to 5+ internships per week when seeking internship opportunities. This ensures they are applying to enough opportunities and are staying on task with their internship application timelines. Students can keep track of their applications using a job application tracker or similar to manage their applications.
Now that I secured an internship, how do I register it for Academic Credit?
After you receive an official offer, you are responsible for registering your internship in Handshake Experiences. Career Services and your Academic Department will review your submission to determine whether it meets the criteria for academic credit. If your internship does not meet the criteria, you may be placed into the non‑credit internship option, which still appears on your Co‑Curricular Transcript.
When is the last day I can register my internship for academic credit?
To receive academic credit, you must register your internship in Handshake one week before the the last Second-Half Term Courses drop deadline listed in the academic calendar. Missing this deadline means your internship may not be approved for credit. Because the approval process can take several days, it is your responsibility to submit all required paperwork immediately after receiving your offer and track the progress of the approval process on your own.
Can I complete an internship not for credit?
Absolutely. We encourage students to complete internships and other experiential learning regardless of credit status. We advise all students to register their internships in Handshake Experiences under the Non-Credit option so that they can obtain acknowledgement on their Co-Curricular Transcript.
How many credits can I receive for my internship?
Internships may be taken for 1, 2, or 3 credits. You must register for the correct course and complete the required number of hours associated with that credit level.
How many hours at the internship site are required for the Internship Course?
| Number of Credits | Minimum Working Hours |
|---|---|
| 1 | 40 |
| 2 | 80 |
| 3 | 120 |
Where do I submit my internship for approval?
All internships—credit and non‑credit—must be submitted through Handshake Experiences for review and approval. It is your responsibility to ensure your submission is complete and accurate by tracking the progress within Handshake.
I don’t see my major in the drop-down on Handshake Experiences. Why is that?
Not all majors collect internship submissions in Handshake Experiences. You can learn more about which majors do on the Handshake for Students Resource page.
What happens after my internship agreement is finalized?
Once your internship is approved:
- It will appear in Student Planning
- A corresponding course will appear in Canvas
- You must submit weekly assignments in Canvas
- You must complete a Pre‑Assessment before starting
- You must complete a Post‑Assessment at the end
- Your supervisor will receive a final evaluation to complete
IMPORTANT: Once your internship appears in Student Planning, it is officially a course. If you decide not to complete the internship, you must withdraw from the course following standard university deadlines and notify your internship advisor immediately. Failing to withdraw properly may result in not receiving credit.
Do internship courses require academic work?
Yes. Required assignments vary by major and are posted in Canvas. You are also required to attend Internship Essentials, which is designed to support your success during the internship.
Can I complete an internship this semester and register for the course next semester?
No. You can only earn credit during the same semester in which the internship takes place.
Can I get credit for an internship I completed in the past?
No. Credit cannot be awarded retroactively. Approval must be secured before you begin the internship.
Can I complete an internship in the Summer or Winter semesters?
Yes. Hours and credits will depend on the length of the internship. You are responsible for tracking and completing your required hours.
Can I use my current job as an internship?
No, you cannot use your current full‑time position as your academic internship. However, you may be able to intern in a different department within the same organization if the duties are significantly different and you have a different supervisor. This arrangement must be discussed and approved by Career Services and/or your faculty advisor before you proceed.
Can I use a paid or unpaid internship for credit?
Yes. Both paid and unpaid internships may count for credit if they meet all academic internship criteria.
What if I don’t find an internship before the semester begins?
It is advised to begin your search the semester before you plan to intern. If the semester begins and you still do not have an internship, contact Career Services immediately for job search support and résumé assistance.
What if I don’t finish my internship hours during the semester?
If you do not complete your required hours or assignments, you may not pass the course. If you are falling behind, speak with your academic advisor right away to discuss your options.