Experiential learning expands on and enhances your academic experience. Activities of this type can be known by many names - internship, cooperative education (co-op), independent study, practicum, apprenticeship, service learning, field experience, directed research and externship.

Coursework and employment can help you become aware of your interests, values and skills. Employment of all types can provide excellent opportunities for gaining practical experience: part-time employment during the school year and summer employment are examples.

Want an internship? Follow these 3 easy steps...

Step 1 Find a cool position

• look through the binders in Watson 306
• check out the other bulletin boards
• internship search engines
• find one on your own
• send a resume and cover letter to the contact person for the position you are interested in

Step 2 Fill out an application (do this after you’ve secured the position)

• get one in Watson 306
• don’t forget to include a one page proposal
• get your supervisor’s signature
• find one on your own
• turn in to Jessica in Watson 306 at the beginning of the internship

Step 3 Get to work

• 40 hours of work = one hour of credit
• (120 hours = 3 hours of Coms 497 or Jour 492)

You’ll receive an evaluation form in the mail. Give it to your supervisor and remind him/her to send it back to Jessica Baldwin by the deadline .

Why complete an internship?

The most common reason to complete an internship is to gain "real world" experience in an academic field or major. In some cases, students may be trying to decide on a field and hope that the internship will provide direction. Many people need to earn money during summer or school year and some are looking to earn academic credit for their experiences. Internships:

• help in career decision-making.
• allow opportunities for testing classroom learning.
• improve post-graduation job prospects by giving valuable work experience.
• help develop a network of job search contacts.
• teach job-search skills such as resume writing and interviewing.

Things to consider

1. Are you looking for experience, credit, or both?

If you want to receive credit for your efforts, the FIRST thing to do is check with your department to see if you can enroll in a class to earn credit for experiential learning or what opportunities and requirements exist.

2. Do you need to find a paid internship, or could you accept something that is unpaid?

Think about whether or not you could accept an unpaid position. Some unpaid positions could provide the ideal experience, lead to potential job offers or give you some good contacts for future job searches.

3. What kind of experience or position do you want?

Be realistic about the kind of experience you will gain; don't set your expectations too high. Determine the type of experience you are you looking for... Are you looking for formal training in a particular area or do you just want to see what the industry or company is like from the inside?

Once determined, set out to find the right internship to fulfill your learning needs.

4. Do you have geographic limitations or preferences?

Are you willing to go almost anywhere? Or do you need to stay in a specific area, e.g. Dekalb,Chicago?

5. Are you looking for a summer position or something during the school year?

While many internships are available during the summer, don't rule out the possibility of an internship during the semester if you have time.

6. How much time do you wish to devote to your internship?

Internships can range from only a few hours a week to over 40, from a summer to a semester to a year or more.

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