The [company name] internship program is a great way to get started in your career. If you’re a student looking to get some real-world experience while still earning college credit, this is the opportunity for you.
Here’s how it works:
- You’ll be paired with one of our team members in your area of interest, who will work with you on a project that suits your skills and interests.
- We’ll give you feedback along the way so that by the end of your internship, we’ll have helped you write a polished resume and cover letter—and have given you some great references!
Internship For Academic Credit
Internships provide structured learning experiences and must be evaluated by a faculty member and approved in advance by the department you are seeking academic credit from. Credit is only awarded for internships that incorporate a hands-on experience per the duties outlined in the contract, and includes academic components which are determined at the discretion of your faculty sponsor. Academic credit internships should provide an opportunity for you to apply and supplement knowledge gained in the classroom. Academic departments have the final decision for the approval of an academic internship.
Interested in doing an internship for credit? Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Check With Your Academic Department
- Speak to your department about their requirements for receiving credit for an internship. Requirements vary by department. Review the most current version of the academic catalog.
Step 2: Choose a Faculty Sponsor Within Your Department
- Within your department, choose a faculty sponsor and speak to them about the type of academic work that will be required throughout the internship, and ways in which you will meet throughout the semester. Ask them how you will be evaluated.
Step 3: Search For and Secure an Internship
- Check out Handshake – UMW’s job and internship portal for students and alumni. You can search for internships by keyword, major, location, etc. Log in today!
- Network – Talk to family, friends, and professors to make connections.
- Visit the Career Center – Our coaches and Peer Career Consultants (PCCs) can help you navigate your internship search through one-on-one appointments, review and update your resume and cover letter, and practice your interview skills.
Step 4: Review Criteria & Policies
- You must be degree-seeking at UMW.
- You must have at least 12 credit hours earned at UMW or have earned an Associate’s Degree.
- You must have a G.P.A. of 2.0 or better at the start of the semester in which the internship occurs.
- International students with F-1 or J-1 visa status must see the international student advisor in the Center for International Education (CIE) to make certain they are eligible for internships/employment.
- If you are seeking an internship abroad, you should contact the Center for International Education prior to seeking academic credit.
- Adding or dropping an internship is not completed until the Registrar’s Office has been contacted by you and the request has been processed. You are responsible for verifying that your internship has been added or dropped and the information on your schedule is correct.
- Academic internships which will result in registration for more than 18 credit hours (an overload) must be approved by Academic Services prior to the internship being added to your schedule (note: additional fees will apply).
- Credit awarded is based on hours worked. You must complete the required minimum hours during the course of the semester in order to receive credit:
1 credit – 42 hours
2 credits – 84 hours
3 credits – 126 hour
4 credits – 168 hours
5 credits – 210 hours
6 credits – 252 hours
Step 5: Speak to Your Internship Site Supervisor
- Have a conversation with your future internship site supervisor. Explain the internship policies, hour requirements, and contract.
Step 6: Complete the Academic Internship Contract
- You must fully complete the Academic Internship Contract– read all policies, complete all questions, and collect all signatures.
- Make a copy of your internship contract for your faculty sponsor.
Step 7: Submit Completed Contract to the Office of the Registrar
- Submit your completed contract to the Office of the Registrar – Lee Hall 2nd floor
- After two to three business days, check that the internship has been added to your schedule.
- Completed contracts MUST be approved prior to the end of the add/drop period. Check with your academic department for other deadlines. ALL late contracts will need to be approved by the Registar’s Office.
