The Academic Internship Program at a glance...

Quick Facts:

• Students can work any number of hours above the minimum of 150 hours per term (10 hours per week)
• Students earn academic credit
• Students from any major at UC can participate
• Students can complete a single or multiple internships
• Internships with not-for-profit organizations can be paid or unpaid
• Your participation is completely flexible, you can hire every term or intermittently as you have needs
• There is a pipeline of students available each term

Two term sequence

The Academic Internship Program for students is a two term sequence. The first term is spent in the classroom in a course called Exploring Academic Internships (PD 3000). This course is intended to prepare students for the internship search process and for success on their internships.

The second term of the sequence is the internship experience itself. Students will work with you to create an individualized plan for the number of hours a week and days that they will work based on their class schedule.

Finding the right intern

During the Exploring Academic Internship course, we will make the resumes of the students in that course available to all potential internship employers. You will be able to review resumes and contact students based the needs of your organization. We are also always available for help in identifying students who might be a good fit for you.

After identifying students of interest, you are welcome to contact them directly and arrange for interviews. You are welcome to invite students to your location to conduct interviews, but can also take advantage of our interview space on campus if you prefer. Following interviews, you can make offers to students in which you are interested.

A successful internship experience

Very early in the internship experience the intern and their supervisor will meet to discuss and set Learning Objectives. We have learned that when students and their supervisors agree early on what the goals of the internship experience are and what kinds of projects and work the intern will be involved with, the stage is set for a much higher level of success for both the student and their employer.

Students and their supervisors will also be participating in a series of reflection and assessment activities during the internship. Students are required to complete Learning Modules during their internship; these modules encourage the student to look at their internship holistically, and provide the students with guided professional development. We encourage students to consult individuals within their internship organization as they complete these modules.

As the internship nears its end, students and employers have the opportunity to look back at the total experience to reflect and assess. We've developed a comprehensive evaluation that will provide students with valuable feedback on their learning and performance both from their own reflection and the input of their internship supervisor.