|
Finding An Internship
 |
Finding an internship can be a challenge! Our
office can help when you are involved in the Experiential Education Program. Print
out this
Internship
Checklist to learn exactly what you need to do to get involved. The Frequently Asked Questions below will help you gain
a good overview of the program. |
- What is an internship or cooperative education placement?
Two main components of experiential education are internships and cooperative education
placements.
Internships and cooperative education placements (co-ops) are work-learning
arrangements. These arrangements are supervised, career-related work experiences
combined with reflective, academic study that help you to “learn by doing".
- How do I get involved?
To participate in the program, students must be classified as at least a sophomore, have a
2.5 or higher GPA and have a declared major.
To get involved, the first step is to attend an internship orientation. These are
held every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the Career & Counseling
Services office, VHAC 210.
Students will also be required to attend a resume and interview workshop along with
posting their completed resume into the Career Services database. Click
here for
involvement checklist.
- What is the difference between an internship and a co-op?
Internships and co-ops are similar in many ways and we typically use the term
"internship" to describe both. However, here are the basic differences.
Internships are typically one-semester experiences. For example, many opportunities
over the summer are internships. Not all internships are paid, although we make
every effort to develop paid positions. Internships also may or may not be
eligible for academic credit. Approval depends on your academic department.
Co-ops are placements that typically last more than one semester. As students move
from one semester to the next, job duties and goals change to reflect student learning in
the classroom and on the job. Co-op positions are always paid and approved for
academic credit.
- How can I benefit from an experiential education experience?
Boost your maturity and self-confidence; improve your communication and interaction
skills; prepare for life after graduation; gain a greater clarity about your career.
Academically: Integrate classroom theory with real-life experiences;
understand the relevance of your course work; increase your motivation to learn; use
resources that are not available on campus.
Professionally: Explore a potential career field; develop career-related
skills and abilities, including effective job search, resume writing and interviewing
techniques; establish a work history; observe professional people and behavior; build a
network of professional contacts; gain a competitive edge for employment or graduate
school admission.
Financially (most co-op & internship placements are paid): Subsidize
tuition costs.
- Do you work with all majors?
Yes. We will work with any major to try and help them find a co-op or internship
experience related to their area of study.
Our placements have tended to be more with business, environmental science, engineering
technology, engineering, biology, pre-pt and mass communications majors, but we will work
with any major.
- Is academic credit available?
Internships and co-ops may be eligible for academic credit, if approved by your academic
department. Credit is typically elective credit. Also, credit may be for one
semester of work; however, many departments require students to work for two semesters in
order to earn credit.
Our office will assist you in coordinating all details with academic departments.
- What is involved in receiving academic credit?
Requirements vary depending on the faculty member supervising the placement; however, here
is basically what you can expect.
At the beginning of the semester you are registered for credit, you develop a set of
learning objectives with your employer. These will be shared with your faculty
advisor and will guide your experience throughout the semester. You will also be
required to send in weekly emails answering questions designed to help you reflect on the
learning experience.
At the end of the semester, your direct supervisor will fill out and discuss an evaluation
form with you. You will also be required to turn in an academic assignment for your
faculty advisor. This could be a paper, an oral presentation, a journal, etc.
Your faculty advisor will take all of the above information into consideration and assign
a letter grade to you for the experience.
- Do I have to receive academic credit for my experience?
No. Some students choose not to receive credit because they don’t need the
elective credit for their degree. However, if the credit will count toward your
degree, we encourage you to take it.
If you are an international student, you must receive academic credit in order to
participate in an off-campus internship. Contact the International Student Office for
more details.
- Am I guaranteed a placement if I participate in the Experiential Education Program?
No. Placement decisions ultimately rest with the employer. It is possible to
participate in the program and not find a placement.
However, by participating, you dramatically increase the probability of finding a
placement. You’ll also develop effective job search, resume writing and
interviewing skills along with being connected with employers looking to fill internships.
You have everything to gain and very little to lose by participating.
- What is the typical hourly wage that co-ops & interns earn?
Employers determine the hourly rate they pay so there isn’t a set wage for interns;
however, wages tend to be higher than typical college jobs. Last semester, our
intern students averaged around $12.00 per hour.
- Are most placements in the Canyon & Amarillo area?
Yes. Most students are interested in working and going to school at the same time so
the majority of our placements are in the local area.
However, we have placed students all across the country. There are outstanding co-op
and intern opportunities outside this area. If you interested in these, please let
our staff know.
- Where are your offices and who can I contact for more information?
Our offices are located in the Virgil Henson Activities Center (VHAC), Suite 210. If
you need more information, you can contact our coordinator:
Steve Sellars
Experiential Education Program Coordinator
West Texas A&M University
P.O. Box 60728
Canyon, TX 79016
Virgil Henson Activity Center, Suite 210
(806) 651-2345
ssellars@wtamu.edu
|
|
