Internship Program

Why an Internship?

Participating in an internship is essentially experiential education at its finest. Not only is this an opportunity to gain real-life skills in your major or an area of interest, but you can also "test-drive" a possible career path, connect with professionals in the field, and try things that aren't necessarily offered at Wilson. Furthermore, according to a recent recruiting survey done by the National Association of Colleges & Employers, 95% of employers ranked students having internship experience as one of their top hiring decisions....that's kind of a big deal!    

But before you jump right in, here are some important things to know about participation:

  • You must be a full time student (12+ credit hours) & have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Be in good academic, work, community engagement, and conduct standing with the College
  • To receive credit for the internship, you must complete a minimum of 80 hours at the site and it must last for at least 6 weeks
  • Also, it's always a good idea to make sure your plans align with Our Mission & Goals.

**Are you an INTERNATIONAL STUDENT? If so, we must have you apply for a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) before you apply for an internship. To begin this process, please set up a meeting with the GEO office.

 

Types & Functions

There are various ways you can complete an internship. Additionally, a single internship may fulfill multiple requirements. Click HERE to learn more about each of these categories, courses, and experiences. Below is a brief description of each area. You an also check out this FLOWCHART: 

  • For-Credit Internships (including as part of a major's graduation requirement) - Students can gain anywhere from 2-18 hours of interdisciplinary credit hours within up to two semesters. 
  • Internships as Work - Further explore your field of interests by substituting work hours for an unpaid internship off-campus. *It's required that interested students fill out a Internship As Work position through Handshake before the hiring season closes for the upcoming semester.
  • Internships for Community Engagement - An internship can serve as a means for which to complete the PEG 3 requirement.
  • Micro-Internships - These short-term(10-40hrs), paid professional experiences cannot be counted towards academic credit, but are a great way to improve (and prove!) your skillset with real companies and projects. 
  • Internships Away/Abroad - Looking to take an entire semester to focus just on an internship? Or interested in combining in it with a study abroad experience? 

Questions?

For any questions, please reach out to Hannah Richardson, Director of Career Engagement, in the Center for Integrated Advising & Careers (CIAC): [email protected]

FAQs

1.) What if the organization doesn't have a internship position already created?

  • Not a problem! As long as the organization is excited and able to hosting an intern, we will work with them to create a position. This takes more work on the front end so begin these conversations early!

2.) Can my part-time summer job be considered an internship?

  • In most cases, yes, as long as your supervisor is on board. They would need to be willing to spend extra time and work with you to reach those throughout your experience.

3.) Can I split my WPO hours between my work crew and internship?

  • Nope. You need to choose one or the other for the duration of the semester. 

4.) Is it a requirement that I fill out the internship paperwork before my internship begins? 

  • Yes! This ensures that you and your supervisor are on the same page about the experience. In addition, this is mandatory if you are seeking academic or work credit. 

5.) I did an internship LAST summer, but didn't tell anyone. Can it count toward my major? 

  • In general, no. That said, there are situations wherein this is acceptable. Please read our Petition for Exception

6.) Can I take time away from WWC and do an internship instead? 

  • Absolutely! That said, if you want to receive academic credit for this experience you will need to follow some guidelines. Please see our Internship Policy for Time Away for more information on this. 

Internship Process

1.) CREATE A PLAN:

  • Consider your timing, academic & personal goals, location, & transportation needs
  • Read about the Internships Types & Functions
  • Schedule a meeting with your IAC or Hannah to talk about your needs and goals. (If you plan to do this as a replacement for your academic year work crew hours, you MUST declare your intention with the WPO by applying for an Internship As Work position on Handshake before the hiring season closes for the upcoming semester. Students who do not fill out this position application are not eligible to have their internship count towards work hours.)
  • Bonus: Watch this video created by the National Society of Leadership & Success 

2.) SEARCH: These are some great sites to get you going!  Ideally, you should be searching internships about 6 months in advance of starting. Need help crafting the reach out email? HERE is an example to get you going!

3.) PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION:

  • Work on your resume, cover letter, interviewing skills, and/or set up an appointment with the CIAC to review any one of these. The Career Clothes Closet is also available for all of your professional dress needs!

4.) APPLY & ACCEPT/REJECT YOUR OFFER - Once you've made a decision:

  • Inform Hannah of your decision so she can connect with the partnering agency & begin the paperwork (below)

5.) COMPLETE ALL PAPERWORK & COURSE REGISTRATION:

  • Create your Learning Goals & Handshake Experience!! *This MUST be completed before your internship begins*
  • If you choose to receive academic credit, understand the Course Information & register accordingly. 
  • If you choose do to this as PEG3, fill out a PEG3 proposal form in GivePulse.
  • If you choose to do this in replacement of your WPO Contract, make sure your Work supervisor knows.

Money & Housing

SCHOLARSHIPS - These are external scholarship opportunities that may pertain to your field. 

SUMMER STIPENDS - Summer stipends are prioritized for students accepting low or unpaid internships in the non-profit, governmental sector, or pursuing positions connected to green entrepreneurship. Applications are due March 1st and April 1st. 

SUMMER CAMPUS HOUSING - If a student is interested in receiving summer housing on campus, it's imperative that they fill out the Summer Housing Application form as soon as possible (usually sent out March/April). Campus housing is prioritized depending upon the number of beds available and the level of the student's engagement with the college; either through an on-campus summer job and/or an approved internship*. Students with higher levels of weekly work/internship engagement will receive higher priority on the housing list. For some students this may allow for free summer housing, for others there will be a nominal weekly fee. This is determined by the Campus Housing staff. As a reminder, on-campus housing is limited and not guaranteed.

*If a student plans to use an internship as part of their summer engagement for housing, they must connect with Hannah Richardson, Director of Career Engagement, as soon as possible, as well as  complete all required internship paperwork before May 1st. Summer interns will be expected to complete check-ins with this Hannah on a regular basis during the summer months.