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:
**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.
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 any questions, please reach out to Hannah Richardson, Director of Career Engagement, in the Center for Integrated Advising & Careers (CIAC): [email protected]
1.) What if the organization doesn't have a internship position already created?
2.) Can my part-time summer job be considered an internship?
3.) Can I split my WPO hours between my work crew and internship?
4.) Is it a requirement that I fill out the internship paperwork before my internship begins?
5.) I did an internship LAST summer, but didn't tell anyone. Can it count toward my major?
6.) Can I take time away from WWC and do an internship instead?
1.) CREATE A PLAN:
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:
4.) APPLY & ACCEPT/REJECT YOUR OFFER - Once you've made a decision:
5.) COMPLETE ALL PAPERWORK & COURSE REGISTRATION:
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.