Research Guides: High-Impact Educational Practices: Internships

Internships

Internships are another increasingly common form of experiential learning. The idea is to provide students with direct experience in a work setting—usually related to their career interests—and to give them the benefit of supervision and coaching from professionals in the field. If the internship is taken for course credit, students complete a project or paper that is approved by a faculty member.

Internships: A Guide to Sources of Information
Presents an annotated bibliography of directories for public sector internships.
This report is one in a series of updates.
Unpaid Internships, by Craig E. Johnson
This case study explores the recent trend of college internships and their importance in helping new graduates land jobs. However, despite their popularity, a large portion of college internships are unpaid. Readers are asked to consider whether certain restrictions should be brought in to limit this practice.

Syracuse University Career Services
Internships are available throughout the year and can be pursued as early as freshman year.
Internships:
-Are a great way to explore career fields, especially if you are still unsure of your major or career path.
-Help you to develop new skills or enhance existing ones (this hands-on experience sharpens those skills.)
-Provide an opportunity to link classroom learning to practical applications in the workplace.
-Have the possibility of converting into full-time employment because many employers recruit entry-level hires from their internship pool.
-Serve as resume builders for applying to graduate schools, more-competitive internships and full-time opportunities.