The Career Center
Internships/Experiential
Education
Experiential education is any form of education that emphasizes the
learner’s personal experience rather than learning from a text or
lecture format. Your classroom may be a lab, a public school classroom,
a group counseling session, a small village in a developing country or a
bank. You may gain experience and understanding of your subject by
conducting research, planning and delivering a math lesson,
investigating crime patterns, developing a public relations campaign for
a non-profit agency or staffing a crisis hotline. Through experiential
education, you take theoretical knowledge into a practical setting, you
reflect on the work that you’ve done, you assess its value and the
skills you’ve developed in the process, and you determine the effect of the
experience on your career planning.
During the most recent academic year, more than 5200 Towson University
students engaged in some form of experiential education for academic
credit.
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An internship is a short-term professional experience related to a
student’s major or career goals. Students generally work a minimum of
eight hours per week or a maximum of 40 hours per week (full time),
usually for one academic term. The work is performed in a professional
environment under the guidance and supervision of a staff member with
expertise in the student’s field of interest. Although the work may be
similar to some part-time jobs or volunteer experiences, an internship
is identified by the intentional, self-directed learning and student
reflection about the work experience.
Through internships, students explore career options, test their choice
of academic major and develop professional skills and experience.
Students may participate in internships for academic credit
(juniors/seniors/grad students) or for experience only (all students).
Students are encouraged to intern EARLY and OFTEN.
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Personal: Internships help you assess your strengths and develop a
plan for areas needing improvement; gain self-confidence and achieve
a professional level of maturity; improve your interpersonal skills;
prepare for life after graduation; integrate personal values with
your work; gain an understanding of what will be expected of you
when you begin work as a professional
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Academic: Integrate classroom theory and academic knowledge with
actual work experience; understand the relevance of course work
(many students improve academic performance after participating in
an internship); increase your motivation to learn and to achieve or
further your academic goals; tap into resources not available on
campus
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Professional: Develop career-related skills such as writing an
effective resume and cover letter and
interviewing successfully; gain experience that relates to
targeted jobs; observe professionals and their work behavior;
develop a network of professional contacts and mentoring
relationships; gain a competitive edge for employment or graduate
school admission
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Financial: About 50% of interns receive some compensation. Some
employers may subsidize commuting costs or school expenses such as
tuition for an internship course. Many employers extend offers of
continued/paid employment upon successful completion of the
internship.
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Each department determines eligibility criteria for earning internship
credit. Generally, criteria may include:
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Minimum GPA ranges from 2.0 – 3.0 overall and/or within the major
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Prerequisite courses
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Minimum number of work hours/ maximum number of credits earned
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Junior/senior status
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12 credits completed at Towson University
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Declared major/minor/concentration
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See academic department for specific requirements click here
Departments that require an internship, practicum or clinical experience
for professional certification (such as education and health
professions) generally coordinate these experiences directly through the
department. Many departments, however, work with The Career Center to
develop and post internship opportunities and assist students with the
internship process.
The Career Center’s Role:
The Career Center serves as a central point and clearinghouse for
internship postings, policies and procedures. Staff help students
identify internship resources and prepare for the search and interview
process. Employers list internship opportunities for many majors through
our Web-based, searchable database, Hire@TU. The Career Center also
maintains internship enrollment data for the university.
Departmental Internship Coordinators:
Whether you use The Career Center or other resources, you will need to
confirm your eligibility to earn credit and enroll in an internship
course through your academic (major/minor) department.
The Faculty
Contact List (PDF)identifies the faculty internship coordinators for each academic
department.
Forms:
When you have accepted an internship and enrolled in your department’s
internship course, complete the
Internship Registration Form
(DOC)
and submit it to The Career
Center.
Many departments use additional Career Center forms that help students
track their hours, receive feedback from worksite supervisors and
evaluate their internship experience. Click the links below on the
required forms and print as needed.
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In its 2008 Experiential Education
Survey, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
found that “the importance of internship and co-op programs in the
college recruiting process continues to grow.” During the survey period
of November 2007 to January 2008, participating employers reported that
they converted more than 50% of their interns to full-time employees.
Further, the percentage of “interns receiving full-time offers as a result of their internships” was
nearly 70% in 2008. Both employers and graduate schools prefer
applicants who show one or more career-related experiences on their resumes.
Although most academic departments require at least junior standing
before students may earn internship credit, students may participate in
internships earlier on a non-credit basis. We recommend that students
consider participating in internships
early and often. Early
participation in internships, co-ops or career exploration experiences
such as job shadowing helps students:
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decide which course of study and specific classes will prepare them
for jobs and careers after graduation
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gain an understanding of the world of work
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reinforce the connection between classroom and workplace
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increase their motivation to achieve their academic goals
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gain a competitive edge for graduate school and full-time employment
applications
The Career Center serves as a central point and clearinghouse for
internship postings, both those for credit and non-credit. Staff help
students identify internship resources and prepare for the search and
interview process. Employers list internship opportunities for many
majors through our Web-based, searchable database, Hire@TU. The Career
Center also maintains internship enrollment data for the university.
If you participate in a non-credit internship, we want to help you
prepare and to document your experience. Report your experience by
creating or updating your Hire@TU account and by completing the
Self-Report Internship Form (DOC).
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Some academic departments coordinate their internships and/or other
field experience directly. While students follow the policies and
procedures of their departments to apply for and obtain these
internships, we encourage students to meet with a career professional in
The Career Center for assistance with resume, search and interview
preparation. The Career Center works closely with many academic
departments to help ensure student success.
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Internship staff will help you:
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Discuss opportunities
related to your goals and interests
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Identify internship
resources
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Prepare to meet with
prospective employers
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Work with your academic
department to determine if you can earn academic credit for your
internship experience
Internship staff:
Call The Career Center at 410-704-2233 to schedule an appointment. This
is what you can expect:
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Appointments are approximately 30 minutes long.
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Bring a copy of your resume.
Our resource library is available for you to print it for free.
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If possible, know the specific internship you are applying for and
what skills the position requires. Bring a copy of the internship
description.
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If you do not have a specific internship in mind, be prepared to
talk about your interests or goals so that the advisor can help you
identify internship resources.
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Be ready to talk about your various experiences and achievements
and how they may relate to your internship.
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You will be asked about what steps you have already taken, as well
as receive guidance regarding what steps to take next.
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Think First!
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Determine which type of internship or experience will help you make
career decisions. A career counselor or internship staff member can
help
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Think about what skills you want to develop
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Seek opportunities that will help you meet your goals
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Start early. Some employers set deadlines as early as November for
spring and summer internships.
Create or update your resume to reflect the knowledge, skills and
experience that relate to your desired job or internship. Draft a cover
letter to send with your resume. It should provide additional
information about your interest and qualifications that is not included
on your resume.
Whether you have found your own internship and want to know how to earn
credit or you are starting from scratch, follow these steps to get you
started or to keep you going:
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Set up a Hire@TU account via
http://www.towson.edu/careercenter
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Complete “Profile” sections in your Hire@TU account
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Schedule an internship appointment. Meet with an internship staff
member to:
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review your resume and cover letter
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discuss internship interests and resources
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prepare to meet prospective employers
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Upload and publish an approved resume in Hire@TU
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Meet the internship coordinator in your academic department to
confirm your eligibility (if you plan to earn credit)
Before making a commitment:
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Take time to think about an offer before you accept it. Will the
internship help you reach your goals?
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Only accept an offer if you are sure about it.
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Let employers know you are considering other options. Give the
employer a date by which you will accept or decline an offer.
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Honor the commitment. Don’t overturn your decision if “something
better comes along.”
Forms:
When you have accepted an internship and enrolled in your department’s
internship course, complete the Internship
Registration Form
(DOC)
and submit it to The Career Center.
When you have accepted a
non-credit internship, complete the
Internship Self-Report Form (DOC) and submit it
to The Career Center.
Many departments use additional Career Center forms that help students
track their hours, receive feedback from worksite supervisors and
evaluate their internship experience. Click the links below on the
required forms and print as needed.
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Following these guidelines will help assure that you will maximize your
internship experience and serve as a positive representative of your
academic program and of Towson University. Your readiness to enter your
chosen field will be assessed/evaluated based on these expectations as
demonstrated at your internship:
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Act in a professional and ethical manner. For example:
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dress in an appropriate
manner
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follow through on
commitments
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do not conduct personal
business during work hours
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be prompt when reporting to
work and with completing assignments
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give your work your best
effort
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Be positive and supportive
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Keep an open mind; avoid jumping to conclusions; develop informed
opinions
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Be observant; note how employees organize their ideas and respond to
and ask questions
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Be fair, considerate, honest, trustworthy and cooperative when
dealing with co-workers and clients/customers
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Assert yourself and your ideas in an appropriate and tactful manner
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Seek feedback from your supervisor(s), accept suggestions for
corrective changes in behavior and attempt to improve your
performance
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Accept constructive criticism and continuously strive to improve and
to grow professionally
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Enhance your professional effectiveness by improving skills and
acquiring new knowledge
Your conduct should make the employer want to host other Towson
University students in the future. Be sure that you:
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Clearly identify start/end dates and determine your work schedule
with your worksite supervisor
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Familiarize yourself with and adhere to organizational arrangements,
policies, procedures and functions
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Maintain confidentiality of work-related personnel and projects
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Understand what constitutes a permissible work absence and whom to
notify if absent
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Report to your faculty coordinator (if earning credit) changes in
work schedule, supervision or problems at your site
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Remain drug and alcohol-free, and avoid use of controlled substances
If you feel victimized by a work-related incident, contact a staff
member in The Career Center immediately.
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Employers post internships for a variety of majors on Hire@TU. The
Career Center also provides an extensive list of online resources
that help students identify internships and jobs according to field of
interest. Visit our career resource library in The Career Center to find
print publications such as Vault and The Princeton Review guides to
internships.
Additional internship resources:
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Baltimore Business Journal Book of Lists
(copy available in The Career Center resource library)
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Web sites for professional organizations related to your field of
study or interest
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Academic departments (many list internship information or links)
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Networking and informational interviewing: think about personal
contacts, family members, friends, neighbors, service providers,
current or past employers, faculty who may know people in jobs or
careers that interest you. Click here
for a list of informational interview questions (PDF).
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The Partnership for Public Service:
http://www.ourpublicservice.org/
If you find an internship on your own and want to know if you can earn
credit for the experience:
Ten
Steps to Top Federal Jobs and Internships in Government
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Tips for Maximizing Your Internship Experience
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Establish 2-3 clear learning objectives; set parameters and goals
and discuss them with your supervisor
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Show initiative; ask, don’t wait, for projects to be given to you.
Avoid being underused!
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Speak up if the work is not meeting your goals
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Demonstrate
maturity and exceed your supervisor’s expectations
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Keep an open mind; avoid jumping to conclusions; develop informed
opinions
-
Be observant; note how employees organize their ideas and respond to
and ask questions
-
Be fair, considerate, honest, trustworthy and cooperative when
dealing with co-workers and clients/customers
-
Assert yourself and your ideas in an
appropriate and tactful
manner
-
Seek feedback from your supervisor(s), accept suggestions for
corrective changes in behavior and attempt to improve your
performance
-
Accept constructive criticism and continuously strive to improve and
to grow professionally
-
Enhance your professional effectiveness by improving skills and
acquiring new knowledge
Reflection is a strategy that sets internships apart from part-time
jobs. Reflecting helps students understand and articulate what they have
discovered about themselves and about their skills, values, career and
personal interests. It also helps students make informed decisions about
their career choices and their place in the world of work.
Students who earn academic credit for their internships will be expected
to complete some form of reflective assignment(s) such as maintaining a
journal, conducting informational interviews or writing a reflective
paper. If you are not earning credit, we urge you to maintain a journal
and assess your learning experience both during and at the conclusion of
your internship.
Sample reflection
questions:
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How did your experience meet your initial expectations, perceptions
and attitudes about the work and the organization?
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Did you encounter significant problems or obstacles and, if so, how
did you overcome or resolve them?
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What did you discover about your own knowledge, skills, abilities,
values and interests?
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What was the most valuable thing you learned from this experience?
What was your greatest accomplishment?
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As a result of this experience, how did your self-awareness change
about your ability to communicate? Make appropriate communication
choices or decisions? Make career choices or decisions? Exhibit a
sense of responsibility and maturity? Respond to social issues?
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How has this experience affected your choice of major/career
interest (confirmed, changed, raised questions)?
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What did you learn from your mentor/supervisor or others in the
organization?
Worksite supervisors and other professionals at the internship site can
provide additional insight into the company, the profession and the
world of work. Conducting an
informational interview allows students to obtain valuable
information about careers, employers, industries, and the job market
while improving interview
skills and increasing self-confidence. An informational interview is
brief (about 15-20 minutes), less formal and lacks the stress of a job
interview. Click here for a list of
informational interview questions (PDF).
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International Internships
An international internship is a
wonderful way to gain real world experience in a global setting. Whether
your internship is full-time or combined with regular classes, the TU Study
Abroad Office can help find a program that is right for you.
Credit will be granted for most internships. For more information
about international internship opportunities, visit the
TU Study Abroad
Office website or get started today by attending an
information session.
The following links may be helpful as you search for
study abroad opportunities:
Who can do an internship? When can I do an internship?
Any student may participate in an internship. We encourage students to
consider interning early and often. If you are exploring career options,
start no later than your sophomore year. If you are gaining experience
in your field, you are likely to be more successful after you have taken
courses in your chosen field. If you wish to earn credit, check your
department’s eligibility criteria. Most departments require students to
be juniors or seniors and to meet course prerequisites. Transfer
students should complete a minimum of 12 credits at TU.
How do I get an internship?
The Career Center provides a variety of resources to help you find an
internship. Use our searchable database,
Hire@TU, visit our resources
library in The Career Center or check out the list of
online resources
on our Web site. Meet with a career center advisor or counselor to review your
resume, discuss your interests and identify possible resources.
What paperwork/forms do I need to complete?
First, create or update your Hire@TU account. If you plan to earn
credit, complete the
Internship Registration Form (DOC) and contact the internship
coordinator in your academic department. If you accept a
non-credit internship, complete the Self-Report Form (DOC).
I found an internship on my own. How can I find out if I can earn
credit?
First determine if you meet your department’s
eligibility criteria for
earning internship credit.
If you are eligible, ask the employer to create a Hire@TU account and
post the internship description. Take a copy of the description to the
internship coordinator (PDF) in your department.
Can I earn credit in the fall for my summer internship?
Internship credit cannot be earned retroactively. If you plan to earn
credit, your enrollment in your department’s internship must be
concurrent with the experience.
Can I do an internship with my current employer?
Generally, you are encouraged to seek opportunities with different
employers. However, if your current employer offers you an incentive to
intern with the company, the work must be different from your current
position and meet your academic department’s criteria for credit-bearing
internships.
My internship doesn’t relate to my major (or my major doesn’t offer
internships). Can I earn credit in another department?
Internship course requirements usually include major or minor status.
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