Creating an Internship for Yourself

Do you currently have a part-time or a full-time job? If yes, take a look at the seven criteria that defines an internship to see if your employment situation can also incorporate an experiential learning opportunity. In short, those criteria are:

1. The experience must be an extension of the classroom: a learning experience that provides for applying the knowledge gained in the classroom. It must not be simply to advance the operations of the employer or be the work that a regular employee would routinely perform.
2. The skills or knowledge learned must be transferable to other employment settings.
3. The experience has a defined beginning and end, and a job description with desired qualifications.
4. There are clearly defined learning objectives/goals related to the professional goals of the student’s academic coursework. 
5. There is supervision by a professional with expertise and educational and/or professional background in the field of the experience.
6. There is routine feedback by the experienced supervisor.  
7. There are resources, equipment, and facilities provided by the host employer that support learning objectives/goals.
   

If you want to explore this option, please schedule an appointment with the Internship Coordinator, Ned Khatrichettri to learn more. We can brainstorm ways to frame a conversation with your supervisor so it can be mutually beneficial.