Internships – Semester Experience at the Coast
ICS 4050 – Internship in Coastal Studies (1-3 SH)
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is an internship?
A: An internship is a temporary work experience opportunity, typically provided by businesses or organizations, which allows interns to gain entry-level industry experience. While some students opt to pursue internships for academic credit during their college years, others might undertake internships post-graduation without earning credit.
Q: Why must I adhere to the application deadlines for academic credit internships?
A: Internship applications must be reviewed and given the green light by the Semester Experience at the Coast (S@tC) Internship Coordinator. Generally, the approval process for a particular internship must be completed by the semester preceding your internship – for example, by the end of Fall for a Spring internship, by the end of Spring for a Summer internship, and by the end of Summer for a Fall internship. We at S@tC provide internship placements as well as encourage students to secure their own.
Q: Is it possible to work on the internship in one semester but receive the credit in another semester?
A: Earning credit for an internship is handled much like any other class. First, you register for the internship. Then, you fulfill online coursework and other related requirements before earning your credit. However, we understand that internship timelines may not align perfectly with the academic semester, so we strive to be flexible where possible.
Q: Can I participate in more than one internship for credit?
A: It would be best to consult your major/minor coordinator to confirm this possibility.
Q: How does the Canvas course relate to an internship for credit work?
A: After registration, interns are expected to fulfill the duties in their internship contract. There is also an online course on Canvas, complete with a syllabus and submission deadlines. This course encourages interaction between the interns and the professor, and interns must frequently log in and complete the assigned tasks. The online course is designed to enhance the learning experience gained from the internship.
Q: What is the internship contract?
A: The internship contract is a work plan created between the student and the internship mentor that outlines things like the internship expectations, hours that will be worked, and internship deliverables. This contract is approved by the program internship coordinator.
Q: What should I anticipate from my internship experience?
A: When applying for an internship, you’ll be asked to list your learning objectives. We recommend discussing these goals with your supervisor and faculty mentor to ensure you gain the experiences you desire from the internship. A job description from your supervisor can also help clarify your expectations. If you are doing an internship for credit, you must work 45 hours per SH.
Q: Will I be paid during my internship?
A: This depends on the organization providing the internship. Some internships are paid, while others are not.
Q: When do internships typically happen?
A: Internships can be undertaken anytime during the Semester at the Coast, provided you can guarantee 45 hours of work per SH at the internship site. Typically, they are 3 SH, begin in late January, and run through the end of April, allowing for approximately 10 hours of work per week.
Q: Why do I need to pay tuition for an internship?
A: When an internship earns academic credit, it is treated as any other credit-bearing ECU course requiring tuition payment. This tuition covers the use of ECU facilities as well as faculty and staff involvement. In the case of internships, course-related work is carried out via Canvas, and the Internship Coordinator oversees the whole process. You can do an internship without credit and not pay tuition.
Q: What are the benefits of doing an internship?
A: An internship gives you hands-on experience in your chosen field, enabling you to learn more about a specific profession, discover its pros and cons, and understand the workings of a particular business. It also offers networking opportunities with professionals in your field of interest. Furthermore, internships can provide valuable work experience, making you a more attractive candidate for post-college work. You can also include your internship experience on your resume and potentially earn academic credit.
For more information, please contact the S@tC Internship Coordinator, Julie Kirn (252-475-5458).