Division of Workforce Development (Careers and Continuing Education)

Selecting your Internship Site

The student essentially creates a meaningful internship based on individual needs. The careful selection of an internship site is the most significant step in this creative process. Faculty assists students in selecting internship sites based on the opportunities to gain new learning and on the availability of appropriate supervision.

Selecting your own internship site: In many cases, students may elect to create internships in new or unique sites. In such cases, students are aware of opportunities in the community. The internship faculty is available to assist students in determining the appropriateness of an internship site and must approve all sites. Students are encouraged to use and develop network contacts for locating their internship.

Using current place of employment for internship site: Students may establish an internship at the business or agency where they are currently employed if it is related to their current program of study. Students must then demonstrate that they will be performing in roles other than their usual jobs, and that their internships will provide opportunities for new learning related to their program of study. Any internship established at the student’s current work location must have the approval of the internship faculty.

Placement interview at potential internship site: When a potential internship site has been identified, the student is required to make contact with the internship supervisor. Initial contact with the internship supervisor may include a telephone call or a letter. An in-person interview with the internship supervisor is required in order to make a site decision. During the introductory meeting, explicit expectations need to be set by both parties. These expectations include the learning the student expects to gain from the experience and discussion concerning the time commitment required by both parties. During the initial meeting the student should provide the internship supervisor with appropriate material including the “Internship Handbook.”