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An internship is an opportunity for a college student to work inside a company, organization or agency on a non-permanent basis. An internship gives a student a structured educational experience outside his/her academic studies. Learning through productive work experiences in a field related to the student's major or career enables him/her to relate book knowledge to the real world. By being exposed to the world of work, an internship also allows a student to acquire essential practical skills, i.e. getting to work on time, workplace etiquette, professionalism, etc.
An internship may be full or part-time and may be paid or unpaid. With departmental approval, student may receive credit for an internship experience. Hourly pay and course credit will vary widely depending upon the company, organization or agency and the school's academic department. Internships will also vary in the actual work experience and the type of supervision and mentoring available. Some companies, organizations and agencies have developed very formal internship programs, which may include internal seminars, departmental rotations, and social events, while others may be seeking assistance for a particular one-time project. If approached correctly, both types of internships facilitate professional development.
Check with your academic advisor if you would like to receive credit for your internship. Career Services assists all majors with their internship search, but your advisor will be the one who works with you on getting credit unless you are a business student in the MAPS Program. MAPS Students who want to take MAP 305: Gaining Experience while completing their internship for graduation requirements will need to work with Career Services in order to get credit and to locate a suitable position.
Cooperative Education (Co-op) is a voluntary program which combines academic study with paid on-the- job experience related to the student's major or career goal.
Unlike the type of employment students may seek simply to make ends meet, Co-op offers quality jobs which give them a chance to learn more about their field through practical experience. Students are paid the prevailing rate for employees with similar capabilities and receive salary increases with greater responsibilities and increased educational levels.
Co-op is available to both undergraduate and graduate students in virtually all schools.
Two plans are available to provide flexibility for students and employers. The Alternating Plan provides for alternating semesters of full-time work and full-time study. The Parallel Plan provides for part-time work and full-time study on a continuous basis. Successful completion of the Co-op program requires the equivalent of one year of full-time work experience at the undergraduate level. Graduate Students must complete the equivalent of one semester of full-time work experience.
Students should begin Co-op in their sophomore or junior year. Students are encouraged to continue for additional work periods when possible. Alternating co-op usually requires at least five years of work and study rather than the traditional four years of study. However, the disadvantages of an extended graduation date are easily offset by the valuable work experience gained.
For the student, Co-op can add relevance to education by providing work experience in the student's field. This experience results in a greater sense of responsibility, an increased level of competence, enhanced self-confidence, a greater degree of autonomy, a clearer sense of purpose, and improved marketability upon graduation. Another tangible benefit of Co-op is that the provision of income can help offset the expense of college.
For the employer, Co-op provides a ready-made recruitment and training program. Co-op affords the employer an opportunity to participate in the educational process and career preparation of students and to select and test talented student personnel prior to a permanent commitment. The processes of Co-op facilitate closer ties between the business community and the university.
A Cooperative Education assignment places no obligations on the student or the employer beyond the student's graduation. However, participation in Co-op assures valuable contacts, work references and often results in an offer of permanent employment.
| Information and Policies | Accepting A Job |
| Academics | FAQ |
| Co-op Manual - Word Format |
Internship opportunities may be paid or unpaid. Both types of internships have positive and negative characteristics. It is the student's decision whether to take a paid or unpaid internship. That decision should be made individually based on the student's economic situation and the relevance of the internship to his/her major and career.
Paid internship positions range from minimum wage on up depending upon position responsibilities and skill level required. Students who are paid are considered an "employee." There will be clear cut expectations of work in exchange for money by the employer. If the company, organization, or agency has an organized internship program, you will be expected to fulfill all requirements, such as working within different departments on a rotational basis, working "business" hours, and attending social engagements. However, organized internship programs generally provide great networking opportunities as well as a lot of exposure to all parts of the company, organization, or agency.
The unpaid internship experience might offer the student more of an opportunity for learning with less pressure for "a result." Smaller companies, organizations, and agencies are more willing to carve some time out for a student who is willing to complete a project for academic credit. Motivation and determination to obtain an unpaid internship emphasizes the student's value of experience over money. Unpaid internships generally are more flexible allowing the student to work around his/her schedule. Experience gained through an unpaid internship can sometimes be more focused and practical.
"Non-paid" does not necessarily mean without compensation. Some non-paying internships will reimburse students for public transportation or offer other perks, such as parking, meals, and discounts. However, care needs to be taken by the student and the employer regarding this added value compensation in that it may be necessary to declare it as income on your annual report to the IRS.
As you review internship opportunities, paid or unpaid, use good judgment when deciding to take any internship. Some positions advertised as "internships" may be nothing more than clerical positions. If you choose to accept a "clerical" position, use your resourcefulness to achieve personal goals and turn it into a learning experience.
Students may elect to receive academic credit through those departments on campus that offer this option. It is the student's responsibility to arrange for credit with the school and communicate any requirements to the employer. Mercer has established an internship process in which approval from the Department head must be received in order for the student to receive academic credit for the work that will be performed. It is the responsibility of the student to make sure that all requirements for the internship are met and that the proper paperwork is completed. (See your academic advisor for the particular requirements.)
Employment
Whether there is a tight economy and fewer jobs available, or, where specialized training, software skills, or previous experience is a must, students with internship experience stand out in the job hunt. An internship can help you extricate yourself from the "can't get job without experience, can't get experience without a job" double bind.
Take Charge of Your Learning
Internships are important opportunities for you to design your own learning curriculum and get away from the campus-based one which may be frustrating you. Decide what you want to learn, how you intend to learn it, and how you will evaluate it.
Theory into Practice
An internship experience can add more meaning to academic study by giving you the chance to apply theories learned in class to "real life" situations. Find out if the world as described in your sociology course really exists.
Awareness Through Increased Community Involvement
You will develop an awareness of other's needs and a greater understanding of your role and potential contributions to society.
Personal Growth
Yes, you will grow from this experience. It won't transform you into a mature, responsible adult overnight, but having to solve problems in unfamiliar situations can bolster your self-confidence and show you where you need to work.
Helping Hand
It is nice to help yourself but helping others increase their capacities is also a benefit and a goal of an internship. Don't underestimate your potential contributions and the difference they can make.
New Environment
Introduce yourself to a new environment and the challenges and problems of a work setting. You'll also learn the meaning of teamwork.
Research
It is an opportunity for experimentation and exploration of new and old academic and career interests.