| What is
an internship?
Internships (also known as field studies, volunteer experiences,
co-operative education or service learning) are meaningful, career-related
work experiences that allow students to apply academic knowledge
to the world of work. Students gain "hands on experience"
in a pre-professional career setting.
When can I do an internship?
Internships can be completed anytime of the year. Internship are
usually part-time during the fall, winter or spring quarter. Students
often work full-time time during summer months.
Where can I do an internship?
Students can work in an internship in the local Santa Cruz area
during the academic year, near home during the summer, abroad, or
wherever the student chooses to apply making sure to arrange accommodations
where they're accepted.
How early should I start looking for an internship?
When to start your search depends on when you'd like to begin the
internship. Most summer deadlines are January, February and March
depending upon the industry. Field study programs usually require
you to make arrangements at the beginning of the prior quarter.
For ongoing or continuous listing deadlines, give yourself at least
2 or 3 months prior to the start date.
How long and how many hours do I need to commit to an internship?
The duration and hours vary depending on the employers needs, the
internship position and the students time schedule. Most internships
last a minimum of 3 months (one academic quarter). The student arranges
the hours and days they can commit per week with the employer. Hours
range from 5 to 15 hours per week during instruction and up to 40
hours a week during the summer. More than 15 hours per week is not
recommended during instruction because it can interfere with a student's
primary objective at the University: academic achievement and academic
progress. It's helpful to arrange to work for blocks of time, for
example, two or three mornings or afternoons a week.
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Can I receive academic credit for my internship?
Most departments offer students the opportunity to complete an internship
for academic credit. A few departments, for example, Community Studies,
Economics, Psychology, Health Sciences and Environmental Studies
actually have a field study program coordinator. Other departments
offer an upper-division course, normally 198 - Independent Field
Study, which is sponsored by a faculty member from that department.
Each department has its own application process, however, most require
a petition form and sponsorship by a faculty member. Students interested
in this type of internship should contact the field study program
coordinator or the undergraduate advisor. To register for academic
credit follow the enrollment guidelines and complete the appropriate
forms.
Can I receive pay and credit for an internship?
University policy permits students to receive both pay and credit
for an internship. Credit is given to students completing specific
academic requirements through an arrangement with a faculty member
at the University. Employers make the decision whether the internship
will be paid or not paid.
Can I get a notation on my transcript for a non-academic
internship?
Students who are not seeking academic credit can officially record
their internship on their transcript by completing an Internship
Transcript Notation form after the internship is completed. This
form does not carry any academic credit, but does document that
the student has worked in the internship. Stop by the Career Center,
305 Bay Tree Bldg., or email intern(at)ucsc(dot)edu or
call (831) 459-2184 to request and complete the Notation evaluation
form to process and officially document the notation. Once approved,
the notation will appear on your transcript one quarter after the
paperwork is completed.
My employer wants me to have the school sign a liability
waiver. Can I have this done?
No. UC Santa Cruz, Career Center will not sign a form that releases
the employer from liability concerns. It is the employers responsibility
to have students sign a liability waiver form through their company.
Can I get my resume and cover letter reviewed?
Yes. Internship advising is by appointment, email intern(at)ucsc(dot)edu
or call (831) 459-2184 and provide a few days and times you're available.
Or, take advantage of the Career Center's drop-in advising services
available throughout the week. Check out the web link for days and
times: http://www2.ucsc.edu/careers/student/schedule.html
.
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