INTERNSHIP AND CO-OP PROGRAMS

There are many reasons why you might want to get career experience. Some of the major reasons include:

• Testing out the career field, confirming or reshaping your goals.
• Developing skills that will make you more marketable to future employers.
• Making valuable contacts in the field.
• Securing a possible full-time offer upon graduation.

Experiential work opportunities include:

Internships
Internships are either part-time, full-time, semester, or summer opportunities that provide students with knowledge and experience in a particular career field or organization. There are both paid and unpaid internship opportunities.

SOM 492 Internship Course is a three-credit course designed to give students the opportunity to gain practical, professional experience in conjunction with their academic development.

Cooperative Education
A co-op is a structured program where students who meet eligibility requirements gain paid, professional-level work experience.

Part-time/Summer Jobs
Students can also get valuable experience through paid part-time or summer jobs that involve career-related tasks or are related to your career interests.

Externship
An externship is a “shadowing" experience, usually lasting one to five days, in which a student observes a professional in a particular career field or organization.

Volunteer/Campus Leadership
Active participation in campus organizations, especially School of Management student organizations can enhance skills and provide excellent experience. The Center for Service and Leadership is another great resource that promotes positive change and civic engagement by combining academic study, leadership development and direct community service.

For more information on how to find these opportunities check out Find a Job and Network with Employers.