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Definition of an internship
An internship is a position, usually part-time, that is related to your academic goals and is pre-professional in nature. Internships are not required, but they are very valuable and highly recommended. An internship should provide a practical experience which supplements your academic learning. Therefore, a position consisting primarily of clerical tasks such as filing and copying would not be considered an internship. You, the student, should have the chance to learn new skills, explore career interests, and meet new social and intellectual challenges. You are encouraged to view internships as an opportunity to have a learning experience with long-range benefits. We have found that the best placements include the following:
- A clearly delineated position description.
- Duties and responsibilities that are not haphazardly determined nor purely clerical in nature.
- Provision of specific work area for the intern.
- Exposure to other professional staff, clientele, etc. (as appropriate) for professional growth.
- Opportunities for mentoring as appropriate.
- Opportunities for feedback and discussion.
In the course of investigating internships, you should consider your individual learning goals, and how the internship activities will assist in meeting these goals. Once you have secured an internship, if you would like to receive credit for the internship, those learning goals will be articulated by you, the student, on the Internship Contract.
Receiving credit for an internship
It is possible to complete an internship and not receive credit. However, in the Business School, if you are interested in receiving credit for your internship, you need to Register for a 495. Following are the 495 courses that are available to business students:
- ACCTG 495
- MKTG 495
- I BUS 495
- I S 495
- FIN 495
- MGMT 495
- OPMGT 495
All 495s, with the exception of IS 495, can only be taken C/NC. 495s can be 1-4 credits, with a maximum of 8 credits for any/all 495s combined. The number of credits is based on the internship's time commitment. The following chart shows the time commitment and credit equivalents.
| 4 credits |
at least 40 hours per week for at least 10 weeks |
| 3 credits |
at least 30 hours per week for at least 10 weeks |
| 2 credits |
at least 20 hours per week, for at least 10 weeks |
| 1 credit |
at least 10 hours per week, for at least 10 weeks |
Academic requirements of a 495
In addition to the actual internship, the following are the minimum academic requirements for all students registered for a 495. Additional requirements may exist depending on the 495 and faculty sponsor.
- a mid-term update
- a final paper, whose guidelines are to be determined by the faculty sponsor
Finally, once the internship is completed, a Student Performance Evaluation from the internship supervisor is required and an Internship Evaluation from you, the student is encouraged.
Steps to receive credit for an internship:
1. Download Internship Contract. Once you secure an internship, you must fill out the Internship Contract, go over it with your internship supervisor and have him/her sign it.
2. Bring Contract to your faculty adviser before the internship begins. Discuss the internship and responsibilities with your faculty adviser, and receive faculty code for registration.
3. Register for the 495 before the the tenth day of class. Or, you may petition to register for the internship in the following quarter, as long as the Contract is completed before the internship quarter begins and the 495 academic requirements are completed during the internship.
4. Fulfill all responsibilities of the 495 course.
Other Ways To Earn Credit For Outside-Classroom Experience:
General studies 350: Students may receive non-business credit through GEN ST 350 for some internships through the Carlson Leadership and Public Service Center. You need to find a faculty sponsor for this internship credit as well, although it can be any willing faculty person at UW. Business students may only use up to 8 credits earned through internship experience toward their 180 credits needed for graduation, which includes Business School 495 courses and General Studies 350 credit. Note, however, GEN ST 350 may not count toward the 90 non-business credits required for the BA BA.
Undergraduate Research (499): Students may also receive credit for academic research work done under a faculty member's supervision. 499 credit is not intended for internships. 499s can be taken for a grade or C/NC and the credits can vary. Once a student has found a faculty sponsor, they work together to decide what academic component will be required, the grading option, and how many credits will be awarded if the requirements are completed satisfactorily. If you are interested in completing a 499, you can visit the appropriate department for the 499 that you wish to complete, or ask a professor if he/she is able to sponsor you in this pursuit.
Finding an internship
The responsibility of securing an internship position lies with you, the student, but there are many tools in place to help you do this.
- The Business School has a listing of internship opportunities. You may search the list and contact the employer directly. Also, depending on the type of internship you are seeking, you may contact the faculty adviser in the appropriate business department to receive more guidance in your pursuit. They will look at your resume and offer advice to help you in your search.
- The Center for Career Services has many connections and a HuskyJobs program to help match all UW students and employers in internships and job opportunities. Business students are encouraged to use this program.
- The Carlson Leadership and Public Service Center has access to internships in non-profit organizations.
The more of these avenues you follow, the more options you may have and the better your chances will be to find an internship that matches your interests and goals.
Student Internship Forms
1. Internship Contract - used to register for 495 once internship is found
2. Internship Evaluation - to be sumitted to faculty adviser at end of internship
495 Faculty Advisers
Accounting
Patricia Angell, CPA
angellp@u.washington.edu
Finance and Business Economics
Frances Maloy
thanks@u.washington.edu
Information Systems
Laura Schildkraut
laurasc@u.washington.edu
Management and Organization
Jane George-Falvy
janegf@u.washington.edu
Marketing and International Business
April Atwood
atwood@u.washington.edu
Additional Resources
Center for Career Services
Carlson Leadership and Public Service Center
Business School Clubs and Organizations
Business School Career Fair
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