Internships

What is an internship?

An internship is an opportunity for students to apply theories and skills learned in the classroom to a real-world work environment. Interns gain valuable experience that not only enhances the value of their education, but also provides opportunities for networking and resume-building that can lead to better employment opportunities upon graduating. Interns are placed in companies that can provide experiences within the organization that will expose students to the professional level of work and decision-making that relates to their area of concentration. A student intern acts as an employee of the company, with assigned tasks and responsibilities and a supervisor to whom to report. A faculty advisor is also assigned to each intern to ensure that the student is gaining appropriate academic value from the experience.

What does an internship entail?

Internships in business may be either paid or unpaid, and can be completed over a fall, spring or summer semester (summer internships typically are spread across both summer sessions). Interns must put in at least 150 hours, or approximately 10-12 hours per week.

I want to do an internship. What’s my first step?

Students who wish to do an internship should submit an Internship Proposal Form to the Division by the deadline below. You do not have to have a site in mind yet; this simply notifies the internship coordinator of your intent, and we will confirm your eligibility and walk you through the process. The earlier you inform us of your intentions, the more time we have to help you position yourself for an excellent internship experience.

Internship semester	deadline*
Fall	July 1
Spring	November 1
Summer	April 1

*Proposal forms will be accepted after the deadline; however, those received late are less likely to result in placement in the desired semester.

What are the eligibility criteria for an internship?

To be eligible for a for-credit internship, students must:

1. Have completed at least 56 credit hours toward the business degree
2. Have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA
3. Have completed Integrative Core
4. Be admitted to the Division of Business
5. Have completed one full semester at IUPUC

In addition, students are encouraged to have completed at least one course in their area of concentration. Specific pre-requisite coursework and skills are determined by the company hiring the intern. Remember that the more coursework and experience in your concentration you have, the more you can contribute to the internship site, and the more adept you will be in relating the theory of the classroom to your internship experiences.

How do I find an internship site?

Looking for an internship site is a good way for students to develop job search skills in preparation for finding long-term employment in the future. Thus, we encourage students to research potential internship sites of their own accord. Put those networking skills you learned in BUS X220 to work! Suggested tactics include:

1. attend job fairs
2. attend events where you can meet potential contacts (Columbus Young Professionals, Chamber of Commerce events, IUPUC Alumni sponsored events, professional seminars, etc.)
3. seek out opportunities to network with employers in your desired field
4. join professional organizations as a student member (AICPA, IMA, AMA, etc.)
5. search job sites for internships
6. ask family and friends for leads

The Division has relationships with a number of companies that serve as internship sites, and we will work with students to find placements that are mutually beneficial to the student and the company whenever possible; however, students should not rely on the resources of the Division alone to find a suitable site.