Career and Placement
Internship Programs
As its primary purpose, a College of Business internship can give you the opportunity to gain experience and training in your major field of study by working for a business or other organization while still enrolled in a degree program. An internship gives you valuable insights regarding the types of work you may perform after graduation and helps you make a decision on a long-term career path. You'll also gain experience in interviewing, résumé preparation, working with teams, and community involvement. Ultimately, the internship program benefits students, employers, and the College of Business.
If you are interested in doing an internship, and meet the below requirements, please contact the College of Business Director of Placement and Internships (719.255.3120)
Quick Reference Links
- Academic Requirements
- Eligibility
- Student Expectations
- Special Cases for Current Jobs
- Postings for Jobs and Internships
Academic Requirements
The internship involves both on-the-job work hours and academic requirements.
On-the-Job Work Hours
The amount of time on the job relates to the number of credit hours for the internship.
- Three-Credit Internships: 150 hours of work experience.
- Two-Credit Internships: 100 hours of work experience.
- One-Credit Internships: 50 hours of work experience.
Academic Requirements (During Internship)
In addition to the work experience requirements listed above, if you are taking an internship for academic credit, you'll need to complete the following requirements:
Activity Log. The log describes the specific activities, along with comments concerning expectations and assumptions behind the actual work, along with feedback received from the employer. The log begins daily, but can become weekly as the tasks become more routine.
Work Samples. You will periodically submit work samples, either through e-mail or during meetings with the intership director or advising faculty. Your final report will also contain work samples.
Final Report. The major academic requirement for the internship involves a bound formal report. The basic report consists of nine to ten pages discussing such topics as functions performed, lessons learned on the job, application of class theory, and benefits derived from the experience. Toward the end of the internship, the academic advisor will assign specific topics. The formal report includes attachments: the activity log, work samples, and additional research if required.
Student Evaluation. At the end of the internship, you will submit an Evaluation Form rating your experience.
Unusual Scheduling. To meet business requirements, a potential internship may not fall within the normal semester time frame. These special situation internships require consultation with the Career & Placement Office, the advising faculty, the work supervisor, and the student.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must be a College of Business undergraduate or graduate student. Undergraduates who have completed a junior level class in the discipline of the internship are eligible for the internship, subject to the approval of the Director of Placement and Internships. (Non-business students earning a minor in business cannot receive internship credit towards their minor coursework.)
- If you want academic credit for your internship, you must complete all skills courses before eligibility (ENGL 131, ECON 101 & 102, MATH 111 & 112, INFS 110, ACCT 201 & 202, QUAN 201 & 202, and BUAD 300).
- You must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in order to be eligible for completion of an internship for credit.
- Accounting majors may have additional requirements. Please contact the Career and Placement Office for details.
Student Expectations
You, the student, have the ultimate responsibility for your own success in the Internship Program. The college will monitor your activities and progress.
Students applying for enrollment in the program must fulfill or meet the following expectations: (PGA Golf Management and Sport Management students should discuss the unique requirements for their internships with their program's Internship Coordinators.)
- You must provide a current resume, degree progress report, student internship application, employer internship application, and completed workers compensation form to the COB Career & Placement Office before or at the time of applying for an internship agreement.
- You have the option of arranging you own internship with a company or organization. Faculty and the COB Career & Placement Office will provide assistance in networking students with the business community. However, in this instance you will be responsible for making the internship arrangements.
- You should become familiarize yourself with any requirements expressed by participating firms concerning class standing (junior, senior), minimum grade point average, and prerequisite classes. The COB Career & Placement Office will help to provide this information.
Special Cases for Current Job to Qualify as an Internship
If you are already working, you may use this experience as an internship in limited situations. The College of Business has policies that clarify whether a current job can qualify as an internship opportunity.
In general, the College of Business does NOT give internship credit for positions you already hold or for work already completed.
If you feel your situation is a special case, please contact the Director of Placement and Internships.
Posting for Jobs and Internships
There are many sites online to help in your search for internships. The College of Business Career and Placement Office utilizes an online network to post jobs and internships. As a student, you can search for internships and jobs available around the United States. You can also post your resume and cover letter for employers to view.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call 719.255.3120 or email the Career and Placement Office.
