Internship FAQs
- How do I find an internship?
- How do I find out where other Wesleyan students have completed internships?
- I want to do an internship but I can't leave campus. What can I do?
- How do I find local businesses that want interns?
- Who is eligible for an internship?
- Will the A & CC find an internship for me?
- How to I get credit for my internship?
- Will I be paid for my internship?
- Why should I consider doing an internship?
- What are some sample internship placements used by Wesleyan students?
How do I find an internship?
There are a few ways to find internships. Some of these ways are very useful, while others are less then helpful. The first step to finding an internship is to visit the A & CC and meet with a staff member. The staff has available information that may not be obtained through other methods, i.e. internship programs directed toward certain majors, direct contact with or from internship providers and the knowledge of local businesses that provide internships to Wesleyan students.
How do I find out where other Wesleyan students have completed internships?
In the A & CC you will find the Learning Contract Database. Within the database you will find a listing of students by major and the information about their internship. This would also be a great starting place for contact information.
I want to do an internship but I can't leave campus. What can I do?
There are a number of departments on campus that have direct internship opportunities. Many departments on campus are seeking help with various projects. Please contact your advisor or department chair for any available opportunities.
How do I find local businesses that want interns?
Stop by the Academic & Career Center and research possible opportunities with the Community Internship Program Book. This binder contains contact information as well as internship job description for local companies. The book is cross-referenced by major and company name.
Who is eligible for an internship?
Any Wesleyan student is eligible for an internship that is of sophomore standing and has a 2.25 GPA.
Will the A & CC find an internship for me?
The Academic & Career Center is pleased to be able to give you the tools to find an internship. Finding an Internship is like finding a job and therefore a great deal of the legwork will need to be done by the student. The center will help by offering leads and introducing you to established programs like C.I.P. and The Washington Center, help to prepare a resume and cover letter and help with interviewing skills.
How do I get credit for my internship?
Refer to the section on Steps to Establishing a Credit-Earning Internship.
Will I be paid for my internship?
The general rule of thumb is that an internship is an educational experience and may not be paid. Some companies do not pay interns while other companies pay very well. A question to ask while in an interview.
Why should I consider doing an internship?
There are several different but equally worthwhile reasons why students participate in internships. First, students who want to feel more confident about the major they have declared might use involvement in internships to explore their potential career interests. Gaining a clear sense of what you don't want to do for the rest of your professional life can be a very valuable way to spend a few hours a week. Second, what better way to prepare for a career than to complement the theory acquired through course work with some applied practical experience. Third, demonstrate that your strengths lie in your ability to identify and achieve goals. Seize the initiative by pursuing a series of career-related field experiences. These internships may result in recommendations or contacts, which could convince an employer of your strong motivation and potential for success.
What are some sample internship placements used by Wesleyan students?
A representative list of Wesleyan placements includes:
- An English major explored the complex issues of urban planning as part of the management team administering a state-funded "Main Street Project" grant
- Working side-by-side with a veterinarian tested tentative career interests for a junior Biology major
- An International Studies major spent a semester in the Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs of the U.S. Department of State preparing for a career in public service
- Behind the scenes as a "jack-of-all-trades" at a hometown newspaper opened new horizons for a previously unfocused Business major
- Political Science major worked on redistricting for the WV Speaker of the House
- Spending the summer learning orchestra management at the Spoleto Arts Festival provided valuable career preparation for a junior Communication/Dramatics Arts major
- A practicum focused on grant-writing and corporate fund-raising for a non-profit institution helped a senior English major refine her skills for a career in professional writing
- Coordinating art gallery showings featuring the works of municipal employees, and acting as spokesperson for the PA State Office of Cultural Affairs, gave a Public Relations major a real sense of professional realities.
