Overview of Internships for Credit
Student internships are monitored, on-site work or service experiences for which students earn credit. Students who meet the prerequisites and are in good academic standing are eligible for internships.
The internship usually takes place in a professional workplace under the supervision of an experienced professional, whereby a high degree of responsibility is placed on the student. Internships can be part-time or full-time and must be paid. Internships must be approved in advance by the Institute.
General Information Regarding Internship Programs
Through an internship program, students establish and meet intentional learning goals through actual product development experience, while actively reflecting on what they are learning throughout the experience. The goals for the internship may include:
- Academic learning—applying knowledge learned in the classroom to tasks in the workplace.
- Career development—gaining knowledge necessary to meet minimum qualifications for a position in the student’s field of interest.
- Skill development—an understanding of the skills and knowledge required in a specific job category within the industry.
- Personal development—gaining decision-making skills, critical thinking skills, and increased confidence and self-esteem.
Since internships have a strong academic component, students are carefully monitored and evaluated for academic credit. Internships may vary in duration but generally last for one semester (3-4 months) and credit is granted based on 45 hours of internship per credit. For example, 4 credits (180 hours) and 3 credits (135 hours). Typically, students may replace two semesters of their respective program’s projects courses. Please refer to individual program requirements for more information.
More detailed information about student internships can be found in the Internship Guidelines located in Handshake’s “Resource Library”. For further questions about internships, please contact Career Services at careerservices@digipen.edu.