ABOUT INTERNSHIPS - Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Internship?
An internship is a supervised learning experience in a work environment. Taken for academic credit the internship can provide you with an invaluable 'hands on' experience related to your field of study. Through an internship, you can network with professionals who are already working in your chosen field of study. An internship or practicum excludes experiences (e.g., student teaching, field experience, and residency) that are required for certification or licensure. An academic internship (for credit) can be paid or non-paid.
Am I responsible for finding an internship opportunity?
Yes, it is your responsibility to locate an internship and to send résumés to the sites. Check out the Current Internship Listing and other links for internship ideas.
Do I have to pay Bloomsburg University for the Internship?
Depending on the total number of credits for your internship and course load, and whether the internship is during summer session or fall/spring, you may need to pay some fees. Click here for the complete information about fees and internships.
Who can give me guidance about an internship?
You will be assigned a faculty internship instructor who will supervise your internship. Your faculty advisor will tell you who your faculty internship instructor will be.
Additionally, your academic advisor can give you guidance about internships. Please schedule an appointment with your advisor to verify that you meet the requirements within your major to be eligible for an internship opportunity.
You may also visit the Office of Academic Internships room # 144 SSC astbriggs@bloomu.edu or internships@bloomu.edu to discuss internships.
How do I know if my internship meets departmental criteria?
Your faculty advisor and/or faculty internship instructor along with your academic department will evaluate your internship proposal and examine the job description to determine if the placement qualifies for course credit.
How soon should I start the process of finding an internship?
If possible, meet with your academic advisor during the first four weeks of the semester prior to the semester when your internship will start. Check the Active Affiliation Agreement list to see if Bloomsburg University has an agreement with your internship site.
What is an Affiliation Agreement?
It is a legal document between Bloomsburg University, the State System and a potential internship site. Search the Bloomsburg University Active Affiliation Agreement List to find current affiliations. An Affiliation Agreement between Bloomsburg University and your potential employer must be in place before you start your internship or you will not get academic credit.
Do I get paid?
Your internship position may be either paid or unpaid. Compensation availability and wages will vary between employers. You can talk with your potential employer about getting paid.
What costs are involved in participating in an internship?
Depending on the location of your internship, you may need to plan for travel expenses, such as the cost of gasoline and maintaining an automobile. If your internship is not near Bloomsburg, you may need to plan for paying rent and living expenses.
Need more information?
Please contact the internship office internships@bloomu.edu 570-389-2779.