Experiential Learning (Interships) at CSU
The College of Natural Sciences and the College of Liberal Arts
experiential learning will help you to:
- Work on real-life projects
- Take on new challenges
- Make yourself more marketable
You might be thinking about an internship or you want to spend the summer doing research. You would like to increase your knowledge, test your choice of a major, and network in the real world of work. If you're thinking about graduate school, you want to get some research experience to help with the application. Internships can provide you with career-related work experience, allow you to check out your future career goals, and give you an opportunity to network with employers in your career field.
Why should I do an internship?
Students choose to participate in internships for various reasons. Internships are a good way to validate your major and career selection. They can provide you with new skill sets, build your knowledge base, and help you decide on the right work environment. Internships can help you grow personally, strengthen your public speaking and leadership skills, and enhance your awareness and appreciation of the diverse work population. You can experience other parts of the United States and the World with little monetary investment. Whatever your reason for pursuing an internship, know this. Many employers are using prior internship experience as criteria for hiring. They look favorably upon students who have taken the initiative to seek out and get internships.
When should I do an internship?
While internships are available year-round, most students typically do internships in the summer. However, this is also when competition for those internship positions is most keen. If possible, look at rotating out of school for a semester or six months. Many internship opportunities are for rising Juniors or Seniors. If this is the case, then part-time work or volunteering with a career related company or organization would help you when you are ready to apply for the internship. Freshmen and Sophomores should not be deterred from seeking out internships, since there are many available for them as well.
Where do I start?
Begin with The Career Center at Colorado State University. There is a searchable database with multiple internship listings for Colorado and the United States. Check out the web page of the Colleges of Natural Sciences and Liberal Arts. This internship listing is divided into majors to make your search easier.
Don't neglect others on campus as well. Talk with your professors in your major to see if they know of on going research, or contacts within companies. Your parents and friends may be able to offer you some leads. If you're going to be in a different part of the country over the summer, visit a University Career Center there and do some research in the town where you're looking to be. Searching for internship opportunities is very similar to conducting a full-time job search.
How should I begin my search?
Start your search as early as possible. Many internships have deadlines as early as December 1 each year. You need to begin thinking about that summer internship in the fall. Begin collecting information before Thanksgiving, and over the break, begin filling out applications, writing your interest statements and cover letters, and sending out applications. Don't forget to speak with your instructors early on in case you need those letters of recommendation. Also, make sure you talk with your family about your plans. By spring break (March and April) most internships have closed their applications and begun interviewing. Notification usually happens during the month of May. Summer internships can last eight to ten weeks, so you still may have a little time for a summer vacation.
Can I get academic credit for my internship?
Colorado State University offers several ways to receive academic credit for your internship. Courses with the following number sequences can grant credit for internship experiences. Always check with your department before you sign up for an internship class.
X86 Practicum: work-oriented instruction involving the implementation of classroom or laboratory experience under the direct supervision of a faculty member.
Internship: work-oriented instruction involving the implementation of classroom or laboratory experiences coordinated by a faculty member.
X94, X95 Independent Study: student project with only minimal faculty direction; student investigates an area of special interest under the direction and supervision of faculty.
X98 Research: credit formally enrolled for during period of research instruction.
X99 Thesis: credit enrolled for during formal period of work on thesis.