Internships and Experiential Education

This is where you take your education on the road and start exploring. This is where you learn new skills in preparation for your future.

What is EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION?

When you supplement your academic background with practical experience, skills, and knowledge, this is the experiential process. Experiential education includes on-campus Student Employment positions, part-time/summer employment, shadowing, externships, site visits, community service, research projects, leadership roles or global experiences to name a few. The most popular form of experiential education is internships - for credit, pay, or experience only.

What is an internship?

Internships are practical work experiences intended to provide individuals with exposure to pursue particular career fields. They allow students to apply the knowledge they have acquired in the classroom to the workplace, as well as test out career options. In addition, they allow employers to evaluate prospective candidates for full-time permanent employment following graduation.

How can I find an internship? - Leave no stone unturned!

Making Most of an Internship Workshop - attend this workshop at Career Services, scheduled throughout the semester. Get an overview of the internship search process, resources available, and get activated into LionsPro. LionsPro is our 24 hour access to view and submit to over 500 noncredit regional, state, or national internships from organizations specifically interested in recruiting TCNJ students.

Career Library - Over 450 resources as well as 3 computers available to help you in your search.

Student Employment System - There are development centers and research projects within the academic areas, Global Programs, Service Learning, and Campus and Residence Life.

Lastly, build your network by participating in campus organizations, events (Career & Internship Days, Dining Out in Professional Style), and the student-to-student & Alumni network communities.

Will I be compensated for my efforts?

Internships offer four types of compensation:

1. Paid - Interns are paid either hourly or on a stipend basis.
2. Paid and Credit - Interns are paid and receive course credit.
3. Credit Bearing - Interns receive course credit based on the number of hours they intern.
4. Experience only - Interns receive neither pay nor credit for internships. Interns gain professional knowledge and exposure.

How do I receive credit/units for an internship?

Students must meet with faculty or staff representing their academic department the semester prior to the start of the internship. Receiving credits is usually based on the number of contact hours at the internship site, content, and department policy. Your internship experience may include a seminar or meeting structure.

What forms do I need to complete for credit?

Each department varies, check with your academic department. Traditionally there are three forms required:

1. A student proposal: available through department.
2. Internship site coordinator/Employer Internship Agreement Form: available on Career Services website.
3. For credit, complete the Internship form located on the Records & Registration website.

What if I withdraw from a credit internship?

Withdrawing from an internship will be treated the same way as withdrawing from a regular course. Students wishing to withdraw must meet with the faculty member assigned to the internship before initiating the withdrawal. All the appropriate forms must be completed and filed with Records & Registration. Professionalism is also a consideration, so be sure to review the Ethics and Protocol of the Job Search.

Do I need a resume for a credit or non-credit internships?

Yes, this a job search so you will need a resume to present to employers and ultimately you will need to prepared to interview as well. In addition, many organizations require an application and an essay.

• Be prompt, enthusiastic and flexible! Demonstrate a strong work ethic.
• Keep lines of communication open with faculty and supervisor. Schedule a weekly meeting with your supervisor and set up a time for an evaluation.
• Interview an executive of the organization. Gain information on their career path, membership to professional organizations and major competitors.
• Keep a journal of your experience and a record of your work, achievements, reports, and recommendations related to this experience.
• Obtain written references 2-3 weeks prior to end date.

 

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