Internships: Opportunities for Experiential Learning

Presenters: Alicia S. Monroe, Ed.D. Assistant Director, Office of Career Advancement Kimberly R. Poolos CHSS Match Coordinator

What is an internship?

• An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory

learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a

professional setting.

• Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and

make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and

give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent.

• Rowan University adheres to the NACE (National Association of Colleges and

Employers) definition of an internship.

The Internship Experience

• The experience must be an extension of the classroom: a learning experience that

provides for applying the knowledge gained in the classroom. It must not be simply

to advance the operations of the employer or be the work that a regular employee

would routinely perform.

• The skills or knowledge learned must be transferable to other employment settings.

• The experience has a defined beginning and end, and a job description with desired

qualifications.

• There are clearly defined learning objectives/goals related to the professional goals

of the student’s academic coursework.

The Internship Experience

• There is supervision by a professional with expertise and educational and/or

professional background in the field of the experience.

• There is routine feedback by the experienced supervisor.

• There are resources, equipment, and facilities provided by the host employer

that support learning objectives/goals.

Are internships paid?

Internships may be paid or unpaid.

• Some students earn academic credit for internships, while others do not.

They may be full time (typically during terms students are not taking classes)

or part time during active academic terms.

• Before a student starts an unpaid internship, the student must be made aware

that they will not be paid.

Unpaid Internships: What to know...

For unpaid internships, there are legal considerations to consider. These are addressed through six criteria for

unpaid interns for the service they provide to “for-profit” private sector employers articulated in the Fair Labor

Standards Act (see FLSA Fact Sheet #71). Essentially, if the six criteria are met, the Department of Labor (DOL)

considers there to be no employment relationship. The six criteria established by the DOL are:

• The internship, even though it includes actual operation of the employer’s facilities, is similar to training that

would be given in a vocational school.

• The internship experience is for the benefit of the student.

• The intern does not displace regular employees, but works under the close observation of a regular employee.

• The employer provides the training and derives no immediate advantage from the activities of the intern.

• The intern is not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship.

• The employer and the intern understand that the intern is not entitled to wages for the time in the internship.

How can I earn credit for an internship?

• Rowan University grants academic credit for internships, not employers. It is

ultimately the student’s responsibility to ensure they will receive academic credit for

the internship through their department prior to starting their internship if they wish

to receive credit for the internship.

• Employers must allow students to use the skills learned in the classroom in a

meaningful way outside the classroom and require that students engage in reflective

practice.

• Some programs have supervised internship courses built into the program

requirements. For example, Law and Justice majors at Rowan University must

complete a semester-long internship to graduate.

• Generally, internships eligible for academic credit must meet a certain “hours

worked” requirement.

In-House Versus Remote Internships

Benefits of In-House Internships: Hands-on exposure to the industry. Opportunities

for relationship-building outside internship supervisor.

Benefits of Remote Internships: Schedule flexibility. Allows students who may

normally be unable to commit to an internship due to family or work obligations the

opportunity to participate in an internship experience.

Hybrid Model: Some internships are a combination of In-House and Remote.

Normally, the hybrid model internship has 1 to 4 in-house days per month with the

rest of the time completed remotely.

Profs Jobs

Currently hosts over 600 employers.

Currently hosts over 600 internships (full and part-time, paid and unpaid), jobs, and

work study opportunities.

Accessed by Rowan University students and alumni.

Applying for opportunities are as easy as 1-2-3.