Internship Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I consider an internship?
2. What is an internship?
3. How early should I begin planning an internship?
4. When can I do an internship?
5. Is there a tuition charge for internships?
6. Are internships paid?
7. How do I apply for an internship?
8. What are the benefits to completing the learning agreement and evaluations?
9. How can I get the most out of my internship?
10. What should I do if I'm experiencing concerns or issues while interning?
11. How many SNC students complete internships?

  1.  Why should I consider an internship?
Internships allow you to:

• Apply classroom knowledge to a real work environment
• Acquire experience important for future employment and education
• Develop and practice transferable skills
• Experience different management styles and work environments
• Develop long-range career goals and test your skills and interests in a particular career field
• Learn about your own personal aptitudes and preferences 
• Understand the value of your liberal arts studies
• Expand your professional network and references
• Increase your chances of receiving a job offer upon graduation

2.  What is an internship?
Click here for an internship definition and to learn how internships differ from part-time jobs or volunteer work.

3.  How early should I begin planning an internship?
Planning should begin at least one semester in advance. Each company will have their own individual timetable.  However, the earlier you begin planning your internship, the more options you may have.  Some companies have formalized internship programs while others utilize an internship on an as-needed basis. 

4.  When can I do an internship?
Fall, Spring, or during the summer or winter breaks.  In addition, your internship start date does not need to correlate directly with semester start dates.

5.  Is there a tuition charge for internships?
If you choose to receive academic credit for your internship by taking the Internship Seminar 494 or Individualized Internship 494, you will be charged tuition.  However, there is no tuition charge for registering non-credit internships for the 0-Credit (IDIS 494) Internship course.

6.  Are internships paid?
The company providing the internship determines whether an intern will be paid.  Companies will vary on their policies for compensation.  Please remember that “experience is experience whether it is for pay or not, or for credit or non-credit.”  What is important is that you are receiving the “documented experience” that is a prerequisite for many kinds of employment.  For an internship to be considered “documented experience”, students must complete an internship learning agreement and evaluation. 

7.  How do I apply for an internship?
Each company will have a different policy for applying.  Schedule an appointment with the Career Services Staff for assistance in developing a resume, cover letter, and reference page or to practice your interviewing skills.  In addition, the Career Office has numerous handouts and guides to help in the application and interview process.

8.  What are the benefits to completing the learning agreement and evaluations?
The learning agreement serves as a contract between you, your site supervisor, and SNC.  The learning agreement and evaluations are a requirement of the Professional Internship Experience at St. Norbert College.  The forms allow the College to have a record of your internship and to verify your internship if asked to do so by your future employers.  The learning agreement and evaluations allow for a more structured approach, including check-in points throughout the internship.  The forms will also be beneficial to include in your professional portfolio, will be helpful when creating your resume, or in gaining admission to graduate school.  In addition, these forms can be used to demonstrate to future employers that you have the internship experience they require.  You will also have the option to receive an internship certificate from Career Services to use in your professional portfolio.

9.  How can I get the most out of my internship?

• Express a positive attitude and a desire to learn. Complete your work assignments with enthusiasm and professionalism.
• Exhibit initiative and suggest creative solutions to some of the challenges at your work site.
• Set personal goals that are realistic and attainable.
• Meet regularly with your supervisor(s).  Do not be afraid to ask questions, but also be a good listener and learn as much as you can during these meetings.  Discuss problems as they arise.
• Network—build professional relationships with your supervisor and other people in the organization.  Ask to attend staff and professional meetings.
• Leave with tangible results to add to your resume and/or portfolio.

10.  What should I do if I'm experiencing concerns or issues while interning?
Contact the SNC Career Services Office who will assist you.  Just to name a few, issues that may arise could be learning objective concerns, harassment, discrimination, or concerns about ethical practices.

11.  How many SNC students complete internships?
Nearly 300 students, across all majors, register their internship with the College each year.  These include paid and non-paid, on-campus and off-campus, and for-credit and non-credit internships.  For examples of where some students have interned, visit Internships by Career Field and Internship Profiles.

Disclaimer: Most employers are reputable and reliable, but the SNC Career Services Office is not in a position to guarantee the professional standing of all companies, organizations, or individuals posting internship opportunities. Applicants are strongly encouraged to research potential sponsors as part of the internship search process.

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• Intern Profiles
• Career Connections login (students)
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