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What is an Internship?

EHE Career Services recognizes there are various definitions of "internship" and encourages students to pursue any opportunity that will provide valuable experience to explore careers and develop credentials to present to employers. Here are some of the internship structures that one might encounter.

Internship Programs: Structured, employer designed, usually very competitive selection process
Academic Internship: Student is registered for course credit for a relevant, department approved experience outside the classroom
Intern as Job Title: The job title assigned to a paid employee or unpaid volunteer
Post Degree Internship: A bachelor's degree is required for eligibility

An "internship" may also be a combination of those described above. For example:

• A student has a "Marketing Intern" job title but is not registered for an internship course for degree credit.
• A student secures a part time job as a special events assistant and presents the job to be approved for internship credit.
• A recent graduate is hired as a Design Intern with no commitment for long term employment.

Researching an Internship

It is suggested that students properly plan for an internship by beginning the research process at least two (2) Quarters in advance of completing your internship for credit.

1. Gain information about internships in any of the following ways:
   1. Meet with Internship Program Coordinator, Nancy Dugan
   2. Survey and Professional Development courses in your major
   3. Attend job fairs and employer information sessions on campus
   4. Research job boards: EHECareers, Columbus Internships, Ohio Means Internships
   5. Department Internship and field work Information
      • Consumer Sciences
      • Physical Activity and Education Services
      • Human Development and Family Sciences
      • Human Nutrition
2. Consult with your academic advisor about appropriate internship opportunities and the registration process if enrolling in an internship course
3. Visit Career Services and update/revise resume and cover letter
4. Make contact with potential employer in one of the following ways:
   1. Fill out the company's internship, volunteer, or employment application
   2. Contact a company that you wish to work for and request a meeting
5. Prepare for the interview with the potential employer
6. Interview with employer
   1. Discuss your learning goals with employer
   2. Take note of job responsibilities/activities that will help you reach these goals
7. Send a Thank You note or e-mail to employer
8. Be patient and wait for an internship offer

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