Internships
What is an internship?
Internships are professional entry-level employment positions that are related to a student's academic major and career interests. They are unique opportunities for students to gain real world experience while pursuing their studies. Internships can either be paid or unpaid. In order to qualify as a Management Internship the duties should function in a managerial training capacity. It should give the student hands-on experience and a broad understanding of the different components that comprise the company. In order to qualify as an MIS internship, the duties should involve a broad spectrum of information systems activities. General Business majors may be eligible to complete a Management internship, if eligibility requirements are met.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Senior status
- Management, MIS, or General Business major
- GPA 2.5 or above
- Approval from the Academic Advisor and the Department Chairman
Can I receive academic credit?
Internships do not have to be taken for credit, but up to 3 hours of academic credit may be earned. An internship can be used as a Management elective or an MIS elective. The number of credits ranges from 1 to 3 hours and is determined by the amount of time worked in the semester. As a rule, internships need to be for at least 10 weeks in the summer term.
| Min Hours Worked Per Week/15 Week Semester | Min Hours Worked Per Week/12 Week Semester | Academic Credit Earned |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 15 | 3 |
| 8 | 10 | 2 |
| 4 | 5 | 1 |
How are internships graded?
Interns are required to submit an Internship Journal at the end of the internship. Here are the Internship Journal Instructions (PDF) It is given a final grade of either S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory). No academic credit is given if the grade is U.
Additional forms include Student Internship Evaluation Form MGMT_MIS and Supervisor Internship Evaluation Form MGMT_MIS.
How do I find an internship?
There are several ways:
- Register with UWF Career Center
- Network with other students and join student organizations
- Monitor your email. When offers of internships come to the Management & MIS Department, group emails are sent out with information.
I'm currently employed and my supervisor says I can do an internship there. Is that possible?
Internships with current employers are not generally acceptable. However, in certain circumstances it can be done if the duties will be substantially different from your current position. Prior approval from the Department Chairman is required.
I have an internship opportunity. What are the steps I need to take?
- Determine whether you are going to use the Internship for academic credit. If you do not wish credit no further action is necessary. If you wish credit, continue to Step 2.
- Fill out the Internship Program Memorandum of Understanding (PDF). Attach a detailed description of your duties from the employer to it. The job description must be signed and written on company letterhead.
- Make an appointment with your Academic Advisor.
- After you have received approval from your Academic Advisor, make an appointment to see the Department Chairman.
- Make sure you are registered and the course is paid for.
- Follow the instruction of the Internship Journal and submit it and the Supervisor's Evaluation Form before the deadline.
