Finding an Internship and Applying for Course Credit
Where can I find an Internship?
Finding an internship is the sole responsibility of the student. Many companies will post opportunities to Handshake; they will also participate in the career fair held each semester. In addition to these more formal channels, various faculty may become aware of opportunities throughout the year and share them with students in class or on LinkedIn. For example, the ITSCM Department’s LinkedIn Group for students and alumni will include posts from faculty and alumni advertising internships and full-time job opportunities. Your faculty may also be able to introduce to people within their networks who may provide other opportunities. We have also had students find internship/job opportunities through the department’s mentoring program.
What type of duties will I be performing during my internship?
The duties you’ll perform during your internship depend heavily on the company and internship role. Information systems/technology and analytics are broad fields that span industries and corporate verticals. You could have an analytics position that supports supply chain functions, a finance department, or customer recruitment and retention. You could have a tech role that supports database administration, cybersecurity initiatives, software development, or network maintenance. These are just some examples, though there are numerous possibilities.
Am I able to register for ITM 493 while working for my current employer?
Possibly yes. This is considered on a case-by-case basis. You will need to communicate with the internship coordinator before submitting your application as additional information will be required to assess if you are eligible for internship course credit.
Typically, a student will need to demonstrate that they have arranged with their employer to complete a project that is distinct from their usual duties. For example, if you normally work with managing networks, you would need a project that is unrelated to network management – such as product acquisition, software development/testing, etc. You will not be eligible for internship course credit if you are simply performing your regular job.
Are there costs involved with taking an internship?
In terms of working an internship, costs may vary depending on the internship you take. Some companies may require you to cover the cost of background checks, drug testing, and/or vaccinations. If the internship is in a different city, some companies may provide housing while others will require you to find and cover housing for the duration of the internship. You can ask about extra costs during the interview/negotiation process.
In terms of the internship course, you will be responsible for the cost of three credit hours. For ITM 493/293, you will also need to acquire a book – the exact book will be determined with student feedback each semester. If you have a library card or already pay for a subscription to a service such as Audible, this may not cost you anything; to date, the book selected has cost between $10 and $25 if purchased.
What are the prerequisites for taking ITM 493?
Regardless of major, you must have at least junior standing to enroll in ITM 493.
For ITM Majors, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Declare ITM as your major (or as one of your majors)
- Complete ITM 310
- Complete 9 additional hours of ITM coursework
For BEA Majors, you need to meet the following requirements:
Declare BEA as your major (or as one of your majors)
Complete either ITM 430 or ECON 342
Complete ITM 315 and ECON 341
Required courses may not be completed concurrently with ITM 493. If you apply for internship credit and do not meet the above stated requirements for your program, you can still be approved for ITM 293.
What is the difference between ITM 493 and ITM 293?
Generally speaking, ITM 493 is an upper-division major elective, meaning it will count towards your degree requirements. ITM 293 is a general elective that does not typically count towards degree requirements. Please speak with your academic advisor if you have questions about your specific situation and degree.
How do I register for ITM 493/293?
- Find and accept an offer for an internship.
- Complete the Internship Orientation Workshop and download the certificate of completion.
- Submit an Internship Application for Credit through the website. You will need to upload the certificate of completion to the website. You will also need contact information for your internship supervisor and the job description for the application.
- After you submit the application, it will be reviewed by the internship coordinator. You will be contacted if more information is needed to approve the application.
- After the internship coordinator approves the application (assuming that is the outcome), your internship supervisor will be contacted for their approval.
- After the internship supervisor approves the application, your information will be sent to the registrar, who will enroll you in the course.
Can I receive credit for an internship retroactively?
To receive academic credit for an internship, you must work at the internship in the same semester you enroll in the course. Credit cannot be granted for previously completed internships.
The Internship Course
Who will monitor me during the internship?
Your main contact will be your internship supervisor; they will monitor your progress, answer questions, and provide the resources for you to be successful in the internship. The internship coordinator will run and monitor the internship course, but will only monitor your internship performance and progress at intervals via check-ins. If you have concerns or encounter challenging situations during your internship, the internship coordinator can provide guidance and, if needed, advocate for you.
How many credit hours is ITM 493/293?
ITM 493/293 is approved for three (3) credit hours. It will not be approved for fewer or more credit hours.
Can I take the course more than once?
You may only count three (3) credits of ITM 493 towards your degree requirements; as such, it is unlikely that you will receive more than one approval for ITM 493. It is possible to complete both ITM 293 and ITM 493, though this is because ITM 293 does not generally count towards degree requirements.
How is ITM 493/293 grades?
This is a pass/fail course.
What is required to receive a passing grade in ITM 493/293?
First and foremost, you must complete your internship (though this is rarely a concern).
Secondly, you must complete a reflection/report at the end of the semester. Failure to complete and submit the report by the deadline will result in a failing grade. While the report is typically a written document, alternative formats may be approved by the internship coordinator. Details of the report, including the deadline, will be available on the Canvas course site. Thirdly, you must complete enough other activities in the Canvas course to achieve a passing grade. Each activity is worth a certain number of points, with the report worth the most. Over the course of the semester, you must accumulate 70% or more of the available points to receive a passing grade.
What are the activities on the ITM 493/293 Canvas course?
ITM 493/293 follows the basic course designed by Career Services for the internship course, though aspects have been modified or added to be more beneficial for ITM and BEA students. Most activities can be completed asynchronously at any point during the semester. In general, students will:
- Reflect on what they want in a career and in life
- Craft or update a professional resume
- Write a practice cover letter (they’ll also read about what makes a compelling letter)
- Practice answering behavioral interview questions using the STAR method
- Learn about technical and case-based interviews
- Arrange a meeting with their internship supervisor to ask for feedback on their performance and reflect on the experience
- Read part of a professional development-focused book* and participate in a weekly, asynchronous discussion
- Complete a “quiz” reflecting on how the internship helped develop career competencies
- Complete the final reflection/report on their internship experience
Activities are graded based on completing all required elements. It is possible to pass the course without completing all activities, though it is strongly recommended to at least attempt each one as they are relevant to career preparedness.
*Some of the books selected thus far have been Blink and Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell, and The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt. The book each semester is chosen based on student votes.