FAQ – SCM Internships

Finding an Internship and Registering for SCM 493

Where can I find an Internship?
Finding an Internship position is the sole responsibility of the student. However, the SCM department will share any opportunity that we are aware of with SCM students. These opportunities will be posted on the SCM Major Canvas website as they come to our attention, and you will be warned by email. Another great resource is the Career Services web-based job posting system. If you’re planning to graduate with an SCM major and are considering an internship, please make sure the major recorded in your my.boisestate.edu account is up-to-date.

What type of duties will I be performing during my internship? 
The array of possible duties within the Supply Chain field is virtually unlimited. It could range from Lean Manufacturing implementation to inventory forecast and management, ordering from suppliers, monitoring shipments (including international shipments), process analysis, quality improvement, waste management and much more…

What are the prerequisites for taking SCM 493?
The only prerequisite is SCM 301 (Principles of Supply Chain Management).

Are there costs involved with taking an Internship?
The main cost associated with an internship is the cost of paying the tuition for the number of units covered by the internship. Some companies may have additional requirements (particularly in the health-care field) that may come at an additional cost, including background check, medical check or vaccination shot(s). Make sure you inquire about potential extra-costs during your interview process.

What is the process to register my internship for credit?

• Find an internship (i.e., you must reach an agreement with an organization to hire you as an intern).
• Send a description of your internship to your Internship Coordinator. It should look like a typical job description: description of duties and responsibilities, the requirements and the tasks you’d be performing. Your internship coordinator will review it and approve it if it is consistent with the typical duties and responsibilities of an SCM assignment. If you found your internship through the SCM department posting, you can directly jump to step 3.
• Go to the Internship page on the career services website

Once you have completed and submitted the form, your internship coordinator will automatically receive an email and will review your application. If the form is filled appropriately, it will be approved online. If inconsistencies or problems are detected, your internship coordinator may choose to edit it or even reject it. After the form is approved by your internship coordinator, an email will be sent to your internship supervisor who will have to approve the internship as well. You will receive an email informing you about the approval. The Office of the Registrar will automatically add SCM 493 to your list of classes.

Completing your Internship

Who will monitor me during the internship?
Your internship supervisor will be your main contact during the internship and will be responsible for monitoring your progress and answering questions that help you perform well in your job assignment. In addition, your internship coordinator will make regular inquiries to make sure you are on track. In case of problems or concerns, you can also contact your internship coordinator.

On what basis will I be graded?
An internship is graded on a Pass/Fail basis. You need to submit a written report to your internship coordinator who will decide on the grade based on the content of that report.

What are the guidelines for the written report?

The report must be submitted to Dr. Terpend at least two weeks before the end of the semester in which the internship credit is earned.

The text of the report will be approximately 10 pages in length, 1.5 spaced, and follow a standard format (12 point font and 1-inch margins), with each section proceeded by a heading.

The report will include the following, where applicable:

• An overview of the company and the department to which you were assigned.
• A description of your various job assignments.
• A description of your accomplishments.
• To the extent that your work was related to the SCM courses completed, discuss the applicable concepts and how your experience reinforced or contradicted the classroom presentation of the concepts. Inciting the classroom material, including endnotes and references.
• Describe how the internship benefited you as a complement to your classroom experience. How did it contribute to your professional experience?
• Discuss your working relationship with your supervisor and associates.
• What did you learn about working with others?
• What recommendations would you give to improve the internship experience?
• In conclusion, how would you rate the educational value of your internship? How does your experience relate to your career goals?

When is the written report due?
The written report is due two weeks before the official grade due date for the semester.

What is the preferred format for the written report: paper or electronic document?
Both formats are equally good.

Will the report be shared with my internship supervisor?
No, your report will only be read by your internship coordinator at Boise State University and will be kept confidential. The information in the report is only between the student and Boise State University.

What if I am not able to complete my internship before the end of the semester?
Occasionally, a student may not be able to complete the required internship hours before the end of the semester. If this situation happens, please contact your internship coordinator as early as possible to request additional time. This request will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If the request is approved, the student will receive an incomplete for the semester and will agree on a future completion date with the internship coordinator. Upon completion of the internship, your incomplete grade will be replaced with a pass or fail grade.