Internships – (Clinical Practical Training – CPT)
What is an Internship?
An internship can be part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid. What distinguishes an internship from a part-time job or volunteer work is the intentional “learning agenda.”
It is up to you to establish a learning plan with your supervisor and faculty advisor that meets your learning goals while completing the required work for the position. All academic internships require pre-approval by your academic advisor.
What are the benefits of an Internship?
- Gain valuable experiences that are in your major while exploring your field of interest.
- Build professional experiences that strengthen your resume.
- Strengthen your candidacy for employment in the U.S., abroad or in your country of origin.
- Increase your network of professional contacts.
What are the requirements to receive academic credit for an Internship?
Each college and academic program has different requirements regarding the registration for and obtaining of academic credit. Be sure to connect with your department chair and/or program advisor for details.
** PLEASE BE AWARE THAT YOU CANNOT START YOUR PAID INTERNSHIP UNTIL THE ISSSO HAS AUTHORIZED YOUR EMPLOYMENT ** Please read more on the requirements found here.
What steps should I take to prepare to apply for an Internship?
You will need a strong resume to apply for an internship. The first step is to review Writing a Resume & Cover Letter tip sheet and sample resumes on St. John’s University Connect. You are also strongly encouraged to make an appointment with your Career Advisor to review your resume. If you apply for an internship through On-Campus Recruitment jobs on Handshake, most of these internship opportunities require that you have your resume reviewed and approved by your Career Advisor before you can apply for the On-Campus Recruitment position.
You can also review the Preparing for the Interview tip sheets on St. John’s University Connect, practicing interviewing using Big Interview, and scheduling a mock interview with University Career Services. You are strongly encouraged to practice your interview skills as much as possible.
When do I search for Internships?
Begin your search for an internship several months in advance of the time you would like to start the internship. Application deadlines for many companies are 3-6 months or 1 year prior to the start date. Research your major and industry to identify companies/opportunities. Also, be sure to apply for internships that accept applicants with an F-1 Visa status.
Develop your class schedule to include time and availability for an internship before you begin your search. Internship opportunities occasionally may last longer than one semester.