Internships
An internship is a short-term, professional experience related to your major field of study, which often takes place after you have completed part of your degree program, however before you graduate. An internship can take place in a variety of settings and be part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid. They may be part of an educational program, carefully monitored and evaluated for academic credit or they can be part of a learning plan that you develop yourself. In some cases, internships can lead to full-time employment.
What distinguishes an internship from a part-time job or volunteer work is the intentional “learning agenda” that the intern brings to the experience. It is up to you to be sure that you and your supervisor establish a plan that satisfies both your learning goals and the required work which must be completed.
Why are Internships Important?
- An internship is an opportunity to gain valuable experience in your field of study. It allows you to explore your field of interest and apply theories learned in class.
- Interns are more likely to understand how various occupations align to their degree
- Internships increase your network of professional contacts
- Participating in an internship builds professional experience that strengthens your resume and can leverage your negotiating power wen full-time offers are made
Internships at St. John’s: Academic Credit or Paid?
Many different types of internships are available, including paid, solely academic and unpaid (with or without credit). All of them offer a wonderful learning experience.
Academic Internships (Credit)
Internships offered for academic credit require the approval of your school or college’s academic department. Please view the academic internship contacts for more information for your college.
Paid Internships (Non-credit)
This type of internship is an opportunity for students (first year – senior) to integrate career-related experiences directly to their major field of study or career interest. Students gain valuable on-the-job work experience, develop new skills, apply knowledge gained from coursework, clarify career choices, and establish contacts and networks within an industry. The internships must emphasize intentional learning and be well-planned and structured by an on-site supervisor. The internship experience must contribute to the student’s personal and professional development through challenging work assignments.
Academic Internships
Academic internships are done under the guidance and supervision of an appointed faculty member assigned within each particular major. Students participate in academic internships while they carry a full- or part-time student course load. Academic departments have specific guidelines and requirements that vary by major. The designated faculty member for the major determines if the internship opportunity meets the department’s requirements with regard to the terms and conditions concerning hours required to work, compensation, academic-based assignments and grading system.
Academic Internship Contact Information
Please visit the links below for each of the respective colleges:
| St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Christine Yang 718-990-1314 | The School of Education Linda Miller 718-990-6259 | The Peter J. Tobin College of Business Michael Fahid 718-990 3245 |
| College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Joseph Brocavich 718-990-1439 | Collins College of Professional Studies Craig Baron 718-990-6772 | Institute for Biotechnology Dr. Somnath Pal 718-990-1633 |