Frequently Asked Questions About Internships
To be Enrolled in an INTERNSHIP for CREDIT
1) Consult with your Faculty Advisor well in advance of the term you would like to complete your internship experience. Your Faculty Advisor will discuss your career goals and review your academic record to determine if you are eligible.
2) Explore internship options and update your resume and cover letters as needed. There are many resources available to assist you. Advance planning is vital. The Student is ultimately responsible for finding his/her own internship experience.
There are basically three ways to get an internship:
-Student creates and sets up the internship. Research websites of organizations you are interested in. Check with family, neighbors and friends regarding internships with their employer
-Visit the Career Planning Center to research and apply for internships that the College has already developed
-Speak with your current and previous professors. Many faculty have valuable professional contacts.
3) Once you identify internship sites, you must consult with your Faculty Advisor before applying for positions. Your Faculty Advisor has final determination if the internship sites you are interested in are approved for academic credit.
4) When your Faculty Advisor approves of your internship site, you will need to complete the Internship Registration form. This form serves as a "learning contract" between the student, faculty advisor, faculty sponsor and internship supervisor.
5) Submit completed SCA Internship Registration Form to the Dean's Office, Kahl Campus Center Room 201.
FAQs
What is an internship?
An internship is pre-professional work experience related to your major and career goals. An internship enables you to connect the knowledge and skills you have gained in your coursework with real world applications. It gives you insights into the dynamics of the field in which you are working, fosters the development of professional skills and is absolutely necessary for a strong "stand out" resume.
An internship can also provide you with the answer to that age-old question: "What can I do with a major in?" Finally, if your plans include graduate school, an internship can be helpful. Many graduate schools look for evidence of experience in the field, and an internship can provide that experience.
Who can do an internship?
All SCA students who have accumulated a minimum of 45 credits and who have successfully completed at least 3 credits at Sage with a C or better. Permission of their faculty advisor is also required.
Any student may do an internship that does not bear academic credit at any time during their time at the Sage College of Albany.
When can I do my internship?
Typically, students complete their academic credit bearing internships when they are in their junior year or early in their senior year.
Where are internships located?
Most college-sponsored internships are located in the Capital District area. Students typically attend Sage as a full-time student and work part-time at their internship location. There are numerous non-local internship opportunities throughout the US and worldwide. Summer Breaks are a great time to advance your skills!
How do I get an internship?
There are basically two ways to get an internship:
- Research and apply for internships that the College has already developed. You do this through the Career Planning office or by speaking with your professors. For a spring internship you should begin the process in October; for a Summer or Fall internship you should begin in February.
- Create and set up your own internship. The Career Planning office has information on how to do this and can help you target organizations that would be likely to be interested in sponsoring an internship for you. Or you can even turn your current employment, to an experiential learning experience. You must have the support of your workplace supervisor and faculty advisor. Also, you must be able to articulate at least 3 new learning skills or special projects outside of your normal responsibilities. This works well particularly if you are in a job related to your major field of study.
All credit bearing internships must be approved by your faculty advisor. You will need an updated resume and a cover letter to apply for internships. The Career Planning office can help with this and other internship preparation questions you may have.
How much time do I spend working at an internship site? How many hours are required?
Depends on degree level and major. For 3 credit hours, students in a bachelor degree program are required to do 100-135 hours depending on the major department. Students typically work part-time during a semester and full-time during Summer and Winter breaks. Please check with your Faculty Advisor regarding internship policies for your major.
For a non-credit bearing internship, one may work as many hours as the student and site wish.
Are there paid internships available?
Sometimes college interns are paid, but most are unpaid. Students are eligible to be paid and receive college credit.
How many internships can I do?
It is highly recommended that you complete at least 2 internships -- to be competitive or stand out as a candidate in todays job market. As a bachelor degree student, you can earn up to 15 internship credits depending on your major. Most internship courses offer 3 credit hours.
Who is eligible to do an internship?
Students from all majors with a minimum grade point average of 2.20 in the major, completion of at least 3 credits at Sage and a minimum of 45 total credits. Some majors may have different eligibility (i.e. GPA) requirements. If you are not sure of what the internship requirements are in your major, check the on-line College catalog and speak with your faculty advisor.
If an internship is a course, do I have to do homework? tests? Do I get a real grade?
The internship is a fully graded academic course. Each department has different academic requirements for their students. You may be required to keep a journal or daily log, prepare a portfolio, give a presentation, complete a substantial project and/or write a research paper.
Can I do my internship at my current job?
Students can do an internship at their job site only if they can negotiate 3-5 new learning objectives (i.e., a new project or job where they will learn new professional skills). Please note: it is usually in the student's best interest to explore other organizations and make new contacts. Again, students must receive the approval of their department and Faculty Advisor.
How do I officially register for the internship experience with the College?
You need to register for the appropriate internship course on-line and you will also need to complete the, Internship Registration Form (salmon-colored form available in the Career Planning Office) to be officially enrolled for academic credit. On this form you will need to get signatures from: internship supervisor, your faculty sponsor, your faculty advisor and the Dean of the College.
Now that I have read this, what do I do?
Start planning now. Meet with your Faculty Advisor to discuss how and when an internship fits into your major. Visit the Career Planning office to explore your options. Browse through the internship listings available in the Career Planning office. Make an appointment with Career Counselor to evaluate your resume and to discuss effective job search skills.
