Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is an internship?
A. An internship is a one-time project oriented and supervised on-site learning experience. The primary purpose of the internship is to provide an opportunity for the student to apply coursework knowledge in a real work setting.
Q. Why consider doing an internship?
A. Internships:
• Allow the student to test what they have learned in the classroom in business, industry, government, and non-profit organizations.
• Help the student in career decision-making.
• Facilitate networking contact, potentially establishing mentoring relationships.
• Can provide financial assistance.
• Enhance students' skill and abilities.
• Teach effective job search, resume writing and interviewing techniques.
• Give the competitive edge in employment after graduation, since many employers look for relevant work experience.
Q. Who should do an internship?
A. Individuals who have little to no work experience; students who want to gain experience in their major; persons who are changing career; someone who would like to test a career before entering it; students who would like to begin building a network of contacts.
Q. What role does the Internship Coordinator play in my search?
A. The internship coordinator roles are to:
• Provide professional career guidance to you and assist you in any way possible to help you secure an internship.
• Network and call on employers to create possible internship opportunities for students.
• Automatically forward your resume to employers when opportunities are found that are consistent with your goals.
• Place and maintain all internships opportunities on the website.
• Provide you with the knowledge, resources and tools to make your search go as smoothly as possible.
• Follow-up internship leads from students, faculty and professional colleagues.
Q. How Early Should I Begin Planning an Internship?
A. You should begin planning your internship as soon as possible, but absolutely no later than the beginning of the semester preceding the term in which you would like to do the internship. For example, if you would like to complete your internship during the summer semester, you will need to begin your search process in January of the same year.
Q. Will I receive course credit for my internship?
A. Course credit is not given for internships, unless it is a requirement of your specialized degree to graduate.
Q. Are internships paid?
A. Most internships are paid. However, some internships are unpaid or have a stipend. The employer determines whether or not the internship is paid and how much. Unpaid internships should not be dismissed if the opportunity is a great learning experience, especially in today's labor market.
Q. What should I expect from an internship?
• Students who demonstrate a high level of interest and motivation, and who take advantage of learning opportunities tend to gain the most from an internship. It is very important to a: maintain good communication with your supervisor/ mentor and co-workers to obtain as much feedback as possible on your work performance and b: be enthusiastic and have a positive attitude about the work activities that you perform. You will also be given a final evaluation of your performance that should be used as part of your career development plan.
Q. What is the purpose of the Internship Orientation?
• The purpose of the orientation is to give the student an overview of the Internship Program, including policies and procedures, and to ask questions.
Q. How soon can I expect to get an internship assignment?
A. That depends on a number of factors. Ideally, students should register with the office several months before they desire an internship and co-op position.
Q . Where are the internships assignments located ?
A. Most internships are located in the metropolitan Atlanta area and Georgia . Many intern work assignments are within commuting distance of Georgia State University. Some internships are accessible to MARTA.
