Internships

An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. (National Association of Colleges and Employers)

Why should you consider participating in an internship?

  1. Employers seek job candidates with work experience.
    • Nearly 91% of employers prefer that job candidates have work experience. (National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook 2017 Survey)
  2. Internships enhance your industry-specific and transferable workforce skills.
    • If you are curious about what types of skills are needed in the workforce, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has created Career Readiness Competencies.
  3. Internships help you see if a career is a good fit.
    • Internships are a low-risk way to test out a career and see if it is compatible with your interests, values, and skills
  4. Internships are an opportunity to network.
    • Connecting and building rapport with professionals in your field of interest are important for professional success.

Some academic departments offer academic credit for internship participation. Contact your academic department to see if this is an option and to learn more.

Internship Requirements by Academic Department

Certificate Internship Program
If you are not eligible to receive academic credit for your internship, the Certificate Internship Program offers you the ability to have your internship officially recognized by the College of Charleston’s Career Center.

Here are recommended guidelines when researching internships opportunities.

  1. Make sure you understand the projects, duties, and responsibilities you will be assigned and that they are relevant to your career objectives. (If you would like assistance in identifying appropriate career objectives, please contact the Career Center to set up an appointment.)

    Recommended Questions to Ask:

    • What are the day-to-day duties and responsibilities as well as ongoing projects I would be responsible for?
    • What types of skills, knowledge, and other qualifications are required to be successful in the internship?
    • What knowledge and skills will I learn as a result of participating in the internship?
  2. Your internship supervisor should be an experienced professional(s) in your interested career field who is willing to train you, answer questions, and provide you with regular feedback.
    • Research the company website and LinkedIn to gain knowledge of the supervisor’s educational and professional background.
  3. Make note of the work schedule (i.e. hours per day, number of weeks) and the dress code. Students participate in internships over the summer and during the fall and spring semesters. During the summer, students work either part-time or full-time hours. In the academic year, most students work 10-15 hours per week.
  4. Ask about the resources you will be provided to complete work (i.e. computer, office space, company email).
  5. If you are seeking the internship for credit, consult with your academic department to make sure it is approved.

Intern Compensation

The Career Center does encourage employers to compensate interns when possible. For-profit employers must abide by The Fair Labor Standards Act when determining internship compensation. Currently, non-profit and public organizations are not required to compensate interns. Some offer small stipends or gas reimbursement.

Students pursuing unpaid internships should understand the work duties, responsibilities and projects they will be working on and be supervised by a professional in their fields of interest. Students should also understand what types of knowledge and industry-specific and transferable skills they will gain as a result of participating in this experience.

If you are pursuing an internship for academic credit, please check with your department about their internship compensation policies.

Whether you are searching for an internship in Charleston or in another city, networking is crucial for success. Utilize the comprehensive resources the College provides. Discuss your interests with the Career Center staff, professors, department internship coordinators, family, and friends as they may have contacts that can help.

Handshake

  • College of Charleston’s online platform for internships, part-time and full-time jobs

Internship and Job Fairs

  • The Career Center hosts Career Fairs each fall and spring semester. Attending these events allows you to talk directly with potential employers. Check the Career Center's homepage for updated information on upcoming Career Fairs.

On-Campus Interviews

  • Check the Career Center’s homepage and weekly Monday newsletter for current opportunities. This newsletter is emailed to students.

Informational Interviews

  • The purpose of an informational interview is not to ask for an internship or job, but it can be helpful in expanding your industry network and make it more likely to learn of possible opportunities. Schedule an appointment with the Career Center to learn more.

Job Shadowing

  • Over Spring Break, the Career Center partners with various organizations and companies to offer a job shadow program. This is an excellent opportunity to explore a potential career and also network for potential internships. Check the Career Center’s homepage and weekly Monday newsletter for more information. This newsletter is emailed to students.

National Internship Weblinks

General

Nonprofit

Government and Washington, D.C.

Industry Specific

Internships are opportunities to learn about a specific field or career, develop skills, and apply knowledge which will support your transition from education to a future career. Interning abroad gives you the added benefit of an international experience along with the knowledge and skills you will learn on the job. Whether you decide you to pursue an international internship on your own or intern through one of CofC’s affiliate programs, the Career Center and Center for International Education are committed to sharing comprehensive resources with you.

Here are recommended guidelines when researching internships abroad on your own. The guidelines have been adapted from The Forum of Education Abroad’s Guidelines for Internships Abroad.

  1. Make sure you understand the projects, duties, and responsibilities you will be assigned and that they are relevant to your career objectives. (If you would like assistance in identifying appropriate career objectives, please contact the Career Center to set up an appointment.)

    Recommended Questions to Ask:

    • What are the day-to-day duties and responsibilities as well as ongoing projects I would be responsible for?
    • What types of skills, knowledge, and other qualifications are required to be successful in the internship?
    • What knowledge and skills will I learn as a result of participating in the internship>

  2. Your internship supervisor should be an experienced professional(s) in your interested career field who is willing to train you, answer questions, and provide you with regular feedback.

    Tip: Research the company website and LinkedIn to gain knowledge of the supervisor’s educational and professional background.

    Recommended Questions to Ask:

    • What types of training does your company offer for new interns?
    • I’m really looking forward to learning from a successful professional such as yourself. When and how often would we meet to discuss goals and feedback on my performance?
  3. Research the workplace to make sure it is reasonably safe, with protections against discrimination, harassment, and exploitation.

    Tip: Ask your supervisor for a copy of the company’s employee handbook (i.e. personnel policies and regulations) and review the information to see if the organization has these policies in place.

  4. Understand if there are eligibility requirements which may include but are not limited to physical abilities, drug testing, confidentiality, privacy, and non-compete policies and agreements.
  5. Make note of the work schedule (i.e. hours per day, number of weeks) and the dress code.
  6. Ask about the resources you will be provided to complete work (i.e. computer, office space, company email).
  7. If you are seeking academic credit for the internship, consult with your academic department to discuss the potential for credit. Make sure you understand the academic and financial responsibilities associated with a credit-bearing internship
  8. Consider the level of native language proficiency you will need to be successful in the internship and your living environment. Many companies abroad may expect that you can communicate in their native languages.
  9. Understand what types of visas or work permits are necessary for you to intern abroad. There can be additional costs and time sensitive applications associated with obtaining the appropriate work authorization.
  10. Consider the necessary additional costs (i.e. flights, housing, commuting, program costs, health insurance, etc.).
  11. Inquire with the host company/organization if they will arrange or provide assistance in securing onsite housing
  12. You will be responsible for navigating new work and cultural settings. Talk to your supervisor about any concerns or questions you may have.
  13. Prepare yourself for the expectations for professionalism and appropriate conduct unique to your host culture. Some things to consider are the cultural differences in humor, gender roles, language, co-worker interactions, and work ethic. 

Internship Abroad Search Resources

CofC Faculty-Led Programs

Contact the Center for International Education (CIE) to learn which academic departments are offering internships abroad.

CofC Affiliate Programs

Affiliate programs are approved study abroad organizations many of which offer internship opportunities. These third-party providers will work with you in securing a placement abroad and will provide students with pre-departure advising, housing and onsite support services. Currently, AIFS, API, ASA, Arcadia, Butler, CEA, CIEE, IES, ISA, ISEP, SAI, SIT, and TEAN offer internships abroad.

Corporations with Internship Abroad Programs
(Please note that this list is not exhaustive and the Career Center does not endorse these programs

Other Sites to Investigate
(Please note this list is not exhaustive and the Career Center does not endorse these programs

  1. Once potential opportunities are identified, be sure to update your cover letter and resume.
    • It is important to keep your resume updated, but you should always tailor your resume and cover letter to the internship you are applying for. The Career Center has created excellent guides to develop these materials.
  2. Schedule an appointment to have your application materials reviewed by the Career Center.
    • You can also attend Drop-In Hours from 2:00-4:00 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
  3. Apply to the internships and be sure to follow up with the organizations.
    • Follow application instructions carefully and set a reminder for yourself to check on the status of your application. Be patient, show initiative, and keep a positive attitude during the process.
    • Keep track of the internships you applied to and save the internship announcements. Sometimes online postings are removed so you want to be sure you have the descriptions for interview preparation purposes. We have created a helpful Application Tracking Sheet for you to use during your search.
  4. Once you secure an interview, schedule an appointment with the Career Center to participate in a mock interview.
  5. After your interview, send a thoughtful thank you note to the employer.
Career Center Internship Award
W.N. Looper Award

Boston

New York City

Washington, D.C.

What is Cooperative Education (Co-op)?
Cooperative Education (Co-op) is a structured method program that offers students the opportunity to alternate periods of academic study with periods of work closely related to their major field of study. Co-ops are typically paid and last anywhere from three to twelve months. Co-ops differ from internships in that they provide more in-depth and extensive work experience.

What does Cooperative Education look like at College of Charleston?
Students who participate in co-ops at College of Charleston do not receive academic credit for this experience and have three options:

  1. Single co-ops involve students taking one semester off to work full time.
  2. In Parallel co-ops, students participate in co-op part time while also being enrolled in classes.
  3. Alternating co-ops involve students alternating semesters in working full-time and taking classes full-time.

Once a student secures a co-op, he or she must meet with the Experiential Learning Coordinator or Employer Relations Manager to complete the necessary registration paperwork. Please review the following documentation and bring it to your meeting.

Where have College of Charleston students participated in cooperative education?
Recent co-op sites include BMW, Disney, Michelin, and Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR).

Check out some of the amazing internships our College of Charleston students are participating in!

Disclaimer

The Career Center does not endorse or recommend employers, and a posting does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. The Career Center explicitly makes no representations or guarantees about job listings or the accuracy of the information provided by the employer. The Career Center is not responsible for safety, wages, working conditions, or any other aspect of off-campus employment without limitation. It is the responsibility of students to perform due diligence in researching employers when applying for or accepting private, off-campus employment and to thoroughly research the facts and reputation of each organization to which they are applying especially during COVID-19. Students should be prudent and use common sense and caution when applying for or accepting any position. Learn more about how to spot job scams.

The Career Center is currently receiving a high volume of internship postings on Handshake for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Unfortunately, we have no way of knowing how the pandemic might impact the health and safety of our students who decide to pursue these opportunities. 

We strongly suggest that students who choose to pursue on-site internships adhere to CDC health and safety requirements. Students should also educate themselves on the Department of U.S. Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) guidelines for employers. Students engaging in these types of internships are doing so at their own risk.