Internship Search Process
Students are encouraged to set up an Internship Advising appointment with an advisor in the Career Services & Internship Program Office by calling: 508-531-1328 or scheduling on Handshake.
Students should review our Internship Search Guide that will walk you through some of the basics to help you begin your search process.
Handshake is BSU’s career management platform that allows you to search for jobs and internships across the country. All BSU students have a Handshake account, which can be accessed with their @student.bridgew.edu email address as their username and their corresponding BSU password.
Credit and Noncredit Internship Process
Students can complete an internship for academic credit or just for the experience to add to their resume. In most cases, you can complete an internship for credit and still be paid. Each type of internship has its own requirements and process as well as an application form that you are required to complete for each. See the details below on both types of internships.
Credited Internships
- Prerequisites: junior or senior; 2.5 GPA requirement (check with your academic department)
- Paid or unpaid opportunities
- 1 credit is equivalent to 45 hours of work at the internship site
- Schedule a time to meet with your academic department to discuss credited internships
- Academic component required; varies from department to department
- Approval from Faculty Internship Coordinator in your academic department is required
- Complete the credited internship application and have it submitted by the last day of add/drop
- Upon completion of your internship, your internship will be noted on your transcript
Non-Credit Internships
- There is no restriction regarding GPA or hours; no academic approval is required
- Paid or unpaid opportunities
- There is no requirement to complete a class or an assignment, however, the experience should contribute to a student’s personal and professional development
- The student works directly with the employer on matters pertaining to training, hours, responsibilities, and supervision of the internship
- Complete and submit the online non-credit application form to the Career Services & Internship Program Office prior to your start date to ensure liability insurance coverage
- Don’t forget to include your internship experience on your resume
Who can do an internship?
- First years and sophomores: non-credit experience only regardless of paid or unpaid
- Juniors and seniors: credit and paid, credit-only (non-paid), non-credit, paid, or unpaid
- Graduate students: non-credit experience or program advisor approval
What is the difference between an internship for credit vs. non-credit?
An internship for credit involves a site supervisor, a faculty internship supervisor, and the student intern. The student must complete an internship application, have the internship site and credit hours approved by their faculty supervisor, then register for the internship. Both field duties and academic work is expected of the student. Clocked hours, credit, a grade, and an evaluation complete the experience.
A non-credit internship involves a site supervisor, the Career Services & Internship Program Office, and the student intern. Students must obtain approval from an employer for a non-credit experience. Students are encouraged to keep a weekly journal. No credit, grade, or evaluation is required.
How many hours constitute an internship for credits?
A minimum of 45 clocked hours in the field is required for each credit hour granted in an internship or practicum. Three credits equals 135 clocked hours for a 15 week semester (fall or spring) or 10 weeks during the summer. Students may work between 10-15 hours on-site each week.
Can interns be paid?
Yes, many of our current employers offer an hourly wage. Compensation is generally commensurate with experience and varies by industry and demand. Stipends are also an option that employers might consider.
An internship can be a paid or unpaid opportunity. Most of the internships that BSU students complete are funded either by a stipend and/or hourly wage. University policy allows students to earn credit for the internship whether it is paid or unpaid. If your internship is unpaid, you should consider applying for internship funding through BSU. Learn more about BSU’s Internship Funding options here.
