Internship FAQ’s

There are many benefits to doing an internship which include, but are not limited to: 

• Exploring career fields and employers
• Applying classroom knowledge and developing skills
• Learning more about yourself
• Gaining relevant work experience
• Developing your network and career champions

Although Career Development is here to help you along the way, the responsibility for obtaining an internship lies with you. Finding an internship is a great opportunity for students to write resumes and cover letters, to practice interview skills, and to polish their communication skills. It is also an opportunity to acquire skills needed for future job searches. 

Career Development can help you identify ideas for internships that match your career interests, help you with your search for an internship (including posting available positions in Handshake) and provide information and assistance with your registration to earn academic credit. If you need assistance, please stop by our office on the 2nd floor of the Johnson Student Union.

It is never too early to consider an internship. Give yourself enough time before the start of the summer or semester in which you want to complete your internship to find available positions, update your resume, and to apply for internships. Some employers will recruit summer interns as early as Fall Semester; be prepared when you return to campus in the fall!

Gustavus students may register to earn academic credit for internships on and off campus. However, only off campus internships are eligible to receive both pay and credit. If a student chooses to do an internship on campus they must choose if they want to receive pay or credit for the experience. The employer determines what, if any, compensation an intern will receive. Many organizations, particularly non-profit organizations, do not have the resources to pay interns. 

No. Students who feel that there are extenuating circumstances that justify the retroactive award of academic credit for a previous experience may file a Petition for Permission to Register Late with the Faculty Petitions Committee through the Registrar’s Office.

The minimum hours per week required for an academic internship varies, based on the number of credits for which the student is registered.