An internship is a supervised work experience related to the student’s program and career intentions. The internship can be part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid, but the key feature is that the student does meaningful work over a period of time.
Information for Students
An internship is a supervised work experience related to the student's program and career intentions. Internships are developed for each academic program, not specific students. Internships involve entry-level tasks related to the base of skills that students have developed in their coursework. Assignments may not always align perfectly with a particular student’s specific goals, but will be in the career field.
The work experience and professional references that are gained in the process will be helpful in obtaining employment. Employers view strong job performance and a positive attitude as important factors in hiring interns, as well as full-time employees. It is the key to new opportunities and long-term career success.
Below are some common questions regarding internships:
Am I eligible?
Students must be enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in a Sinclair degree program, have a 2.0 GPA or above, and meet the departmental prerequisites.
Will I get paid for my internship?
Positions can be paid or unpaid, depending on the company, and do not include benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, etc. The important thing to remember is that you will be gaining valuable experience, increasing your likelihood of finding a job and making yourself more marketable to employers.
How long will it last? How many hours will I work? Will they accommodate my school schedule?
Internships typically last for the semester, but can be extended in some cases depending on employer's need and budget, and of course, job performance. They require approximately 15-20 hours of work per week, and employers should be accommodating of your course schedule.
Is it required?
You will need to check, as it varies from program to program. In many cases, the internship course can be taken as an elective, which is a great option. Having an internship on your transcript in place of another elective (say, pottery) is much more impressive. It will also help build your resume and network.
When should I start looking?
The process can take several weeks or even months; therefore, it is wise to start at the beginning of the semester prior to the semester in which you want to intern.
How do I find an internship?
Getting an internship is a competitive process. Employers want to review resumes, interview applicants and select the best candidate for the job. It takes time, which is why it is important to start early.
First, answer some questions:
What are your career goals?
What do you want to get out of the internship experience?
Is there a specific business or industry for which you want to work?
Then, visit or contact our Internship Office for guidance, and to request access to our Internship Community in Angel, which is where we will post internship requests that we receive from employers. Also, browse our Job Search Tools (found under the Student Information tab on this page) for more tips.
You may also find it beneficial to:
Check local newspapers
Contact local county and city offices
Attend Career Fairs
Utilize networking sources such as: faculty and campus contacts, other students, friends and family members, former employers and co-workers, and professional contacts
Do I have to register?
Yes, in order to receive credit for your internship you have to register and pay for the course.
Will I receive a grade?
Yes, you will earn a letter grade based on a structured series of academic assignments, including a work/learning contract, a final report and project, as well as evaluations by both your supervisor and faculty instructor assigned from the department. You will not receive academic credit simply for working.
Can I use my current employer?
Yes, if it is within your career field, and if your supervisor agrees to provide you with new learning opportunities. You cannot receive credit for performing the same duties you have in the past.
Since 1954, Sinclair Community College has partnered with area businesses and organizations to provide Internship work/learning opportunities for students through the Sinclair Business and Public Services Program. Sinclair Interns have proven to be a valuable resource to area employers both before and after graduation. Many organizations consider participation in the program a long-range investment in their success, as well as a vehicle to retain local talent in the Miami Valley.
The importance of work-based learning opportunities has continued to increase for both students and business. As the workplace changes and becomes more competitive, students recognize they must develop the necessary skills, competencies and experiences that will ensure their marketability not only after graduation, but also throughout their careers.
With increasingly lean budgets and staffing, employers know the importance of hiring the ‘right’ candidate for the job. Accurate hiring can be increased when a candidate’s work habits and skills can be observed prior to making a long-term commitment. Hiring student interns to work in entry-level positions provides such an opportunity for employers.
Many participating employers have had Sinclair interns in the past; they realize the benefits to both the student and the company and are eager to offer the same opportunities to current students while also benefiting their organization.
You are welcome to submit a job posting to the internship office so that it may be advertised to interested students in the following fields:
Accounting
Business Information Systems, including Medical Office concentrations
Computer Information Systems
Management
Marketing
Hospitality
To post a position, send an email to Jessy Jones, Internship Coordinator for the Business and Public Services Division. Please include:
Job title and description
How the student is to apply
Pay rate, if applicable
Any specific requirements such as GPA, previous experience, etc.
The work experience and professional references that are gained in the process will be helpful in obtaining employment. Employers view strong job performance and a positive attitude as important factors in hiring interns, as well as full-time employees. It is the key to new opportunities and long-term career success.
An internship experience offers students a number of benefits:
Develop new skills and gain professional work experience which will enhance marketability.
Classroom learning becomes more meaningful with real-world experience.
Test the career to figure out what type of work setting and industry is right.
A great resume builder.
Learn from experienced professionals and create a network of current and local contacts – all while earning academic credit.
