Student Resources

Applying Classroom Knowledge to Real Life Experiences

• Internship Examples

Service learning experiences, in the form of internships, are strongly encouraged because they give you the opportunity to apply classroom theory and techniques to the real world and to network with professionals in your career field. In addition to the list of examples, students can also check out a great website (you will need to register before you can post or search for internships): http://www.indianaintern.net/home.asp

Frequently Asked Questions

WHY consider an internship?

• To gain valuable work experience
• To explore possible career paths
• To apply classroom learning to the real world
• To gain contacts and network with people and organizations who may help you in the job market
• To enhance your resume
• To earn academic credit

WHO is eligible to do an internship?

• You must be a student in good standing; students must have a 2.00 cumulative GPA and a 2.30 core/major GPA. Graduate students must must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00.
• If you are an undergraduate, you should be a junior or senior. You should also have successfully completed a minimum of three courses in your major, not including the core course (E162, H120, J101, or V170). If you are a graduate student, you should have completed at least four courses and must have a 3.00 GPA.
• Students in all colleges, schools, or divisions are eligible for the internship; however, students need to confirm with their academic advisor that they have elective hours available.

WHAT qualifies as an internship?

• Any work experience that is related to your educational and career goals.
• The key requirement is that the internship involve a NEW experience.   Students can earn credit for their current jobs if they are beginning a new project or activity.
• Internships may be part-time or full-time, paid or volunteer.
• Students must work 80 clock hours to earn 1 credit hour. Graduate students must work 100 clock hours to earn 1 credit hour.  
• Students may enroll in 1 (minimum) to 6 (maximum) credit hours per semester. 

 WHERE are internship opportunities available?

• Students should contact the Department of Public Policy Internship Coordinator at 260-481-6351 for assistance in locating a sponsor. Please see Internship Examples [PDF] for a listing of sponsoring agencies.
• Internship opportunities are available in the Northeast Indiana area and nationwide.
• Internship opportunities are available in many professional areas including:  law, corrections, probation, education, health, community services, government, private business, and many more.

WHEN are internships completed?

• Because work experiences don't always fit in the typical academic calendar, students may begin an internship any time during the calendar year. 

HOW do I earn internship credit?

• Eighty (80) hours of supervised work equals one hour of undergraduate academic credit; 100 hours of supervised work equals one hour of graduate academic credit.
• PPOL V380/V585 may be for a minimum of one through a maximum of six credit hours, for any given semester. The department secretary will enroll you in the appropriate course.
• Up to six undergraduate credit hours can count toward SPEA electives; an additional six undergraduate credit hours can be counted as general electives. Graduate internship hours are elective credit only and can fulfill the experiential component requirement under V585. (See IPFW graduate bulletin for further information). All students should check with their academic advisor if they have questions about how the credit will count toward their degree. 
• Internships are graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.  These credit hours do NOT impact your GPA.

The procedure is as follows:

1. Confirm with your academic advisor that you have elective hours available and are eligible for the internship.  Internships satisfy some of the 300-400 level elective courses required by some colleges, schools, or divisions.
2. Discuss your proposed internship with the Department of Public Policy Internship Coordinator and obtain the necessary paperwork.
3. Prior to registering for internship credit, the student must submit a completed Approval Form. The internship contract and work plan must be submitted within one week of beginning the internship. Note: All materials, for the Internship, including the contract, agency reports and evaluations, and daily logs should be typed when submitted. 
4. When students return their completed approval form, the Internship Coordinator will authorize them to enroll in V380. Graduate students enroll in V585. The department secretary will register the student in the appropriate course.
5. During the semester, students must submit progress reports and supervisory evaluations in a timely manner. These forms are submitted after one-third of the clock hours have been completed, after two-thirds, and when the final clock hours have been completed.  Forms are available from this web site, the Department of Public Policy secretary, or the Internship Coordinator, and should be typed. In addition, graduate students are required to write a paper (approximately 10 typed pages) relating course work (e.g. theories) to their internship, along with appropriate reflections, analysis, and critiques. For undergraduate students, the paper will be approximately 5 typed pages. Both undergraduate and graduate students should keep a journal to keep track of their time and activities and have it available for review by the Internship Coordinator prior to credit being awarded
6. Students are expected to report to their internship agency at the appointed times and to complete the work assigned in a professional manner.
7. Upon completion, students will receive a grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).  A satisfactory grade is dependent on completion of the required hours, participation, submission of reports on time, and proper completion of all paperwork.  Students who have otherwise met the terms of the internship, but are unable to complete the required clock hours during the semester in which they are enrolled, may be given an incomplete.