How do I know if I am eligible?
Most departments have clear guidelines listed in the catalog and/or on their website. Check your catalog, and check with your faculty advisor in the department concerning your specific situation. Most departments require junior standing in major coursework and a 3.0/3.2 minimum major GPA to be considered for an internship.
Where do I start?
- Internships must be approved in advance by the department of the student's major or minor
- Work with the Hegi Family Career Development Center to develop your career planning, and to develop strategies for finding great internships.
- Print out the learning contract and the liability form
- Make an appointment with Pamela Chiu to review the internship paperwork and expectations
- Check eligibility for internship credit with department, discuss with the department advisor about parameters for academic internships, discuss with department advisor about faculty sponsorship.
- A faculty member directs the academic portion of the internship.
- Students earn their grade through the academic component graded by the faculty member.
If you are unsure about the field to pursue, conduct a mini personal assessment by following these steps:
- ask yourself what three careers fit with your talents, interests, values, and personality.
- ask your academic advisor and three people who know you well about your strengths.
- assess your career potential with your SMU career counselor.