An Introduction to the Internship Process

The Purpose of an Internship Opportunity:

In recognition that education extends beyond the formal classroom, the faculty of the School of Information Studies (iSchool) encourage students to participate in special learning situations outside existing courses. The internship program is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to work in a day-to-day professional environment under the supervision of an experienced professional and with the guidance of an iSchool faculty member. In addition, the programs are designed to promote positive interaction between the faculty and students of iSchool and experienced information management professionals in institutions, businesses, libraries, and other agencies. 

The Difference between Internships and Co-ops:

 At the School of Information Studies, internships are work experiences offered by employers. 

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Students are limited to earning a maximum of three (3) credits towards their degree through an internship and the job duties must be approved prior to the work experience .  If you have any questions about internships for your program of study, please feel free to contact iAdvising or Career Services.

IS students can only do internship work for credit if this petition is approved.  Completed petition forms must be sent to iAdvising@syr.edu.  The iAdvising team will let you know if your petition is approved or denied. Keep in mind that this process involves multiple people so it may take at least 7-10 days for approval.  IS students must not accept an internship offer for credit before this petition has been approved.  International students cannot work for an off campus employer unless the work is done for credit, so be very careful in planning your internship.  

Students are encouraged to seek meaningful, relevant internships in which they can apply the theories taught in the classroom to real world applications. While Site Supervisors do share their knowledge and expertise with interns, the students give a tremendous amount back to the organization in terms of projects completed, professional services rendered, enthusiasm, creativity, and new approaches to information problems.

Where the Internship fits into an Information Studies’ Program:

Students usually select and register for internship opportunities once they have completed approximately one-half of their academic program at the School of Information Studies. This is to ensure that they have the skills to be successful in the work experience they select. However, students are encouraged to plan early, so that their work experience will best parallel their professional goals. It is never too early to contact the Academic Advisor or Faculty Supervisor to develop a goal and discuss possibilities.

Benefits for Everyone

Clearly, an internship opportunity is a winning situation for everyone involved!  While you, the student, gain real work experience, your employer gains the use of your skills for a designated period of time.  Let’s take a closer look at exactly what benefits will accrue for the various parties:

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• provide stimulating, practical learning environments for students
• meet the individual needs of students
• promote a good working relationship with public and private sector organizations

Frequently Asked Questions ?

1.  Must I do an internship?

Internships are not required for the IS program of study curriculum.   However, according to the Graduate Handbook, IS students may earn up to three credits through internship.   

2.  What will an internship opportunity cost?

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3.  How and where do I register for an internship opportunity?

IS students do not need permission to register for the internship course, IST 974.  This is because the work must be pre-approved by the IS faculty before a student may use internship credit for his/her program of study. Once the work is approved  971.  After completing 18 credits  you will be able to register through the University MySlice system for your internship opportunity, just as you would for any other class. You will automatically be enrolled in the online portion of the course (Blackboard)  for IST 974 971 once you register.  All interns are required to complete the assignments listed in the course syllabus.

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All internship courses require academic assignments as well as working for the employer.  These academic assignments are found in the Bb for the IST 974 971 course.  Some of the assignments in the Bb course for IST 974 971 are mandatory forms to fill out during the internship. The Proposal Form should be uploaded to the IST 974 971 Bb course at least one week before you begin working, so that the faculty supervisor is aware of your intended participation of the course. You will not get credit for the internship work experience if you do not turn in this paperwork!   No student is allowed to seek permission for a work experience that happened in the past.  There are other mandatory forms to fill out at various points of your internship timeline.  

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Keep in mind that a total of 3 credit hours will count towards your degree. If you get an extension you must register and pay for 1 credit which will be above and beyond your degree requirements, i.e. you can possibly graduate with 37 credits for a 36 credit program.

Just the Facts:  Finding an Internship

In selecting a site, use the following Resources:

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• There must be a Site Supervisor who is more knowledgeable about the work than the student and have professional work experience
• The Site Supervisor must be willing to guide, supervise, and evaluate the student
• There must be specific, finite tasks for the student to complete
• These tasks must be considered educationally useful by the Faculty Supervisor and /or Academic Advisor

A Checklist for You to Use :

  I.  Finding an Internship Opportunity:

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II.  After you have accepted an offer:                                                            _____ First, you must get your internship work approved by filling out the Petition to the Faculty form and sending it to iAdvising@syr.edu.  Attach your offer letter as well.  

                           This is a MUST for IS students!            _____  Once the work is approved, register for IST 974 971 for three (3) credit hours on MySlice.

            _____  Meet with your Site Supervisor

            _____  Fill out the Proposal form and upload it to the Bb IST 974971

 III.  During the internship:

           _____ Fill out the Learning Agreement, upload it to the Bb for IST 974971

           _____ Complete other assignments due during the early part of your internship for your  Faculty Supervisor (see the Course Content in the Bb for IST 974971)

            _____ Work the necessary number of hours

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            _____ Fill out the Student Evaluation Form (upload it to the Bb for IST 974971)

           _____ Complete the Final Reflection assignment and upload it to the Bb for IST 974971

            _____ Remind your Site Supervisor to complete an evaluation form

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