Internship Experiences

Overview

Gain practical experience with real-life application of the skills and concepts you learned in your Accelerated Certificate Program (ACP), Graduate Success Through Academics and Research (GSTAR), or Academic Study Abroad Program (ASAP).  Take part in a 10-week professional internship (practicum) with the Southern California business community. Internships are pre-experience level as this is often a student’s first professional placement.

*GSTAR and ASAP students must receive academic program office approval prior to internship program enrollment.

Benefits

• Learn to write an American-style resume and cover letter
• Enhance interview and communication skills
• Gain valuable professional experience
• Increase your exposure to American business culture
• Cultivate educationally enhancing relationships

Step-By-Step Internship Process

1. Attend an internship information session
2. Enroll and participate in Resume Writing & Interviewing Skills Workshop course (AC ENG_806.2) to learn how to write a professional resume and cover letter, practice and improve interview skills, and receive support and guidance in the internship application process
3. Apply and interview for internships
4. Accept internship with company based on offers received
5. Participate in Internship Practicum course (MGMT_X462) and attend on-campus class sessions
6. Complete internship
7. Submit internship/practicum report in reflection of internship experience

	Quarter 1 (Workshop - 1 CE Unit)	Quarter 2 (Internship)
Purpose	Internship preparation (application materials and search process) Secure internship	Experiential learning (internship) Professional development
Curriculum Topic	Resume and cover letter writing Interview skills (including mock interviews) Professional communications Networking Internship search and application process	Internship in American business setting 200-350 hours throughout quarter 6 units of academic credit; Unpaid Professional brand (such as self-assessment, presentation skills, and LinkedIn)

Requirements

After the successful completion of an ACP, GSTAR or ASAP and Resume Writing & Interviewing Skills Workshop course (AC ENG_806.2), students are eligible to continue into the Internship Practicum course (MGMT_X462). Participants must attend all mandatory in-person meetings and be in good academic standing.

The 6-unit Internship Practicum course (MGMT_X462) can only be taken in the student's final quarter of study.

Policies

Learn more about the policies and procedures of Internship Experiences.

About the Internship Field

The internship course is part of the ACP, GSTAR or ASAP curriculum and the internship experience must be in a field directly related to the most recently completed program.

ACP example: If a student is enrolled in ACP Project Management (i.e. ACP PM) and then enrolls in the internship course in the next quarter, the internship must be directly related to Project Management.  Students should keep this in mind when selecting their ACP enrollment pathway.

GSTAR example: After a GSTAR student has been approved by their academic office to enroll in the internship program, their internship must be directly related to their GSTAR field of study.

ASAP example: After an ASAP student has been approved by their academic office to enroll in the internship program, their internship must be directly related to their home university major.

Employers Looking for Interns

Internship Experiences is always looking to partner with local Southern California companies interested in hiring international students in a variety of internship positions. If you are interested in hiring interns, you can learn more and get started today and our staff will be in contact with you shortly.