Areas of Internship

Visit degree bulletin

Discuss with your faculty advisor

Visit degree bulletin

Discuss with your faculty advisor

Visit degree bulletin

Discuss with your faculty advisor

• What are credit internships?
  • Credit internships are structured internships that require a student to complete a course for college credit. Coursework for credit internship courses includes:
    • Journaling (identifying areas of learning)
    • Employer Evaluation
    • Student Evaluation
    • Discussion Forums
    • Site Visit (by the Faculty Internship Coordinator)
    • Executive Summary (of internship experience)
    • Related professional duties and responsibilities must align with the internship course of enrollment
• Do I attend class as part of the internship?
  • Students do not attend a weekly class as part of their internship. Students register for the corresponding internship course in advance and engage in the internship outside of a classroom environment. Assignments and reflections are administered through Canvas and online forms allowing students to intern from any geographical area.
• How is the internship graded?
  • The internship is graded on a satisfactory or fail basis (S or F). This notation does not impact your overall GPA. However, it is important to meet all the internship requirements set by your faculty internship coordinator to pass the course successfully.
• How much does an internship credit cost at IU?
  • All enrolled credits will be assessed for tuition and fees. Tuition is based on in-state or out-of-state costs depending on the student, and the academic term the credit is enrolled.Use this calculator to estimate your tuition costs. Contact Student Central with any questions regarding tuition and fees.
• Can I retroactively register credits for an internship which has already been completed?
  • No, the internship and course must run concurrently.

• Can I intern anywhere?
  • The internship must align with your academic major and be approved by your faculty internship coordinator. If you complete your internship during the summer, it can take place in a geographical location of your choosing. Internships during the academic year can be done in Bloomington, nearby communities, or remotely.
• What work am I expected to do to receive academic credit?
  • You should participate in work and projects that foster skill and competency development. Before the internship begins, consider your professional development goals and discuss them with both your faculty internship coordinator and your internship supervisor.
• Do I need a specific visa or work authorization to do an internship
  • If you are an international student with F-1 status, please refer to the information on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) eligibility as it pertains to your internship application process.
• Can I get paid for my internship work while earning academic credit?
  • Yes, you can receive payment for your internship work while earning academic credit.
• What other expenses should be considered when considering my internship options.
  • Before applying for and accepting an internship, consider expenses such as housing, cost of living, and transportation. Make a detailed budget to ensure you can manage these costs. Hutton Honor College Internship Grants help fund nonacademic work related to students' professional goals.
• Are there resources available to help me find an internship?
  • The School of Public Health Office of Career Services offers individual coaching to develop search strategies, hone application materials, and prepare for interviews.
• What materials do I need to apply for an internship?
  • It’s customary to submit a resume and cover letter to express your interest in an internship. You should be prepared for a formal interview or an informal conversation with the employer. Additionally, some organizations may request references.
• How will the internship credits affect my graduation timeline?
  • Early in your academic journey, your School of Public Health academic advisor will discuss options for completing your internship. If you choose to complete the internship during the summer after finishing coursework, you can still participate in the spring commencement ceremony. However, your degree will be conferred upon completion of the internship.
• Once I find an internship, what steps do I need to take to register for it?
  • Once you've secured an internship offer, follow the instructions provided by your faculty internship coordinator to seek approval. Upon receiving approval and completing required paperwork, proceed to enroll in the corresponding internship course.

• How do I manage the course component of the internship?
  • Prioritize tracking your internship hours and regularly checking Canvas for announcements and assignment due dates each week. Visit the internship course webpage for more details and maintain open communication with your faculty internship coordinator.
• What support can I expect from my faculty internship coordinator?
  • Your faculty internship coordinator plays a crucial role in ensuring that your internship's learning objectives are met. They serve as a valuable resource for both you and your site supervisor throughout the internship experience. You can expect regular scheduled conversations and frequent feedback on your reflections submitted in the internship course.
• What support can I expect from my site supervisor/preceptor?
  • The site supervisor or preceptor establishes clear expectations and goals for the internship, ensuring you understand your duties and objectives. They provide the necessary training and resources to help you acquire the skills needed to perform your tasks competently. Through regular interactions, they assess your progress and offer constructive feedback to help you improve and grow professionally.
• How do I handle issues or conflicts that arise during my internship?
  • Assess the nature of the conflict and try resolving it with your site supervisor/preceptor professionally. If the conflict persists, seek advice from your faculty internship coordinator. They can provide additional support and mediate if necessary.
• How can I make the most of networking opportunities during my internship?
  • Take the initiative to introduce yourself to colleagues, attend meetings, and participate in employer events. Show genuine interest in getting to know people. Show curiosity about others' roles, experiences, and career paths. Asking thoughtful questions can help you learn more and make meaningful connection.
• How should I balance my internship with other commitments, like classes or part-time jobs?
  • Balancing an internship with other commitments, such as classes or part-time jobs, requires careful planning and time management. Creating a schedule, prioritizing tasks, and setting realistic goals are all effective strategies.
• Can the internship lead to a job offer or further opportunities with the company?
  • Yes, an internship can often lead to a job offer or further opportunities with the company. To increase the likelihood of this happening, demonstrate consistent professionalism, deliver high-quality work, build trusting working relationships, and express continued interest.
• Is it appropriate to ask for feedback or career advice from my internship colleagues?
  • Yes, it is appropriate to ask for feedback or career advice from your internship colleagues. Doing so can be highly beneficial for your professional development. To do this effectively, request specific time to meet, be specific rather than general in your request, be open to constructive feedback, and convey appreciation.
• How can I ask for a letter of recommendation or reference from my supervisor?
  • Asking for a letter of recommendation or reference from your internship supervisor should be approached professionally and respectfully and is typically done at the conclusion of the internship. Allow them enough lead time and briefly explain how the letter will be used in your upcoming job search. If they agree, follow-up thanking them for their support of your future endeavors.
• How do I leverage my internship for future opportunities?
  • Leveraging your internship for future opportunities involves reflecting on the valuable lessons learned, skills acquired, and connections made during this high-impact experience. Begin by updating your resume and LinkedIn profile to showcase these insights. Build a portfolio that highlights your achievements, details of projects you contributed to, skills honed, and any positive feedback or evaluations you received. This proactive approach will help demonstrate your value to potential employers.