Saint Martin's University

Business & Economics Division

Undergraduate Internship

“Checklist and Internship Approval Procedures"

 

Please follow these steps to assure you experience a successful internship:

o   Download and print approval procedure flowchart
o   All interns must have achieved junior or senior status.
 

o   Start looking for an appropriate internship (one actually offering professional training and development) early. Starting the employer search a term before you apply for the internship is ideal.
Get the paperwork done early! Stay on top of it!

You will require Professor Patterson's signature prior to Registration to take an internship class. He MUST approve your registration for
BA 390, 490, ACC 390, 490, ECN 390, 490

 

o   Review the Internship Program http://www.stmartin.edu/business/internshipprogram/index.htm.  Download, complete on the screen, and print the internship contract. Contract forms are also available in the business and economics division office (room 379.)  Go through the checklist to ensure all steps are taken when required.
 

o   Understand the details of an internship. (http://homepages.stmartin.edu/fac_staff/ppatterson/index.htm)
 

o   Obtain your academic advisor's signature for the internship on the internship contract - have a well formed idea of the company you wish to work for and what you hope to accomplish (objective).

 

o   Talk with Professor Patterson about completing your internship contract prior to obtaining your employer's signature. Your measurable goals must be clear and achievable. You will be writing about accomplishing those goals as part of your internship. Your employer's job description must match those goals as well. Be sure you have scheduled enough contact work hours to satisfy the 50 contact hour/credit requirement within the semester. All this must be printed on your contract form.

 

o   Bring the contract signed by you and your employer to Professor Patterson for his signature and administrative processing.  You will receive a copy of the signed contract indicating the intent to register you for the course. 

 

Timing is critical! If you delay and have not completed the above steps,
your internship will probably not be approved.
A delay may mean that you cannot sign up for another course because
you are past the add/drop period.

None of these consequences are desirable! 

 

o  After five (5) working days, go online to confirm you have been registered for the course.  If not, contact Professor Patterson.  Be sure you are registered for the right course number and the proper number of credits.

 

o  Provide your employer with the employer's internship evaluation form.  The evaluation form can be found at  http://www.stmartin.edu/business/internshipprogram/intern_final_evaluation.htm, to download and print, or,  you can pick one up in the academic business and economic division office.

 

o   Your employer's evaluation and your internship reflection paper as outlined in the Internship Responsibilities of the Program, is due no later than two weeks prior to the end of the current academic period.

 

o   Contact Professor Patterson regarding scheduling either a telephone interview or meeting at the end of the internship between you the intern, your employer, and the internship coordinator, (a short 30 minute meeting) scheduled after your reflection paper has been submitted.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1
Can I sign up for more than one internship at a time, or for more than one term?
A1
Yes, however the limitation is 18 credits per term and not more than six (6) credits total for business internships.
 

Q2
If I cannot complete the number of credits I contracted for, can I reduce the number during the internship?
A2
No.  This is a contract and default on the work hours equates to a failing grade.  You cannot arbitrarily quit the internship.  Keep your internship coordinator informed as to problems that may arise.  Early counseling and intervention is the only course realistically available to prevent a failing internship evaluation.


Q3
What internship should I sign up for?
A3
300 series is for Junior status students, 400 for senior status students.  Accountants taking accounting internships for electives must discuss the internship with their accounting advisors.  NO EXCEPTIONS


Q4
Are internships mandatory (required)?
A4
No, they are considered to be elective courses in the business program.


Q5
Are there internships available for graduate students?
A5
Not at this time.


Q6
Are interns assigned companies to intern with?
A6
No, however employers frequently contact the School of Business requesting internship support.  Talk with your fellow students that have interned for possible employers that do a good  mentoring job.