Internships

Internships

Legislative interns from UAS, UAA, and UAF for 2012 legislative session 

What is an Internship?

An internship is a planned, “real world” learning experience that provides an opportunity to gain practical, on-the-job training in a field of interest to you. It serves as a bridge between the classroom and the world of work, allowing you to apply what you have learned in school to real-life work experiences. 

Internships are usually short-term, structured and supervised. Because of the emphasis on learning rather than money, internships are often coordinated to provide academic credit. They can, however, offer a stipend or an hourly wage only, or a combination of academic credit and pay. To coordinate an internship for academic credit you will need to visit with a faculty advisor from your department, as each department has its own specific qualification requirements. For more general information, you are encouraged to review the UAS internship guidelines and policies (264Kb).

What are the Benefits?

• Extremely valuable, practical experience
• Individualized instruction on-the-job
• Ability to apply classroom theories in the real world
• Personal contacts with people working in your career field
• Better preparation for post-graduation employment
• Excellent resume builder

How do I Choose an Internship?

Identifying and selecting an internship requires significant thought and self-assessment. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Decide the type of organization in which you would like to work
• Evaluate the necessity of monetary compensation
• Select a geographical area in which to work

If this sounds a bit overwhelming, don’t worry! Career Services is available to assist you.

For a listing of internships that are currently available to UAS students, click on the Internships tab.