School of Languages, Cultures, and RaceInternships and Research

Internships and Research

Internship: Skills, Training, Development, Personal Growth.

Internships offered through the SLCR

What Is An Internship?

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, an internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent.

It is structured and supervised professional experience, within an approved agency, for which a student earns academic credit. It is guided by learning goals and supervised by both academic and agency personnel.

Paid vs. Unpaid

Some internships are paid and some are unpaid. It all depends on what the employer is willing and able to offer. The recent court ruling regarding internship states that interns must be the primary beneficiary if it is an unpaid experience at a for-profit company. Furthermore, the intern cannot be displacing a regular employee.

Benefits of an Internship

To the Student:

  • Opportunity to work in career related or professional environment
  • Provide career awareness for the students
  • Give the students the chance to evaluate, reflect upon and try a career field• contributes to the student’s personal and professional development through challenging work assignments
  • Provide valuable experience that helps secure future employment
  • Provide professional networking contacts
  • Help the student develop job search skills
  • Develop self-confidence as they identify skills, abilities and talents

To the Employer:

  • Strengthen ties to alumni and the community
  • Give the employer access to quality candidates
  • Students contribute new energy and ideas to the work place
  • Scheduling can be flexible to meet the employer’s needs

Handshake- WSU’s Career Management System – Many Internships Available

Not Sure Where to Look for an Internship?

Parker Dewey Micro-Internships

Explore your career options and gain valuable experience with Parker Dewey Micro-Internships. Micro-internships are paid short-term projects posted by employers across a wide range of industries. Often, these projects require 20-40 hours of total work across 2-4 weeks and can be completed remotely.

Available year-round, Micro-Internships are offered by companies nationwide, from Fortune 100 firms to startups.

The Forage

The Forage is a free, online job simulation that enables you to work on real-world projects for companies. Job simulations replicate work at top companies, and connect students to the companies themselves. In only 5-6 hours, learn relevant tools and skills necessary to complete tasks that replicate an employee’s work day. Tasks completed can also become excellent ways to boost your resume through projects and relevant work experience.

USA JOBS – Internships Available for Students

Explore your career options and gain valuable experience with USA Jobs -Internships. Make an impact and learn what it’s like to work for the federal government.

The federal government offers paid and unpaid internships, scholarships and other opportunities for current students in high school, college, trade school, graduate school or other qualifying educational institutions.

SEL-Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories

Visit SEL Internships for information and to apply.

Study Abroad Internships

Visit WSU Office of International Programs for information about internships abroad.

AmeriCorps Internships

Visit AmeriCorps for more information about internships.