College of Science

General Information

What is an internship?

An internship is an employment opportunity (paid or unpaid) in which the intern uses skills and knowledge obtained in the classroom in a more professional context.

What is the difference between having a job while in school and an internship?

The purpose of an internship is to train an intern with background knowledge of the specific industry on skill-sets needed in the workplace. These aforementioned skills are then utilized in the workplace and frequently culminate in an internship-long project. In contrast, a job has a shorter training period and is typically focused on doing separate tasks independently.

Is it a requirement to have an internship?

Students are not required to have an internship, but it is highly recommended.

Internships can benefit students in several ways, including:

• Resume building: Having an internship provides students with the working experience needed to obtain a full time job. An internship opportunity expands the resume, giving recent graduates a competitive edge when applying for jobs that are relevant to their internship experience.
• Networking: At the internship, students will meet working professionals in their fields of interest through meetings or conferences. These professional connections can lead to references and potential job opportunities.
• Professional and personal development: Having an internship allows students to learn more about their specific career paths, as well as explore other potential career paths. An internship will help students build communication skills amongst professional colleagues, learn about time management, and adjust to different environments.

How do students find internships?

To find current opportunities, take a look at our Current Opportunities web page. Keep an eye on your inbox on Wednesday mornings, where you'll receive the Currents - the weekly science opportunities newsletter.

Students can also research companies of interest on sites such as LinkedIn. To inquire about opportunities within these companies, feel free to send them an email introducing yourself and asking about open opportunities for students.

When is the best time to start looking for internships?

Typically, students participate in an internship between their junior and senior years of college. However, it is never too early to gain internship experience!

Overall, students should start exploring internship options as soon as possible. It is advised that students begin looking as early as possible to consider the different requirements that are needed to apply for these internships, and to watch for application deadlines as well

What is the appropriate length of an internship?

Under the Science Internship Program (SIP), internship lengths depend on whether the student applies for academic credit. For those who receive academic credit, internships should run 12 weeks or more throughout the fall and spring semesters. In the summer semester, however, internships last for eight weeks or more.

If a student does not wish to receive academic credit for their internship, they are free to participate in an internship of any length/time commitment.

How many hours per week are appropriate for an internship?

In the fall and spring semesters, full-time students should not commit to more than 20 hours per week. On extended academic breaks, such as in the summer, students can work up to 40 hours per week. It generally depends on the internship.

Are students guaranteed a job at their internship site upon completion of the internship?

No, students are not always guaranteed a job. Acquiring a job after completing the internship is dependent upon the internship site.

Types of Internships (Paid, Unpaid, Academic Credit)

What is the difference between a paid and an unpaid internship?

The only difference between a paid and unpaid internship is whether or not the student is financially compensated for their work. Either type of internship is beneficial, but it is recommended that you seek a paid internship if you need additional financial support.

Can students get college credit for their internships?

Yes, but the internship must be approved by the Science Internship Program (SIP) to ensure that the internship is rigorous and relevant to the student’s course of study.

Students will also enroll in an internship course where they will receive additional academic instruction and professional coaching to enhance their internship experiences. For more information, check out the internship courses web page.

Cam students complete an internship in the summer, then enroll in the internship course in the following semester to receive academic credit?

Yes, but students need to have the Science Internship Program (SIP) approve their internship prior to beginning. Students must contact SIP at least three weeks before the internship start date (in this case, before students leave for the summer), so that SIP can process the appropriate paperwork.

Are students assigned to an internship once they enroll in the course?

The Science Internship Program (SIP) can help students find an internship, but it is up to them to apply and secure an internship.

What is the difference between participating in an internship for-credit versus not-for-credit?

When students complete an internship for-credit, their internship participation appears on their transcript (through enrollment in an internship course). When students undertake a “not-for-credit” internship, they do not have to sign up for an internship course or notify the Science Internship Program (SIP).

Students are always encouraged to contact SIP if they would like additional support.

Can students participate in a paid internship and receive academic credit simultaneously?

Students can have a paid internship and receive academic credit simultaneously as long as they notify the Science Internship Program (SIP) at least 3 weeks prior to the start date to process paperwork, and the internship is SIP-approved.

Can the internship count towards elective credits?

Yes, but only with approval from an academic advisor. The advisor needs to verify that the internship is as rigorous and relevant as other elective options. Even if the internship does not apply towards elective credits, the academic credits towards the internship will appear on college transcripts.

Applying for an Internship

What must students do to apply for an internship?

Students must remember to continuously keep their resumes up to date with relevant skill-sets and experiences. If necessary, students should put together a cover letter that is specific to the internship site; which notes reasons they would be an asset to the employer. Lastly, application materials should be submitted to the internship site before the application deadline. The sooner your application is submitted, the better.

For more information, check out the application resources web page.

Can students apply for more than one internship?

The Science Internship Program (SIP) encourages students to apply to more than one internship to increase their chances of getting viewed by recruiters. Students should apply for any internship that is applicable to them.

Who should students go to for references or recommendation letters?

Students must ask supervisors, current and past professors, and colleagues who know their work ethic. For more information on getting references and recommendation letters, view this website.

Do students need to meet all of the minimum requirements in order to obtain an internship?

Internships may have minimum requirements, but generally employers consider multiple factors when evaluating candidates for a position. Such factors include course-work, extracurricular activities, and recommendations.

The Science Internship Program (SIP) encourages all students to apply for an internship even if they do not meet all of the minimum requirements.

Where can students get help at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) for applying for internships, writing resumes and cover letters, or answers to specific questions?

Students can contact the Student Services Coordinator for the Science Internship Program (SIP), Kierra Rambonga, via email.

They can also explore the Center for Academic, Career, and Student Success, which has several resources to construct resumes and cover letters. Included on the center for Academic, Career, and Student Success website is an option for students to make an appointment with a career advisor.

What is an internship?

In short, internships are opportunities for students to acquire work experience in a real-world setting. Mostly, these openings follow clear-cut learning targets as students draw on their knowledge base in an interested field.

Why should we sponsor an internship?

First and foremost, internships exemplify an employers’ commitment to the community while students assist with current initiatives. Second, internships allow employers to identify a robust talent network. Along this same vein, students have been often been recruited to work for their former employers after graduation.

What is the appropriate length of an internship?

Under the Science Internship Program (SIP), internships and their appropriate lengths depend on whether the student applies for academic credit.

Regarding those who receive academic credit, internships should run 12 weeks or more throughout the fall and spring semesters. In the summer semester, however, internships ought to run eight weeks or more.

Concerning those who do not receive academic credit, SIP does not set minimums or maximums in stone.

How many hours per week are appropriate for an internship?

In relation to the fall and spring semesters, students who are studying on a full-time basis cannot work more than 20 hours per week. While on academic breaks, such as the summertime, students can work up to 40 hours per week.

Is funding a requirement for an internship?

With the Science Internship Program (SIP), employers are not required to fund internships. While paid internships attract more students, employers still receive considerable applications with unpaid internships. Over the years, employers have been creative in their efforts to ameliorate the expenses incurred by students, namely uniform stipends or variable payments for gas-related expenses.

What is a service learning experience in comparison to an internship?

According to the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, service-learning experiences integrate community service with instruction and reflection. Generally speaking, students learn more about civic responsibility as they strengthen nearby communities.

To learn more about service learning at CSUMB, check out the Service Learning Institute.

What are the requirements for employers when students receive academic credit with their internship?

The Science Internship Program (SIP) requires the following four items when students receive academic credit with their internship: (1) University-Agency Agreement, (2) Site Visit Form, (3) Liability Waiver, and (4) Learning Agreement.

To learn more about this process, check out the internship courses page or get in touch with a SIP representative.

Are employers required to compensate students for an internship?

No, but we strongly recommend that internship sites explore options to compensate student interns in order to help support them in their academic endeavors.