Internships and Co-Ops

Internships and co-ops translate classroom theory into application and provide a practical framework for subsequent academic coursework. Additionally, internships and co-ops enhance your resume, provide networking opportunities, and may even lead to a permanent position. We recommend all students try to do at least one internship during their time at USI. The summer between sophomore and junior year is an ideal time frame. But you can do it earlier or later as well.

Documenting your internship or co-op on Career Launch
As soon as you accept an internship you need to document it in Career Launch. This serves as your official internship record for the university. This is however separate from the actual registration for an internship course. All current USI students can log in to Career Launch through the app on myUSI. Select the Experiential Learning link click "Add New" and then follow the steps to report your internship or other experience. If you have any questions, contact USI Career Services at 812-464-1865.

Internship Fees
It is important to note that when participating in an internship for credit, you must enroll in one of the University’s internship courses.  The cost for these courses is the same as other on-campus courses and billed to you at the standard credit hour rate.  Although the internship work is completed off-campus and assignments may be required through Blackboard, the course is not necessarily considered an online distance education course.

In MOST cases credit is based on the number of hours you will work during the term.

1 credit = 50 work hours
2 credits = 100 work hours
3 credits = 150 work hours

How It Works
Most internships and co-ops require only 150 hours of professional work per semester. Many academic departments offer program credit for internships and co-ops. Most students are eligible for GENS 399 - Field Experience through Career Services for one to three credit hours and as little as 50 worksite hours. Internship assignments will include goals, a journal, student and employer evaluations, and a final report. You will need to meet with USI Career Services and Internships to register for internship credit in GENS 399.

Most internships are for a set period of time and are part-time. Usually one semester or summer. It can be extended or renewed upon agreement of the employer and student. Co-ops are set up differently. Most of them are designed for students to work full-time during a semester and take a break from classes. The next semester the student will not work and will only take classes. Followed by another semester of full-time work and then a final semester of classes before graduating. This format can vary greatly depending on the industry and employer. A majority of the experiences available to students are internships, not co-ops.

Eligibility
To qualify for a general internship, a student must have completed at least one semester at USI and be a student in good standing. To qualify for an internship with earned credit in your major, criteria specific to that major must be met. Those requirements vary according to the major and may include a minimum GPA and prerequisite classes. Your USI internship coordinator can help you determine if you qualify.

How to Apply
If you are interested in an internship, Schedule an appointment with a USI Career Coordinator. They will help you look for internships related to your major. Prior to your scheduled appointment, view internship and co-op opportunities online through Career Launch. You can also find internships on Indeed and LinkedIn.

Your Appointment
During your scheduled appointment, an internship coordinator will discuss options with you. They will help determine if you can receive credit for specific internships.  A strong resume and polished interview skills are essential to landing the internship. Your career coordinator can also assist with resume development and practice interviews. Bring to the appointment a copy of your most up-to-date resume. No resume? To help you get started, get a sample resume in our office or online.  Most employers will require a resume to consider a student for an internship.  Career Services is located in the lower level of the Orr Center, Room 074.