Internships are a vital part of a West Chester University education. Students are encouraged to obtain experience, to apply classroom learning, enrich their college experience, and enhance their skills and competencies that will make them among the best candidates for any desired career. WCU manages credit-bearing internship programs through our academic departments; departmental direction allows programs to meet both student and employer needs. The Twardowksi Career Development Center serves as a clearinghouse of additional internship opportunities, within Ram Career Network as well as other resources. The center hosts career fairs and offers employers a range of services to facilitate connections with students and departments.
Why Internships?
In today’s world, students are expected to have experience before applying for jobs – but how do students obtain career–related experience? Internships. Internships are phenomenal experiences for both students and employers.
An internship program is a proven strategy for employers to build a pipeline of talented and already trained new hires, boost workplace productivity, and gain workday hours from those with expertise in new technologies and applied learning. Students can gain hands–on experience, network in a desired industry, and set themselves apart from other job candidates.
Definition – What is an internship?
"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."
From the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE); read the NACE Position Paper on Internships
General Requirements & Timelines
West Chester University internship requirements and procedures will vary slightly by department. This general information will give you an overview.
- Interns must be a major in the department through which their internship is coordinated.
- Interns may or may not need to complete departmental courses or obtain specific GPA status before being permitted to work with a company.
- Departments will ask that interns complete a minimum number of units before they permit interns to work with a company.
- Internships managed through WCU are offered for credit whereby a particular number of units link with the number of credits assigned (contact department for details regarding minimum and maximum allowances).
- All departments have an application process for students to complete.
Internships take place concurrently with the spring, summer or fall sessions. Students must sign–up for internships the semester previous to their actual work or before. All students and organizations/employers must complete the application process and be approved before beginning on– or off–campus work.
