Internships are essential professional learning experiences that complement what you're learning in class, help you explore careers choices, and learn how to navigate the real world workplace. We recommend students do two or more internships before graduating.

Note: If you have legal barriers to participating in an internship do to citizenship or work authorization status, please meet with a career advisor to discuss options for your unique situation.

Update to Internship Guidelines for COVID-19

View updates to internship requirements in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak.

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How Internships Work

If you are new to internships, here are some things you should know. We also offer Internships 101 Workshops several times a quarter.

Internships are different than jobs.

Not all internships are paid.

You get academic credit.

Internships are credit based. So, instead of filling in your school schedule with yet another Fast Fitness class, try an internship instead. The number of hours you need to work at the internship depends on how many credits you need.

Hourly commitment based on an 8 to 10-week period*
1 credit = 4 hours per week (32-40 hours per quarter)
2 credits = 8 hours per week (64-80 hours per quarter)
3 credits = 12 hours per week (96-120 hours per quarter)
4 credits = 16 hours per week (128-160 hours per quarter)
5 credits = 20 hours per week (160-200 hours per quarter)

You will need to enroll for credit on Eaglenet and complete all internship requirements to receive credit.

*Credit allowance is based on your department. Approval may be required by your Faculty Internship Advisor.

Note: Internships completed at your current place of employment must meet certain guidelines. Talk to the EWU Internship Coordinator for more details.

Your internship is coordinated by multiple people.

An internship involves three partners that work together to improve the student's overall learning in higher education.

Internship Coordinator

Helps students search for internships in their field.
Assists students in preparation for the internship.
Organizes internship logistics (learning contract).
Facilitates communication with employers.

Faculty Internship Advisor

Authorizes the internship, and helps to establish learning objectives.
Assigns additional written assignments (journals, research, papers).
Issues a grade for the internship.

Use the following list to determine who your Faculty Internship Advisor is:

Faculty Internship Advisor List

Internship Site Supervisor

Introduces a job-like atmosphere.
Provides professional projects and assignments.
Evaluates performance.

Your work will be evaluated.

You internship can last for more than one quarter.

Find an Internship

Because of the preparation involved and the competitive job market, it's important to start looking early. We recommend starting your search at least a couple months before you need one.

Search online.

Talk to people.

Not all internships are found online. In fact, many are found through personal interaction. If you do not see any posted, don't give up. Here are some other options:

Contact the company directly and ask them if they have internships available.
Network! 80% of jobs are never uploaded to search engines or job boards. Meeting and interacting with professionals is a good strategy for discovering internship opportunities and future careers. Learn how to Network.
Attend a Career Fair. Our Career Fairs are listed on our events page and in Handshake.
Make an appointment with our Internship Coordinator, for further assistance.*

*Virtual appointments (Zoom, phone, email) are available. Make note of your preference in your Handshake appointment request or contact them directly.

Apply early.

Master Interviewing.

Set up your Internship

Once you have found an internship and are hired, follow these steps.

Step 1: Meet with your Faculty Internship Advisor.

Step 2: Enroll for Credit

To enroll for academic credit for your internship you need to log on to Eaglenet and search for it in your program section. It’s usually a 395/495 course, but not always.

Hourly commitment based on an 8 to 10-week period*
1 credit = 4 hours per week = 32-40 hours per quarter
2 credits = 8 hours per week = 64-80 hours per quarter
3 credits = 12 hours per week = 96-120 hours per quarter
4 credits = 16 hours per week = 128-160 hours per quarter
5 credits = 20 hours per week = 160-200 hours per quarter

*Credit allowance is based on your department. Approval may be required by your Faculty Internship Advisor.

Step 3: Meet with your Internship Site Supervisor.

After you find an internship and are hired you will need to meet with your Internship Site Supervisor (the person at the internship site who will supervise your work) and arrange an appointment to discuss the last two items on the Handshake Internship Guide (Internship Description and Learning Activities). Take down notes and save them for the next steps.

You should also to discuss your work schedule. The hours you need to work will depend on how many credits you'd like to receive for this internship.

*Credit allowance is based on your department. Approval may be required by your Faculty Internship Advisor.

Step 4: Submit your Internship Experience using Handshake.

Step 5: Complete your mid-term and final evaluations.

A Handshake notification of the evaluations will be automatically emailed to your Internship Site Supervisor at the appropriate time. It is usually sent one week before the due date. For best result, you should ask if they received the notification, and if not, contact me

You will be evaluated on your internship performance as a part of your grade at both mid-term and finals week. Please remind your Internship Site Supervisor if you do not receive a timely evaluation.

Insurance for Student Interns

For students in need of liability or medical insurance, EWU has resources available for you.

Section 1: Workplace Accidents and Unpaid Interns

If you are an unpaid intern, you are automatically covered by our volunteer insurance policy, CIMA. This insurance will cover workplace or auto accidents that occurred as a result of an internship task. If you already have medical insurance, CIMA will not replace your existing coverage. However, CIMA may be able to cover expenses that your primary provider will not cover. This is not liability insurance. If you need liability insurance in addition to workplace Accident insurance, see section 2.

Section 2: Professional Liability Insurance

Should students need professional liability insurance, the students must purchase it on an individual basis.

Students can purchase the insurance for $5 through the EWU Marketplace at https://secure.touchnet.net/C20347_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=25.

More information and links can be found at https://inside.ewu.edu/rcp/intern/.

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EWU does not provide workplace accident insurance for paid internships, and students will have to either use their own health insurance or purchase the optional health insurance from EWU https://inside.ewu.edu/bewell/optional-medical-insurance/, which is more general. Also, be sure to ask the internship site if they provide this (since they are already paying you).

**Note, the MultiCare Rockwood Clinic Student Health Services that Cheney and Spokane student pay for with their Comprehensive Health and Wellness fee is only for limited medical services. The website has more information.

Any questions regarding these services should be sent to:

Romeal Watson
Internship Coordinator
EWU Career Center
332 Pence Union Building
Cheney, WA 99004-2444
509.359.4637
rjwatson@ewu.edu

Internships

Update to Internship Guidelines for COVID-19

How Internships Work

Find an Internship

Set up your Internship

Insurance for Student Interns

Related Resources

EWU Career Center

Contact Us