Where can I go to find an internship?

Start with the Career Center.  They have many resources.  Attend the Internship Fair.  Also, talk to your family and friends, who may have some connections you can use. 

Can I get credit for an internship?

Usually, no.  But there are some things you can do (like independent study classes), and some departments give credit for internships to their concentrators.  Click here to get more information.

Is My Internship Related to an Academic Discipline? How do I find an Internship in the first place?

Think about the kind of work you will be doing and consider the LSA department that seems most appropriate. You should know that some departments have policies that allow only concentrators in that discipline to receive credit for outside work experience. Also, be honest with yourself about the academic potential of the internship. It may be a great learning opportunity and provide valuable career preparation, but in what specific ways does it merit LS&A credit?

Do I Have a Coherent Proposal to Discuss with a Faculty Member?

Since individual arrangements are time consuming for faculty, understand that they may not be willing to sponsor your efforts. Do some preparation. What is the academic focus of your proposal? What reading might supplement the internship? What written work would best allow you to integrate hands-on experience with academic study? Don't expect the faculty member to answer these questions for you. Take the initiative and try to sell your idea.

How Do I Find a Faculty Sponsor?

This will be your biggest challenge. Your best choice is to approach an instructor you know, preferably one for whom you've done good work. Whether you know the faculty member or not, be sure your proposal relates to that instructor's academic specialization. Remember, no matter how great your preparation, you may not find someone to sponsor you for academic credit. If the instructor does agree to work with you, together you will discuss the reading and writing you must do along with the number of credits you will receive.

How do I Register for My Internship?

If you are able to make arrangements through one of the existing courses, you just register for that course. If you have made arrangements with a faculty member, you should see if the department has a directed studies or independent studies number that would be appropriate. If you have a faculty sponsor and yet the two of you do not have an appropriate number in the department, you may request credit through the College Board of Study. To do that you should begin by seeing an advisor in the LS&A Academic Advising Center, 1255 Angell Hall. You will need to submit a proposal to this faculty board which will outline what you are doing, how it will be assessed and who will be your sponsor. The Board of Study only handles student internship issues that an academic department cannot handle, and will never allow a student to register for internship work without faculty sponsorship.

Do I need to have an internship to get accepted to the Business School?

No.  But an internship can enhance your application in that it gives you more material to use for your essays, and it can help you narrow your interests in business studies.

Visit our internship guide at: www.lsa.umich.edu/lsa/students/special_opps/internships/