Internships
FAQ
Q: When are internships offered?
A: Every term (Fall, Spring, and Summer). Internships typically run for the full 15 weeks in the Summer term. Register for these in UVLink, just like a regular class.
Q: Do the internships meet like a normal class?
A: Yes, the internships require meetings. However, they are not like a typical class. For the lower-division internship you will have scheduled class time, though it will be minimal. For the upper-division internship, the minimum requirement is 4 meetings with your instructor (once a month or so).
Q: Where can I find an internship?
A: The best place to start is Career Services and Student Employment (LC 409, http://www.uvu.edu/csse/). They have a job board online, including internships. You can also ask the Internship Coordinator for referrals. Also, ask other students and faculty for recommendations!
Q: Can I use my job for an internship?
A: The short answer is no. Internships are intended to apply theories from your academic classes. If you are already hired, those theories were not a necessary component of your skill set and in turn would not be a part of the internship!
Nonetheless, there is 1 exception to this policy...IF you are doing new and different work for your employer, like working on a special project, volunteering with a different team or department, etc., you MAY have a valid internship. Talk to the Internship coordinator to have this approved.
Q: Can't I do the internships at the same time? What if I work more hours?
A: COMM 281R is the prerequisite for COMM 481R, so this is not a valid option. This is the case for multiple reasons. First, COMM 281R focuses on skills you are expected to use in COMM 481R. Second, two internships are required in order to give students every opportunity to investigate different fields and apply a variety of theories, while developing a variety of skills. A single internship just can't do that the same way. Third, both COMM 281R and 481R are available for variable credit. This allows that students can work more (or less) hours for more (or less) credit than the standard 3-credit-hour course. If you are interested in a variable credit section of either internship, see the internship coordinator.
Q: What assignments are there?
A: Courses require a portfolio composed of Objectives, a Mid-term Evaluation, a Final Evaluation, and a paper. There are necessary set-up forms, as well. The execution of these minimum requirements is at the discretion of the instructor.
Q: Can I take more than 2 internships?
A: Of course! These courses (and all courses ending in "R") are repeatable. In other words, you can use them more than once for academic credit. If you would like to know more about where those credits may be applied, see your academic advisor.
Q: Can I do an internship without taking the class?
A: Yes, however if you would like to earn academic credit you must be in the class and working at the same time. In other words, if you do not register for the internship course, you cannot get credit at a later date.
The purpose of an internship is to obtain practical and valuable work experience, to apply skills and knowledge learned in school, and to gain exposure to various job opportunities. An internship must:* Be a job directly related to your major.
* Be approved by your Department.
Introductory level internships are a great opportunity for students to "test drive" careers - giving them the chance to see what workers in that industry do on a daily basis.