College of Business

About the Internship Program

What is an Internship?

An internship is paid, unpaid or stipend – only opportunity for an undergraduate student to function in a typical “on-the-job” environment. The purpose to connect the world of work with the world of academia. The number of hours involved per week as well as the length of internship period will vary depending on the specific program. Generally, a student will work a minimum of 15 weeks and a minimum of 120 hours in the internship to receive three semester hours of credit.

Internship Objectives

The objectives are shared in a three-way partnership involving the student, Wilmington University and the agency providing the internship experience. The advantages to each partner are:

The Student:

  1. is immersed in a real-world work environment;
  2. has the opportunity to work on meaningful problems/projects;
  3. is engaged in problem solving activities;
  4. is exposed to the latest technologies;
  5. gains access to highly trained and motivated practitioners;
  6. applies classroom theory to current industry issues;
  7. makes a meaningful contribution to the agency;
  8. explores long-term career goals;
  9. obtains professional work experience which adds to the resume;
  10. has the ability to network with professionals.

Wilmington University:

  1. provides a student with the opportunity to apply skills and theories in a work environment;
  2. strengthens the relationship between the employer and the University;
  3. gains visibility and academic stature with participating agencies;
  4. develops increased credibility among students, faculty and staff;
  5. provides an opportunity for faculty professional enrichment and development;
  6. acquires an expanded graduate placement opportunity;
  7. gains technological information relative to current methods and equipment

The Employer:

  1. obtains a skilled, highly motivated and energetic worker to assist in achieving organizational objectives;
  2. increases productivity at a reduced cost;
  3. gains access to the expertise of the faculty and staff of Wilmington University;
  4. achieves quality-based recruitment goals at a reduced cost;
  5. gains increased credibility among industry peers;
  6. becomes known on campus through student and faculty communication channels;
  7. may influence curriculum changes and program decisions.

Academic Credit

Wilmington University will grant academic credit to a student who successfully completes the internship program. The student and the faculty advisor will agree upon the number of credits as well as the level (upper/lower) before the internship begins. The student must register for the course upon the internship coordinator approval and before the internship begins. Students will not be allowed to participate in “informal arrangements.” The Structure of the program requires closes articulation between all parties and this is not possible where informal arrangements are allowed.

Student Selection

Internships are available only to undergraduate students. To qualify for an internship a student must exceed the standards found in the current Wilmington University catalog. In addition, prospective candidates must also demonstrate successful completion of specific courses relative to their intern assignment. The Program Coordinator/Division Chair prior to final selection will interview students.

Student Obligations

A student’s responsibilities in an internship differ from those relating to a typical in-class experience. As a participant in an internship program a student:

  • Must complete all stated application and documentation steps
  • Is required to enroll in the appropriate course for the duration of the internship
  • Must comply with all attendance requirements mutually agreed to by all parties
  • Shall accomplish such tasks, projects and assignments as prescribed by the syllabus and the participating agency
  • Will complete all reports as required by the institution and the participating agency
  • Should remember that he/she has the responsibility to those interns who may follow and that he/she is in reality an ambassador representing Wilmington University.

Student Evaluation

Internships are graded pass/fail. A student’s evaluation will be based on meeting all criteria mutually agreed upon by the student, the faculty advisor and the supervisor at the participating agency. The evaluation process may include written reports, oral presentation and appraisal data provided by the employer.