The COVE Career Center Internships
In-Person Internships
All internships for academic credit should be in-person rather than remote (occasional remote work may be allowed based on the needs of your internship organization). If you have extenuating personal or academic reasons why you should be allowed to do your internship remotely, you will need pre-approval from your professor before you accept the internship. The Provost’s Office may update this requirement based on ongoing health and safety conditions. As always, continue to utilize essential health and safety practices based on local, state, and federal guidelines.
The Value of Internships
Bottom line - - completing a meaningful internship will give you a front row seat to evaluate careers and the working world, and develop the skills necessary to thrive in the workplace.
According to a recent National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) survey, 53 percent of graduates reported that they obtained their current position directly from their internship experience. An earlier 2014 NACE survey revealed that 65.4 percent of graduates who completed a paid internship at a for-profit company received a job offer prior to graduation. Nearly two thirds of employers look for graduates with at least two internships (or other substantive experiences) on their resumes.
Want to hear about the value of internships and learn about the ins-and-outs of getting an internship? Watch our Student Internship Panel Discussion.
Internship Basics
Paid vs. Unpaid?
Although it varies from employer-to-employer, many organizations will pay at least minimum wage during your internship. Regardless of whether or not you’re paid, having an internship will lead to better initial employment opportunities.
Receiving Academic Credit for an Internship
To receive academic credit, you must enroll in any “190” class (the 190 refers to an internship class across all majors). If your major does not offer a 190 course, consider the elective APP-190 class provided by the COVE Career Center. This class is available in the fall and the spring, as well as a summer remote class (class via video conference) so you can complete an internship for credit regardless of where you live during the summer. Check with your major adviser to confirm whether your internship will qualify for credit within your major. With any internship for academic credit, the internship organization and your duties as an intern must not conflict with Westmont's Mission Statement and Community Life Statement found on the College's Community Commitments page. Contact your internship class professor with questions.
How Many Credits Can I Receive for an Internship?
In most cases you can receive up to four (4) units of credit for your internship (some majors and programs offer up to eight units). The number of credits is dependent on how many hours you work during the semester based on a ratio of one (1) credit per every 36 hours worked at your internship. NOTE: your ALAF (see below) must be fully approved BEFORE you can begin accruing hours towards your desired number of credits.
| Academic Credits Sought | Minimum Required Internship Work Hours |
| 1 | 36 |
| 2 | 72 |
| 3 | 108 |
| 4 | 144 |
Can You Receive Academic Credit for Internship at Home Over the Summer?
Our APP-190 class is also available during the summer - - no matter where you are. The required class lectures will be delivered online so you can engage in your internship at home or wherever you find yourself during the summer.
Searching for an Internship
Handshake is a great source internships in Santa Barbara and throughout the nation. You can easily set-up search parameters and get notified anytime an interesting internship appears on Handshake. As stated above, with any internship for academic credit, the internship organization and your duties as an intern must not conflict with Westmont's Mission Statement and Community Life Statement found on the College's Community Commitments page. Contact your internship class professor with questions.
Interviewing for an Internship
Log on to Handshake to request an appointment with our team of career professionals. We can help you with a mock interview to better tell your story in a compelling, concise, and authentic manner.
What’s Next Now That I’ve Landed My Internship?
To receive academic credit for your internship, you’ll need to complete the online Applied Learning Agreement Form (ALAF). Once you enter your internship/employer contact information and basic information about your internship, the ALAF system circulates your internship details to your site supervisor at your internship, your internship class professor, the internship director, and finally the Registrar’s office. The ALAF must be fully approved BEFORE you begin your internship work.