Internships Test drive a job
Our students are encouraged to follow the Westmont Social Distancing Protocol which was created based on CDC, State of California, and Santa Barbara County regulations during COVID-19. Westmont is strongly encouraging student interns (and their employing organization) to conduct ALL internship work remotely. If the employing organization needs students to leave campus to complete any internship related task, the employing organization must first submit its health and safety plan (consistent with its County's health and safety protocols) to Westmont's Office of Institutional Resilience for review and approval. A link to this online approval process will be provided shortly.
In the event students are required to leave campus for internship duties, we encourage students to meet with their site supervisors and ask about the guidelines and expectations at their internship sites. We also encourage students to review these 8 effective tips for working remotely to help with working remotely in a virtual internship.
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.
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.
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 ILAF 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.
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 Internship Learning Agreement Form (ILAF). Once you enter your internship/employer contact information and basic information about your internship, the ILAF 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.