Internships

An internship is a short-term, pre-professional work experience that provides hands-on practice and skill development in a professional environment. Internships may take place during the fall, spring, or summer semesters; may be paid or unpaid; may help students earn college credit or not; and may be full-time or part-time.

Internships can help students:

  • Explore a possible career interest

  • Choose a major or career path

  • See the real-world application of concepts learned in class

  • Gain work experience and develop marketable skills

  • Build a résumé

  • Cultivate professional contacts and references

  • Test out a possible future employer

  • Get into a track toward a permanent job (successful interns may receive full-time offers)

  • Earn income

This policy refers to internships occurring in the United States only. Gabelli School students may not pursue internships during the school year as a first-year student. They may begin holding internships in the summer following their first year. Students enrolled in the business integrated core are not permitted to participate in an internship during their consulting challenge integrated project semester.

Successful internships depend on the right match between a student and employer. For guidance on obtaining an internship that truly will provide advancement toward a desired career, students consult with the Personal and Professional Development Center and the Office of Career Services staff. 

Academic Credit for Internships

Students may pursue internships of two types: paid or unpaid. Unpaid internships often require that the student receive academic credit to participate in the internship experience.

Paid Internships

Gabelli School students participating in a paid internship are not eligible for academic credit unless required due to their visa status. 

Unpaid Internships

Gabelli School students participating in an unpaid internship may earn up to one-credit per semester. Students should work with their advising dean to obtain and complete the forms to enroll in a one-credit internship course.

A for-credit internship course does not replace a full course for graduation requirements.

Once a for-credit internship is secured, students must complete these steps:

  1. Reach out to their advising dean to notify them and obtain the internship credit request form.

  2. Complete the internship credit request form within two weeks of starting the internship. Students may not retroactively receive credit after the semester has ended. 

  3. Complete a minimum of 60 hours in the internship for the semester (or summer).

  4. Complete the internship course by submitting the reflection and internship evaluation and attending any required events or class meetings (if applicable). The reflection and internship evaluation are due by the week of finals. If the reflection and internship evaluation are not received by the deadline, a failing ("F") grade will be issued. The one-credit internship course is taken on a pass/fail basis only.

For Students holding an F-1 Visa ONLY

Students must register for credit when they accept their internship; they must provide their advising dean with an official offer letter on company letterhead that includes the start/end date of the internship, the number of hours per week, and the address of the company. Their advising dean will then provide the offer letter and completed CPT form to the Office of International Services (OIS) so that OIS can issue an updated I-20. This process must be completed BEFORE starting their first day of work. International students on F-1 Visas should make sure to follow all regulations and give themselves enough lead time to complete and process the paperwork.