The process of confirming and approving internships involves collaboration between faculty advisors and students, ensuring alignment with academic and professional standards:
Pre-Confirmation Checks
Ensure students meet prerequisites such as minimum credits (60) and GPA (2.0) specific to their program and course requirements.
Internship Prep Course
Verify completion of a one-credit internship prep course, typically taken in the 4th or 5th semester.
Internship Agreement Preparation
Assist students in preparing their internship agreement through an online process.
Internship Plan and Application
Guide students in developing their online internship plan and completing the application, outlining the internship experience.
Aligning Academic Expectations
Clearly define academic expectations aligned with NACE competencies and Greater Allegheny's internship career readiness objectives.
Understanding the Internship
Clarify roles and expectations within the student intern's learning network, including faculty, host site supervisor, campus internship coordinator, and the student-intern. Ensure comprehensive understanding of the educational and experiential aspects of the internship.
Faculty, Instructor, and Advisor Guidelines for Internships
Academic internships at Penn State Greater Allegheny involve partnerships among the university, employers, and students. These internships focus on professional projects relevant to the host site, distinct from regular employment.
Key Guidelines:
- Assign tasks that allow students to apply and expand coursework knowledge.
- Typically require a minimum of 40 on-site work hours per academic credit, equating to at least eight weeks or 120 hours for three credits (3cr.).
- Academic credit is contingent upon successfully completing assignments demonstrating discipline-specific knowledge and skills relevant to the internship.