Internship Program
The Internship Program at Dominican University of California allows students to apply classroom theory related to their major in the workplace.
What is an Internship?
An internship integrates your academic and career interests with “hands-on” work experience. It is a for-academic credit program whereby you can enhance and apply classroom learning in a work setting related to your major.
Why should you do an Internship?
- Employers rate experience as the #1 quality they are seeking when hiring
- It gives you a chance to explore what you really like or dislike about a field/industry
- Test-out your career choice
- Enhance your resume
- Generate a network of professional contacts to utilize as references
- Gain marketable job skills which are transferable to other jobs
- Obtain academic credit
- Some are paid
When Should I do an Internship?
Students benefit the most from an internship when they participate after gaining knowledge within their field of study. Internships can be done during the fall, spring, or summer semesters.You should discuss your internship potential with your academic advisor. Allow at least one semester to plan your internship.
How Many Hours do I Work?
For each unit of credit you have to intern for a minimun of 45 hours.
1 unit = a minimum of 45 hours
2 units = a minimum of 90 hours
3 units = a minimum of 135 hours
**You must be registered for internship credit before beginning your internship hours.
How Do I Find an Internship?
- Dominican Career Network: (DCN) is Dominican University of California’s free on-line job listing and job search resource.
To access DCN go to: http://dominican-csm.symplicity.com/students - Internship binder (past internship binders by major): Search, by academic field, sites where students have interned in the past. Become informed of internship titles, contact information, and reviews
- Create your own internship position: Contact the Career and Internship Services office for more information!
- In some cases, students can assume a value-added project in present job
- Tap into your existing network: Ask faculty, friends, classmates, family, neighbors, former co-workers etc.
- Conduct informational interviews to expand your network!
- Join school organizations or professioanl associations where you can NETWORK:
- Click link below for list of Dominican University clubs and organizations: http://dominican.edu/about/current/studentlife/clubsorgs.html
- Click link below for a general list of professional associations: http://www.jobweb.com/Career_Development/prof_assoc.htm
- Attend the annual Dominican University Career and Internship fair
- Job and Internship websites handouts: Internship Websites & Career/Job Websites
Getting Started
- Speak to your Faculty Advisor: Discuss your internship interests with your advisor to identify activities which will benefit you the most. Clarify how many units of internship credit you should obtain.
- Speak to a Career Counselor: Learn more about the requirements of the Internship Program. Discuss internship opportunities. Schedule an appointment, stop by during drop-in hours or attend an Internship Orientation.
- Prepare Resume and Cover Letter: Make an appointment with Career and Internship Services for assistance with writing your resume and cover letter.
- Begin Contacting Employers: Submit your cover letter and resume directly to the employer.
- Submit Paperwork to Registrar’s Office: Pick up internship registration packet from the Career and Internship Services office. To register for internship credit you must obtain required signatures and submit the registration form into the Registrar’s Office.
How Can I Prepare For an Internship?
- Determine your individual career goals: What careers interest you? What classroom knowledge do you want to apply? What do you hope to learn from your experience?
- Assess you skills, strengths, interests and values: What can you offer an employer? Not sure or don't know where to begin, make an appointment with Career and Internship Services
- Research the field: What companies or organizations interest you? What industry or field do you want to gain experience in? What kind of work environment do you prefer? Do an informational interview to learn more about various fields.
- Prepare a resume and cover letter: Most employers will want a resume and cover letter to learn more about you. They will also likely interview you to find out if you are a good fit for them and vice versa. Make an appoinment with a counselor for additional assistance.
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Evaluate potential internship opportunities: Will it give you hands-on experience in you major? Will it enhance your skills and further your career goals? Is it 70% project or process oriented? Are clerical tasks 20% or less? Will you receive supervision?
Testimonials
"The opportunity to work with students, as I learned what it takes to operate a non-profit,
was a priceless experiences that has even changed my personal goals and outlook on life."
~International Management major
Making Waves Education Program
"I did not just learn by watching, but I learned by doing. I have been able to get a great insight into the field that I would like to pursue, in that I have done the work, met the people and seen the job." ~Environmental Science major Environmental Resource group
"The internship gave me exposure to many labratory techniques and helped me understand why people do research. Overall, this was a very educational program." ~Biology major Biology Lab, University of Texas
