Internship Program

The Internship Program at Dominican University of California allows students to apply classroom theory related to their major in the workplace.

1. What is an internship?
2. Why should you do an internship?
3. When should I do an internship?
4. How many hours do I work?
5. How do I find an internship?
6. Getting started
7. How can I prepare for an internship?
8. Testimonials

What is an Internship?

“I’ve gained a lot of skills working as an intern for KQED. I’ve learned how to research and craft a relevant story, how to produce a show, how to write content for a web site, and how to communicate assertively and confidently with well-known, successful people. ”
—Sukey Lewis

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 minimum 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.
• 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 professional associations where you can NETWORK.
• Attend the annual Dominican University Career and Internship fair
• Job and Internship websites handouts: Internship Websites & Career/Job Websites
  

Getting Started

• Read Dominican Intern Success Stories  to get advice before beginning this process.
• 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 before beginning your internship hours.

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.

• 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."

Crystal Shaw, International Management major, Making Waves Education Program

Interning gave me the opportunity to not only apply the concepts that I learned in the classroom, but also gain knowledge from the workplace and Ghilotti Bros. Inc. was a great place to learn exactly how a successful business operates.

Ben Whiteman, Business Administration major,  Environmental Resource group

"The internship gave me exposure to many laboratory techniques and helped me understand why people do research. Overall, this was a very educational program."

Rocky Chavez, Biology major, Biology Lab, University of Texas