What is an Internship?
Interested in a $3,000 stipend? Learn more about Central's Community Engagement Experiential Learning Stipend.
An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent. Internships are typically a one-time work or service experience related to the student’s major or career goal and may be a requirement for graduation. The internship plan involves students working in professional settings under the supervision and monitoring of practicing professionals. Internships can last for a semester or be completed over Winter or Summer break, can be paid or unpaid, and the student may or may not receive academic credit for performing the internship. All internships receiving credit must be approved by the Department Chairperson of the student's major.
What is a Co-op?
Cooperative education programs, or co-ops, provide students with work related to the student’s major or career goal. Cooperative Education is a structured program that integrates classroom learning with the practical hands-on experience in a field related to a student’s academic or career goals. The fundamental purpose of Cooperative Education is for students to have an opportunity to learn under real-life work conditions. The Co-op program is a partnership between students, educational institutions, and employers, with specified responsibilities for each party.
The Co-op Program consists of a work block which is six-months of full-time paid employment and is coordinated through the Career Development Office at Central. Students may register for up to six credits during their co-op experience but are not required to register for classes during the experience. CEW credits are awarded to allow a student to work yet maintain their full-time status. These credits, however, are not educational credits and may not be used towards program requirements for graduation. Co-op participation is approved by the Director of the Career Success Center.
To find internships and co-ops, check Handshake and Central's Center for Community Engagement and Social Research.