As a form of experiential learning, internships provide students with the opportunity to apply concepts learned in the classroom to current challenges facing companies and organizations. Internships also give students the opportunity to obtain hands-on experience, develop skills and make meaningful connections in a professional field. Students, by engaging in purposeful internships, will learn practical applications of their studies, and be challenged to demonstrate comprehensive understanding of academic subject matter. Additionally, through reflective essays, students may identify potential career fields or research interests.
Course Descriptions:
EXPL 205 Connecting Academic and Intern Experience- summer
Internships offer students hands-on experience in a possible career field of interest, the opportunity to focus career goals and aspirations, and exposure to the wider world outside of the classroom. This course serves two purposes: to aid students in the identification and pursuit of internship opportunities and to offer students the opportunity to formally connect the internship with wider academic interests.
Working collaboratively with a Career Development Office advisor, students will produce high-quality resumes and cover letters. Students will also discuss networking and interviewing skills, and review their Learning Plans. Upon completion of all preliminary steps noted in the Student Checklist, the CDO will notify the Registrar's Office of a student's EXPL registration. An audit notation will be placed on the student’s record until all requirements are reviewed in the fall semester and a final credit determination is approved. *International Students should also meet with the Center for Global Engagement to complete additional paperwork requirements.
Once a student has obtained an internship opportunity (240-hour minimum), the student will be assigned a faculty member to act as an advisor for the internship. All students will have the same faculty advisor. This faculty member will meet with the full cohort for one on-campus required class session in April and then again via required conference calls over the summer. In order to earn 0.13 unit (credit/no credit) of credit, students must complete all required activities including the final reflection paper, which is due by the end of September. Students may complete four internships either under EXPL 205 or EXPL 206 and receive up to 0.52 units of credit.
All students participating in EXPL 205 must attend the mandatory meeting with the faculty advisor on Thursday, April 9, 2020, 4:30-5:30 p.m. in Timberlake 4.
EXPL 206 Connecting Academic and Intern Experience- semester internship
Internships offer students hands-on experience in a possible career field of interest, the opportunity to focus career goals and aspirations, and exposure to the wider world outside of the classroom. This course serves two purposes: to aid students in the identification and pursuit of internship opportunities and to offer students the opportunity to formally connect the internship with wider academic interests.
Prior to the start of the internship and working collaboratively with a Career Development Office advisor, students will produce high-quality resumes and cover letters. Students will also discuss networking and interviewing skills, and review their Learning Plans. Upon completion of all preliminary steps noted in the Student Checklist, the CDO will notify the Registrar's Office of a student's EXPL registration. An audit notation will be placed on the student’s record until all requirements are reviewed at the end of the semester and a final credit determination is approved. *International Students should also meet with the Center for Global Engagement to complete additional paperwork requirements.
Students need to obtain an internship opportunity (60-hour minimum) within the first three weeks of class. Once a student has obtained an internship, the student will identify a faculty member to act as an advisor for the internship. In order to earn 0.13 unit (credit/no credit) of credit, the student must complete all required activities including conversations with the faculty advisor and the final reflection paper (due two weeks before the end of classes). Students may complete four internships and receive up to 0.52 units of credit either under EXPL 205 or EXPL 206.
EXPL 206 Health Coach Internship Opportunity
After successful completion of the Community Care Network class, it is expected, although not mandatory, that students will participate in the Health Coaches program during the following semester(s). In teams of two, Health Coaches will be assigned their own clients whom they will visit on a weekly basis. The coaches collaborate with the hospital healthcare team to promote healthy lifestyle changes resulting in improved client health. Students may sign up for EXPL 206 and receive .13 units of credit for their coaching semesters.