FAQ's

What is an Internship?

"Internship" refers to an experiential activity in which students undertake a position in a public or private organization for academic credit.

Each activity should involve "the integration of the accomplishment of a task with conscious educational growth." (NC Internship Board)

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FAQ's

How many credit hours does an internship normally carry?

Four. No more than 4 credits per term are allowed (with the exception of The Washington Center or with special permission from the student's Faculty Sponsor, the Internship Coordinator and the Associate Dean for Academic Advising). Internships can also be registered for fewer than 4 credits, depending on individual situations.

How many internship credits may be applicable to degree requirements?

A maximum of 12 credits can be applied overall.

How many clock hours on-site must be completed for a 4-credit internship?

A full 4-credit internship requires a minimum of 144 work-related hours. Time for travel, meals, reflection journal entry writing, final paper research/writing are not included in these hours.

I'm a CCE student. Are we allowed to do internships?

Of course! Internships for CCE students can be particularly engaging because of the insights and experience adult students bring to their work. Especially if you are exploring a completely new career, an internship is a sure-fire way to confirm whether or not it's a good fit for your goals and desires.

How do I find an internship?

The first way to identify potential internships is to ask! Ask family members, friends, co-workers and colleagues this question, "Who is doing what I want to be doing?" Ask the same question of the internet; search on-line for organizations doing work that might match your career dreams and goals in the cities/areas where you would like to be living.

Next, tap into resources here at Guilford: faculty members, counselors in Career & Community Learning, and alumni. Schedule a meeting with your Career Counselor and/or with the Internship Corodinator/Vocational Counselor in CACL (call 336-316-2187). Talk with them about your career goals, desired skills, and passions might be be fulfilled. When you begin your search, you should also meet with a Career Counselor to develop, update and polish your resume, create cover letters, learn business etiquette, practice interviewing skills that will help you once you begin interviewing for internship opportunities.

Lastly, check the internship webpages for potential internship sites. Companies across the nation post their opportunities here. There are two links that can help you with this: Guilford and TriadInternNet.

How are internship grades handled?

Grades awarded for the internship are the prerogative of the Faculty Sponsor, based on the Site Supervisor's evaluations, conferences with the student, final evaluations, and any other work required by the Faculty Sponsor. The regular letter grading scale applies (as opposed to credit/no credit grading).

I did an internship over the summer but didn't register for it. Can I apply to get retroactive credit in the fall?

No! An important factor of each internship experience is the interaction between the student and a faculty sponsor. If this dynamic aspect of the internship was not in place throughout its duration, no credit can be given.

How Can Career & Community Learning Help Students?

  • Individualized Counseling:  The Internship Coordinator/Vocational Counselor is available to meet one-on-one with students to assess interests and identify sites appropriate to the student's specific passions and goals. To schedule an appointment, call CACL office at 336-316-2187.
  • Resume and Cover Letters: CACL Career Counselors can help you put your best foot forward! Even if you think you don't have "real" experience, you'd be surprised at how many skills you have already gained and how these translate into the work you want to be doing. Appointments can be scheduled by calling CACL at 336-316-2187.
  • Hard Copy and Web Resources:   Both types of resources identify past and current internship opportunities and include contact information, location, and other details.. On-line resources can be found here: Internship Opportunities
  • Administrative Assistance:  We maintain a listing of internship opportunities, process the appropriate paperwork, and, when necessary, serve as a liaison between Intern and Site Supervisor. The services of CACL's Internship Coordinator are available Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm (or after 5pm upon request). CACL does not close during the summer months.