Internships prepare students for success post-graduation

Traditional CSU students are required to complete one Experiential Learning Requirement in order to graduate. Dr. Melissa Parker, new coordinator of internships, is available to assist students in preparing for success after graduation. 

Experiential Learning Requirements can include internships, clinicals, practicums, field courses, travel courses, applied learning, career planning courses, and more. Parker said, “Internship requirements will vary by program. Students seeking an internship should first check with their advisors. In many cases, a student’s program of study will include an internship or experiential learning opportunity.” 

Students looking for something beyond what their department offers should check the Buc Career Network and/or reach out to Parker at mparker@csuniv.edu for assistance in linking them with a faculty sponsor and company or organization. 

CSU uses a program called Handshake to assist in finding internships. “Students can access Handshake via the Buc Career Network,” said Parker. At Handshake, students can create a profile, upload a resume, and view a list of available opportunities. Students may register or log in to their account at bit.ly/CSUBucCareerNetwork. 

“By offering hands-on experience in their field of study, internships give students an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they are learning in the classroom,” said Parker. “This encourages students to become more confident in their abilities and can lead to professional growth, networking opportunities, and sometimes job placement.”  Parker also serves as an assistant professor of English.