Getting an internship to count for class credit can be a useful way to gain more experience in the job market and at the same time get credit at Carleton for it.

What are the benefits of credit internships?

• The learning experiences you have during the summer (or during the school year) outside of Carleton can count for credits.
• If a company cannot (or does not want to) pay you as an intern, they may be willing to let you earn credit instead.
• A credit internship requires a student to have learning goals, developed with a member of the faculty and the work supervisor. These ensure that you will not be doing only "grunt work" but that you will also be learning about the job/position/company you have the internship with. If the goals are not being met, the faculty supervisor and the Internship Coordinator can intervene to assist in the situation.
• You can have up to 12 credits from internships count toward your graduation credit requirements.

How to get an internship for credit

• Start looking for internships at least 6 months before it would take place. This means if you're looking for a summer internship, start in December. Search for internships online at our internship database or design your own unique opportunity that is right for you! To learn more about this, visit the Career Center
• Pick up and review the form "Approval for Off-Campus Credit Internship" and credit internship handbook from the Career Center.
• Prepare a resume and cover letter. (If you need help with this, we recommend working with a Career Center staff adviser. Contact the Career Center at x4293 to schedule an appointment.)
• Apply and interview for several internship opportunities to keep your options open. (For tips on interviewing, meet with an adviser and/or do a practice interview in the Career Center).
• Find a faculty sponsor from the department in which the internship credit will be registered. Together, complete the approval form.
• Ask your academic adviser to review and sign the approval form.
• Meet with someone in the career Center to review and sign the completed approval form.
• Submit the approval form to Associate Dean of Students for approval by the Academic Standing Committee by application deadline (which is the Friday before registration for the next term).

Make an appointment to meet with a counselor to discuss your situation by calling the Career Center at x4293.