Why Intern?

Internships can be some of the most rewarding experiences that you have at American University. You learn theory in your classes, but it's only through experience that you can learn what to expect after your degree. 50% of the students who intern decide that they DON'T want to work in their internship field in the future. Better to find that out after an internship rather than after spending thousands of dollars on one or more college degrees and on your first job. Internships improve your a cademic work, and can help you narrow your focus for future studies. They introduce you to new fields, help you develop or improve skills, build your resume, and can position you to network for future positions.

Credit vs. Non-Credit Internships

The Career Center is happy to help you with both. The difference is the SUBSTANCE of the internship and the ACADEMIC LEARNING that takes place.

For-credit internships are generally more substantive, with no more than 15% clerical or administrative tasks. Students work with a faculty member on academic assignments related to the content of their internships. For-credit internships must be done over at least a twelve-week period of time (generally during one semester), and if you hope to earn 3 credit hours, you should be working at least 15 hours a week. Students must be at least a sophomore, or a transfer or graduate student, with at least one semester completed at American University. For-credit internships are generally as academically challenging as any class.

A non-credit internship is something a student does independent of their university work. It's a great way to explore a career field, to learn about the inner workings of an office, to help choose a major, and to start networking! Generally, these positions are more clerical in nature, or only one day a week.

Internships vs. Co-ops

At American University, these terms can be interchangeable with one exception. The federal government offers co-ops (cooperative education positions) which differ from internships in that at the end of the work period, the student may have the opportunity for the position to become permanent without re-applying for the position. Federal government internships do not offer this option. As with for-credit internships, co-op students work with a faculty member on academic assignments, and the position may be no more than 15% clerical work. In order to earn 3 credits, students need to work a minimum of 15 - 16 hours per week over at least a twelve week period of time (usually during one semester). ALL co-op applications are processed through the Career Center.

How can the Career Center help you?

One-on-one advice from your school-specific internship advisor is one of the most important benefits your tuition covers. Advisors can help you understand the process of getting an internship, choosing or developing an internship that is right for you, and marketing yourself effectively for those positions. Students get the most out of jobs and internships that give them the opportunity to do real hands-on work which benefits their organization and that allows them to learn about the field.