What is an internship?
Internships are monitored work experiences that include learning goals and reflection.Internships
- May be part-time or full-time
- May be paid or unpaid
- Last at least 10 weeks long and 10 hours per week
- Are available to all Calvin students who are sophomores or above
- May be for academic credit (completed while taking an internship seminar course at Calvin) or non-credit (completed for experience only)
- Are available fall, spring and summer semester
- Are available to students from all majors offered at Calvin
- Establish a balance between the intern's learning and the work that the organization needs done
How do I get involved in Calvin's internship program?
All internships (except Comenius positions) that we know about are posted on CalvinLink. Extensive training is available on KnightVision, in the Students organization, Internships and Careers link. This training teaches students how to write a cover letter and resume, interview successfully, and network, and it contains many resources for finding an internship. Meet with Beth Cok for additional assistance (email her to set up an appointment).
Our training wiki (what I know is...) allows you to add your comments and read other students' comments. Did you love your internship? Tell the world (or at least Calvin's student body)! Did you spend 95% of your time making copies? Share your opinion.
To access internship training wiki:
- Log in to KnightVision
- Under "My Organizations," click "Students"
- Select the Internships and Careers link
Why should I pursue an internship?
- Explore a specific field of interest
- Determine if a career is a good fit
- Obtain practical experience to enhance a resume and improve skills
- Supplement theoretical learning with practical applications
Does internship work count for academic credit?
You may participate in the internship program on a credit or non-credit basis. To receive credit, students must register for an internship seminar course (e.g. BUS 359, CAS 346, ENGL 380, etc.). For-credit internships have academic requirements and you must complete a minimum number of work hours. Some summer course work is completed on-line. Go to the training wiki on KnightVision to see a full list of internship seminar courses available at Calvin.
Where do interns work?
Most internships take place in West Michigan, but some summer experiences have been found in Chicago, New York, Boston and throughout the United States. Previous placements include Amway, Steelcase, Feyen-Zylstra, Varnum Law, Serendipity Publishing, Zondervan, Morgan Stanley, Morrison Industrial Equipment, and Founders Trust Bank, among many others.
