“Nothing ever becomes Real
until it is Experienced”
-John Keats

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is an internship?

The word “internship” refers to real-world work experience where you assume a temporary role as a worker in an organization and reflect on your experiences in an academic setting. The term “internship” is often used interchangeably with the words “field experience”, “course practicum”, “field practicum”, “apprenticeship”, “cooperative education”, and “service learning experience”. At Calumet College of St. Joseph, the terms “Coordinated Practicum” and “Internships” are used to refer to the field learning experiences that you complete for academic credit.

What is the difference between a major practicum and a coordinated practicum?

A field experience that is required for your academic major is called an “Internship”. Internships require you to complete an established number of hours working in an organization or department that relates to your major area of study. Internships are completed in your junior or senior year and assignments in class are related to the work you are performing in your internship. Currently, internships are required for students majoring in Human Services, Psychology, Criminal Justice and Paralegal Services.

A coordinated practicum can be undertaken in any area of study by any student in the college following successful completion of at least one academic semester. There are two types of coordinated practica: one for students seeking an associate degree (freshmen and sophomores) and one for baccalaureate degree students (juniors and seniors). Descriptive written studies of your experiences in the practicum and a performance appraisal by the practicum supervisor are required. A maximum of six (6) semester hours can be credited towards an associate degree coordinated practicum and twelve (12) semester hours towards a baccalaureate degree practicum.

What is the purpose of an internship?

Internships afford you an opportunity to:

• Integrate the knowledge gained in the classroom with real life situations
• Confirm your career and academic choices
• Network with professionals in the field
• Increase your marketability upon graduation
• Earn academic credit while you learn

What type of organizations are avilable for interns?

The College places students in a variety of settings throughout Northwest Indiana and Chicago. You can arrange an internship in business, industry, social service, legal, medical, and fine arts settings, depending on your area of interest and/or study. For a sample of some of the organizations used in the past, please click here.

When can I start an internship?

You are eligible to begin an Internship in your junior or senior year of study. Application must be made and approval obtained from your Department Chair at least one semester prior to starting the internship.

Students interested in completing a Coordinated Practicum in an area of interest can do so after successful completion of at least one academic semester. Approval from your Academic Advisor must be obtained.

How do I select an internship?

To arrange an internship you must:

• Discuss your internship interests and class guidelines with your Department Chair
• Obtain approval to begin an internship from your Department Chair at least one semester prior to your anticipated start date
• Complete an Internship Application Form
• Select an agency/organization with whom you would like to interview
  (internship listings are available through the Internship Coordinator)
• Interview with the prospective organization
• Notify your Department Chair and the Internship Coordinator of your selection decision
• Register for the appropriate internship section

Can I have an internship in my place of employment?

The College will approve a practicum in your place of employment provided certain safeguards can be established to preserve the educational integrity of your experience. This means that you must:

• have been employed by your organization for at least one year and your performance evaluations must be at a satisfactory level
• be assigned duties different from those routinely performed by you as an employee
• have learning assignments that are appropriate to the area of study you have selected
• have learning assignments that offer you an opportunity for new learning and growth.
• be assigned to a different department or program and/or to a supervisor other than your employment supervisor to oversee your internship.

It is not uncommon, however, for students who complete a Coordinated Practicum to do so in their place of employment.

Can I create my own internship?

The Internship Office is always interested in exploring new internship opportunities and welcomes students’ suggestions. However, the Internship Coordinator must approve all practicum sites and supervisors. Once you inform the Internship Coordinator of your interest in a particular agency or organization, that site will be explored for its capacity to provide a learning opportunity for you that meets your learning interest and the requirements of the College. You should not contact an organization directly to establish an internship until instructed to do so by the College Internship Coordinator.

Are paid internships available?

Some organizations offer paid internships, however, the availability and amount of stipends may vary from year to year depending on the organization’s budgetary resources. Rarely are stipends available in not-for-profit agencies.

Who can I contact for more information about the internship program?

For more information, contact Rosemary Cheek at 219-473-4253 or rcheek@ccsj.edu.