Management

There are 2 courses in the course catalog that students can use to earn internship credit. The number of credits earned generally depends on the number of hours that the student accrued under the internship experience. These are summarized as follows:

Course	Internship Hours	Internship Credits
MGT483	135	3.0
MGT486	270	6.0

 

All internship positions must be directly relevant to management, and must involve tasks that are appropriate for individuals at the bachelor's degree level. Students wishing to undertake internships are advised to contact a management faculty member to assist either with the selection of an area of concentration or placement for fieldwork.

In every case, the permission of a management instructor is required before any site or agency can be authorized for undertaking an internship. Download a copy of the Management Internship Application .

The major written requirement for any of the internship courses is the field experience report. Apart from summarizing the internship experience, the report also provides a bridge between the applied nature of the internship position and the theoretical and substantive material obtained in the course work. The report should follow the format described below:

1. Description of Organization

   This section presents a description of the host organization's mission, physical description, structure and primary practices. All relevant information pertaining to the organization's operations should be summarized in case study format.

2. Job Description

   This section should be used to describe completely the intern's role in the organization and how the intern's work was supervised. In other words, the report should explain how the intern provided services to the organization and what functions she/he performed during the internship.

3. Evaluation

   This section discusses the connection between the relevant management course work (i.e. either MGT 483 or MGT 486) and the internship experience. The report should explain how the internship has helped to prepare, or shape the future goals of, the student for future employment or educational pursuits.Additionally, the evaluation section of the report should discuss the following issues:

   • Personal perspective on any skills and knowledge acquired during the execution of assigned tasks.

   • Areas for improvement, or any weaknesses identified in the implementation of the internship program.

   • Finally, interns should have their supervisors prepare an evaluation of their performance. Download the Field Placement Evaluation.

Who is Eligible for an Internship?

Management students become eligible for an internship in either the junior of senior year. It is not only necessary that you have already completed most of your required MGT courses, but you must also have completed all the principles courses before contemplating an internship.

Is a Summer or School-Year Internship Preferable?

Neither is necessarily better, but summer internships generally present a better opportunity for several reasons. For example, sponsoring companies generally structure internships more carefully and students are better able to manage their time because the internship does not conflict with regular coursework.

What Kind of Position Qualifies for an Internship?

The position must offer a genuine opportunity to contribute and develop in one or more of the core management functions (planning, organizing, and controlling). Two ideal and common kinds of opportunities include:

1. Rotational Program: Where the intern cycles through several departments.
2. Project Assignment: Where the intern investigates a problem, develops a program of inquiry, collects and analyzes data, and proposes a solution.

Generally, an internship must be developmental.

Does the Internship Have to Be Local?

No, but be aware that you will be required to attend two on-campus meetings. For summer interns, these meetings will be scheduled to accommodate the scheduling needs of interns as soon as practical. Attendance at these meetings will be mandatory and absence for any reason will affect your internship grade.

Are There Any Other Requirements?

Yes, in addition to what is outlined under the "Student Internship Obligations" folder above, you must "check in" via email to the supervising instructor once every two weeks. In the communique, you should informally present your progress and any concerns/problems that might be developing. It might help you during the internship, and also in jogging your memory when you are preparing your internship report, to keep a journal. (Better managers make it a habit to document their own learning for both clarity and insight.)

What Is Preferable, A Six-Credit Internship or Two Business Elective Courses?

It depends on what kind of internship experience is actually provided and how prepared you are to showcase your managerial talent/abilities. Also, an internship can strengthen your resume, especially if you have no other professional experience. In general, a solid internship is more valuable than two more business electives while a non-productive internship opportunity ends up being a very discouraging waste of time. Note that students who complete internships believe that internships should be mandatory for all management majors!

Can I Volunteer for an Organization and Still Get Internship Credit?

Yes, internship credit does NOT depend on whether a job is paying or non-paying, or on whether the organization is profit-making or not-for-profit.

Where Can I Find An Internship?

We post internship opportunities and job leads on the department's bulletin board as soon as the Management Department is notified of such job openings by sponsoring organizations. The Management Department's bulletin board is located on the left side of the office entrance. Other resources that students have found helpful include: online internship websites, the university's Career Development Center, WCU alumni members, family members, friends, "Temp" employment agencies, and organizations in which you may be currently active.

If I Register for a Six-Credit Internship This Summer, Do I Qualify for WCUPA's Free Room and Board Deal?

Yes, for the Summer I semester.

I'm Currently Working. Can I Get Internship Credit for My Current Job?

It depends on whether or not your current job meets the criteria specified in Question #3. If you are serving in a supervisory or managerial capacity, we can generally work with your organization to negotiate a project that will enable you to fulfill the qualifications. Under no circumstances will we approve academic credits for a position where you serve primarily as administrative or operational support. As a management major, you know the difference.

I'm Interested in an Internship. What Do I Do Now?

It's simple. Please visit School of Business - Business Internship for Employers.

When Are Summer Internship Applications Due?

You need to have the entire application, acceptance, and registration process completed before May 1st. Generally, for the summer internships, the necessary paperwork should have been started by the beginning of May.

If A Sponsoring Organization Has Questions About the Specific Details of WCUPA's Requirements, Can I Have Them Contact the Supervising Instructor?

Absolutely, have the contact person call the Internship Coordinator, Kathy Koval, at 610-738-0433 or email at KKoval@wcupa.edu.