Internships and Experiential Learning

Look for internships the same way you would a job: apply, interview, and accept an offer. Once hired, decide if you want to earn academic credit. While many internships are paid, unpaid internships still provide valuable experience. Always read the job description carefully to understand the requirements.

Before applying, prepare your resume and schedule a review with a USI Career Success Center Coordinator. We know what employers want and can help you make a strong first impression.

Resources to Find Internships

On Campus:

• USI Career Launch: Accessible through your myUSI dashboard, this platform lists internships and jobs posted by employers specifically seeking USI students and graduates.

• Career Fairs: Held each fall and spring, these events bring employers to campus to recruit students. Watch your USI email and Career Launch for announcements.

• Employer Information Tables: Employers visit campus to promote internship and job openings, usually located in the University Center or college lobbies. Check the Events tab on Career Launch for details.

• Employer Information Sessions: Opportunities to meet recruiters through group or one-on-one sessions, including open houses. Stay updated via email, Career Launch, and social media.

• On-Campus Recruiting: Employers conduct interviews on campus. Invitations are sent by email based on your major and qualifications.

• View upcoming employer and career events on Career Launch. 

Other Options:

• Indeed

• LinkedIn

• Faculty referrals

• Ascend Indiana

• Work and Learn Indiana

• Your personal network

Internship Credit and Registration

Internships can be for credit or non-credit. To earn credit, you must enroll in one of the University’s internship courses. The tuition cost is the same as other on-campus courses and billed at the standard credit hour rate. Although internship work is completed off-campus and some assignments may be submitted through Blackboard, these courses are not necessarily considered online or distance education.

Many majors offer credit for internships or co-ops. If your program doesn’t, you may qualify for credit through GENS 399, a Field Experience course offered by the Career Success Center. Contact us to register.

Credit is typically based on work hours completed:

• 1 credit = 50 work hours

• 2 credits = 100 work hours

• 3 credits = 150 work hours

Most internships are part-time and last one semester or summer; co-ops generally involve alternating full-time work and class semesters. Assignments include goal-setting, journaling, evaluations, and a final report.

There is no charge for non-credit internships.

After accepting an internship, be sure to report it on USI Career Launch.

To qualify for a general internship, students must have completed at least one semester at USI and be in good academic standing.

To earn credit for an internship in your major, additional requirements may apply, such as:

• A minimum GPA

• Completion of prerequisite courses

• Approval from your academic department

These requirements vary by major. Your Career Success Center internship coordinator or faculty advisor can help you determine your eligibility.

Additional Considerations:

• International Students (F-1 visa holders): Must receive authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) before starting a paid or unpaid off-campus internship. CPT requires the internship to be tied to your academic program and approved for credit. Contact USI’s Center for International Programs early in your planning process.

• Transfer Students: Must complete at least one semester at USI before participating in an internship. Transfer credits may not satisfy internship eligibility requirements—check with your advisor.

• Graduate Students: Internship eligibility is determined by your graduate program. Some programs require internships, while others offer them as electives. Speak with your graduate advisor and the Career Success Center to review options and registration procedures.

Have questions? Schedule a meeting with your USI Career Success Center internship coordinator to explore your options.

If you're interested in an internship, your first step should be meeting with a USI Career Coordinator. During your appointment, an internship coordinator will help you explore opportunities, determine if you can earn academic credit, and guide you through the process.

Landing an internship requires a strong resume and polished interview skills. Our team can help you:

• Develop or improve your resume

• Practice interview techniques

• Understand internship requirements and timelines

Bring your most up-to-date resume to your appointment. If you don’t have one, visit our office or website to access sample resumes to help you get started. Most employers will require a resume as part of the application process.

The Career Success Center is located in the Orr Center.
Schedule an appointment through Career Launch, by emailing us, or calling 812-464-1865.

We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Contact us to schedule an appointment or schedule through your Career Launch account. 

Report Your Internship in Career Launch

Career Launch is USI’s official database for Experiential Learning, Internships, Co-ops, and other work-based experiences. All students—whether earning credit or not—are expected to report their internships in Career Launch as soon as a position is accepted.

A new Experiential Learning Form must be submitted each semester (work term), even if you're continuing with the same employer in the same role.

Reporting your internship in Career Launch:

• Ensures it is part of your official university record

• Allows USI to verify your experience if requested by future employers

• Helps you track important details for your resume and future job applications

How to Report Your Internship:

1. Log in to Career Launch via the icon on myUSI

2. Click on the Experiential Learning link

3. Select “Add New” and complete the steps to report your experience

If you need help, contact the Career Success center.

Instructions

Report Your Internship

GENS 399 Internship Evaluations

If you're completing an internship for GENS 399 academic credit, you’ll be asked to complete both a midterm and final evaluation. These brief surveys help you reflect on your learning and give us insight into your overall experience. Students doing internships for credit through their academic department may have different requirements.

Your internship supervisor will also complete evaluations at the same points. These evaluations are not graded—what matters most is the feedback you receive and how it supports your professional growth.

Evaluation Schedule:

Fall Internships

• Midterm: October 1–5

• Final: December 1–5

Spring Internships

• Midterm: March 1–5

• Final: May 1–5

Summer Internships

• Midterm: June 20–25

• Final: August 1–5
  (Or approximately 4 and 8 weeks after your start date)

Questions? Contact the Career Success Center at 812-464-1865.

Some majors require an internship to complete your degree. The requirements will vary based on your major. If your major does not include an internship, you can still do one through Career Services for credit or as a non-credit internship. Learn more below.

• Biology
• Communications
• Food and Nutrition
• Health Administration
• Journalism
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Social Work

• Historic New Harmony Internships

If your major is not listed above, schedule an appointment to talk with USI Career Services about your internship options.

Some part-time jobs may qualify as internships if they provide meaningful, career-related experience and align with your academic or professional goals. Others may not meet internship criteria. To determine if your job qualifies, meet with the Career Success Center staff. We evaluate experiences using internship guidelines provided by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Schedule an appointment

NACE Guidelines