Internships - Career Center - EWU - The Region's Polytechnic

Introduction to Internships

If you are new to internships, watch this video that breaks the essentials, including what internships are, the differences between paid and unpaid opportunities, earning academic credit, coordinating your experience, evaluating your work, and understanding the typical length of an internship.

How Internships Work

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Unlike what you’ve seen in the movies, you will not have duties such as fetching coffee. We encourage employers to provide you with meaningful projects that help you develop skills within your career field. You may be invited to attend meetings, do presentations, or work with clients.

Depending on the career field, your internship may or may not be paid. Some internships only provide academic credit while others pay hourly or offer stipends or living expenses.

Before searching for an internship, decide whether or not you can afford an unpaid internship. This will help narrow your options.

Check out the Krumble Internship Stipend or the Jim Rabiudeau Internship Stipend to see if you qualify.

Internships are credit based. So, instead of filling in your school schedule with yet another Fast Fitness class, try an internship instead. The number of hours you need to work at the internship depends on how many credits you need.

Hourly commitment based on an 8 to 10-week period*
1 credit = 4 hours per week (32-40 hours per quarter)
2 credits = 8 hours per week (64-80 hours per quarter)
3 credits = 12 hours per week (96-120 hours per quarter)
4 credits = 16 hours per week (128-160 hours per quarter)
5 credits = 20 hours per week (160-200 hours per quarter)

You will need to enroll for credit on Eaglenet and complete all internship requirements to receive credit.

*Credit allowance is based on your department. Approval may be required by your Faculty Internship Advisor.

Note: Internships completed at your current place of employment must meet certain guidelines. Talk to the EWU Internship Coordinator for more details.

An internship involves three partners that work together to improve the student’s overall learning in higher education.

Internship Coordinator

Helps students search for internships in their field.
Assists students in preparation for the internship.
Organizes internship logistics (learning contract).
Facilitates communication with employers.

Faculty Internship Advisor

Authorizes the internship, and helps to establish learning objectives.
Assigns additional written assignments (journals, research, papers).
Issues a grade for the internship.

Use this Faculty Internship Advisor List to find the advisor for your department.

Internship Site Supervisor

Introduces a job-like atmosphere.
Provides professional projects and assignments.
Evaluates performance.

During your internship, your Internship Site Supervisor will evaluate your progress with a mid-term evaluation and a final evaluation. These evals will be used to determine your grade along with any other assignments your Faculty Internship Advisor requires from you.

Just because the quarter is ending, doesn’t mean your internship has to also. Whether or not your internship should continue will be up to you, your Internship Site Supervisor, and your Faculty Internship Advisor. You will need to complete the required internship documentation, evaluations, and registration for credits for each quarter.

With so many resources making it easier to do virtual work, that means there are also opportunities for virtual internships. Learn more in our Virtual Internship Guide for Students.

Internships bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience.

They offer the opportunity to apply your knowledge, develop skills, and build connections in your chosen field. Whether paid or unpaid, internships provide hands-on learning under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Internships typically involve structured tasks, clear goals, and regular supervision, ensuring a meaningful experience that prepares you for your future career. Understanding these fundamentals will help you succeed in any internship setting!

Have any questions? Talk to the EWU Internship Coordinator for more details.

Finding an Internship

Finding the right internship takes time, planning, and persistence. With the competitive job market and the preparation involved, starting your search early can make all the difference.

We recommend beginning at least a couple of months before you need an internship, giving you the opportunity to explore options, tailor your applications, and secure a position that aligns with your career goals.

This video will guide you through the process, helping you take the first steps toward an internship that sets you up for success.

Internship Search Strategies

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Many companies have established internship programs and often post available positions on their website under the employment or careers section. This is a great place to start your search, especially if there is a company you’re particularly interested in.

In addition to company websites, there are several online platforms and job boards dedicated to listing internships in various industries. Explore these resources to discover more opportunities and find internships that align with your career goals.

Check out our Search Online section for more online tools and tips to help streamline your internship search.

Not all internships are posted online—many are filled through personal connections and proactive outreach. If you don’t see an opportunity posted, don’t worry. Try these strategies:

Contact the company directly to ask about available internships.
Network—80% of jobs are never posted online. Interacting with professionals is one of the best ways to uncover internship opportunities. Learn how to Network.
Attend a Career Fair—check out our events page and Handshake for upcoming fairs.
Make an appointment with our Internship Coordinator for personalized assistance. Virtual and in-person appointments are available via Handshake

Make an Appointment

To stand out in the competitive internship search, it’s important to have a polished resume and cover letter ready before you apply. A strong application is your first opportunity to impress potential employers. Start by tailoring your resume and cover letter to highlight your most relevant skills and experiences.

Check out these resources to help you get started:

By preparing early, you’ll set yourself up for success and increase your chances of landing the internship you want.

If you have any questions or need help, schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor.

Make an Appointment

Your resume and cover letter have done their job by landing you an interview. Now, it’s time to showcase your skills in the interview. Strong interviewing involves more than just answering questions—it’s about preparation, making a positive first impression, and understanding professional etiquette.

Ready to excel? Learn how to prepare for commonly asked questions, dress appropriately, and navigate the interview process with confidence on our Interviewing Page.

Searching for an internship is a lot like job hunting. It takes research, polished application materials, and confidence in your ability to shine during interviews.

While it may seem daunting, the Career Center is here to help.

Schedule an appointment with a career advisor to get expert advice, refine your approach, and set yourself up for success in securing an internship that complements your career aspirations.

Make an Appointment

Setting Up Your Internship

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You must make an appointment with your Faculty Internship Advisor to discuss the first two items on page one of the Handshake Internship Guide (Learning Objectives and Progress Documentation). Take down notes and save them for next steps.

Your Faculty Internship Advisor should provide you with a subject code and course number for enrolling for credit in the next step.

To enroll for academic credit for your internship you need to log on to Eaglenet and search for it in your program section. It’s usually a 395/495 course, but not always.

Hourly commitment based on an 8 to 10-week period*
1 credit = 4 hours per week = 32-40 hours per quarter
2 credits = 8 hours per week = 64-80 hours per quarter
3 credits = 12 hours per week = 96-120 hours per quarter
4 credits = 16 hours per week = 128-160 hours per quarter
5 credits = 20 hours per week = 160-200 hours per quarter

*Credit allowance is based on your department. Approval may be required by your Faculty Internship Advisor.

After you find an internship and are hired you will need to meet with your Internship Site Supervisor (the person at the internship site who will supervise your work) and arrange an appointment to discuss the last two items on the Handshake Internship Guide (Internship Description and Learning Activities). Take down notes and save them for the next steps.

You should also to discuss your work schedule. The hours you need to work will depend on how many credits you’d like to receive for this internship.

Hourly commitment based on an 8 to 10-week period*
1 credit = 4 hours per week (32-40 hours per quarter)
2 credits = 8 hours per week (64-80 hours per quarter)
3 credits = 12 hours per week (96-120 hours per quarter)
4 credits = 16 hours per week (128-160 hours per quarter)
5 credits = 20 hours per week (160-200 hours per quarter)

*Credit allowance is based on your department. Approval may be required by your Faculty Internship Advisor.

Go to ewu.joinhandshake.com and log in with SSO or your @ewu.edu email address and password.
Take ten minutes to complete your Handshake profile as much as possible if you haven’t already done so.
Follow the remaining steps in the Handshake Internship Guide to submitting your Internship Experience.

A Handshake notification of the evaluations will be automatically emailed to your Internship Site Supervisor at the appropriate time. It is usually sent one week before the due date. For best result, you should ask if they received the notification, and if not, contact the Internship Coordinator.

You will be evaluated on your internship performance as a part of your grade at both mid-term and finals week. Please remind your Internship Site Supervisor if you do not receive a timely evaluation.

Once you have found an internship and are hired, follow these steps to receive course credit.

Insurance for Student Interns

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If you are an unpaid intern, you are automatically covered by our volunteer insurance policy, CIMA. This insurance will cover workplace or auto accidents that occurred as a result of an internship task.

If you already have medical insurance, CIMA will not replace your existing coverage. However, CIMA may be able to cover expenses that your primary provider will not cover. This is not liability insurance.

If you need liability insurance in addition to workplace Accident insurance, see section 2.

Should students need professional liability insurance, the students must purchase it on an individual basis.

Students can purchase the insurance for $5 through the EWU Marketplace at https://secure.touchnet.net/C20347_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=25.

More information and links can be found at https://inside.ewu.edu/rcp/intern/.

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EWU does not provide workplace accident insurance for paid internships, and students will have to either use their own health insurance or purchase the optional health insurance from EWU https://inside.ewu.edu/bewell/optional-medical-insurance/, which is more general. Also, be sure to ask the internship site if they provide this (since they are already paying you).

**Note, the MultiCare Rockwood Clinic Student Health Services that Cheney and Spokane student pay for with their Comprehensive Health and Wellness fee is only for limited medical services. The website has more information.

Any questions regarding these services should be sent to:

Casey Mowatt
Internships and Employer Relations Coordinator
EWU Career Center
332 Pence Union Building
Cheney, WA 99004-2444
509.359.6933
cmowatt@ewu.edu

For students in need of liability or medical insurance, EWU has resources available for you.