Internship Program
The Center for Internships and Career Development - Sycamore Cottage - [email protected]
973-408-3566 - fax 973-408-3535
ZERO-CREDIT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM - General Information 2016 - 2017
What is a Zero-Credit Internship?
An internship is an approved, professional, off-campus learning experience that meets the general education graduation
requirement. Unlike academic internships where students earn credit, a relationship between work performed during the
internship and past academic studies in the college is NOT required. Students are encouraged to explore fields of interest
beyond those covered in their coursework while gaining practical work experience and exposure to professional networks. A
good internship will require special qualifications, both academic and personal, challenge you with new responsibilities and
duties, involve decision-making, and require minimum clerical duties. The work must also be structured so that a member of
the organization can supervise and evaluate the student’s performance and verify hours worked.
Why do an internship?
An internship is especially valuable to liberal arts students who can see how skills learned in the classroom translate into job
related skills. You test your understanding of a particular career field without a long term commitment and possibly increase
your interest in career areas that may not correspond to your area of study. You learn first hand about the “world of work” and
develop maturity, professionalism, and self-confidence. From a practical point of view, internships establish a record of workrelated experience essential for graduate school as well as references for your job search.
To enhance the practical training involved with an internship, beginning in Fall 2016 a required component of a registered
internship will be professional skills development training, done online.
Where do I find an internship project?
The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. Numerous projects are already developed. You can also establish
your own through networking with faculty, alumni, family and friends. Search our multiple online databases on our website. In
st
addition, you can visit the Center for Internships and Career Development, Sycamore Cottage, 1 Floor, to browse our
bulletin board postings, or watch your email for the latest newsletter.
When can I do an internship?
Internships can be conducted during fall, January, spring, or summer semesters. It is important to plan ahead for your
internship, preferably early in the preceding semester. The registration deadlines for the 2016 – 2017 academic year are:
Fall Term – September 2, 2016
Jan Term – December 9, 2016
Spring Term – January 24, 2017
Summer Term 2017 – June 5, 2017
Must the internship be located in the Madison area?
No. You may develop a project in any state or country as long as you can fax, email or otherwise transmit your required
documents to the office. However, all projects need to be approved by the Assistant Internship Director before you begin. No
retroactive approval is allowed.
To Begin the Process
How do I get started?
 For general questions, stop by the Center for Internships and Career Development during our drop-in hour – Monday,
Wednesday & Friday, 3-4 p.m.
 Search for internships (utilizing DrewLink and other means) and contact the sponsoring organization to determine if an
internship is available.
 Send a resume and other documents requested…repeat until you get hired!
 Get project approval from both the Assistant Director –Internships and a Faculty Evaluator. The Faculty Evaluator must be a
full Drew Professor from a related department who agrees to review and grade your final paper.
 Complete a Learning Contract (found in the office or on our website). The Contract requires the following signatures:
Faculty Evaluator – A Drew professor. (Evaluator cannot be an adjunct professor.)
Job Site Supervisor – Supervisor cannot be a direct family relative such as a mother or father.
 Next, submit the signed Learning Contract and Zero-Credit Signature Form to the Center for Internship and Career
Development for approval prior to term deadline (see deadlines listed above).
 Review your copy of the program timesheets, supervisor evaluation forms and self-assessment form at the Center for
Internships and Career Development or online at www.drew.edu/internships. Congratulations, you can now begin work!
(Please see other side for Requirements.)
Rev. 8/16
Requirements
Requirements
Due Date
Mid-Term & Final
Time Sheets
(To track your working hours.)
Job Supervisor Evaluations
0 credit
70 hours
Mid-Term & Final
(No Mid-Term for Jan Term)
(To be completed by your Job Supervisor.)
Paper Proposal
(To be reviewed and approved by your Faculty Evaluator.)
Mid-Term
Academic Research Paper
Final
Professional Skills Development Training (online)
Final
Final
(To be reviewed and evaluated by your Faculty Evaluator.)
Self-Assessment (To let us know how to improve.)
8 pages
(Does not include list of references.)
Academic Concerns
Do I receive a grade?
No, an indication of completed requirements is earned after completion of the project. All internships components must
be met to receive a notation on the intern’s transcript.
Does the internship have to be related to my major?
No, but you must choose a Faculty Evaluator from a department that relates to the work you will be performing at the
internship. Remember this person will be evaluating your final paper, so the clearer the relationship, the easier this
task will be.
How do I register for the zero credit internship?
The Internship Coordinator must sign your Learning Contract before you can be registered. Once your Learning
Contract is approved, the Center for Internships and Career Development Office will register your internship. The
course title is INTC 200A for fall and spring semesters, INTC 200AS for summer and INTC 200AJ for January. (The
deadlines to register are listed on the other side.)
When will I see the notation on my transcript for January and summer internships?
Summer and January internship notations will appear on your transcript in the following semester, either fall or spring.
Financial Matters
Do I pay tuition for zero credit internships?
Since no credit is earned, no tuition will be charged for the registration of a zero credit internship.
Can I be paid and still participate in the program?
Yes! Both paid and volunteer internship positions are acceptable.
Rev. 8/16