General Internship Questions
Academic Internships
Professional Development Internship
International Students
FOCUS and Graduate Students

General Internship Questions

Do I get placed in an internship or do I arrange my own internships?

You arrange your own internships. The search for the internship is actually a key component of the internship experience. Typically the internship search is a student's first "professional level" job search.

Does my academic internship need to be approved?

YES! An academic internship must meet certain guidelines as specified by your academic department. It is best to let your faculty supervisor know about an internship BEFORE you accept.

Can I register for an internship I did in a previous semester?

No.

Does NWC have a list of approved internships?

Yes and no. We have a list of the internship sites used for the past four years. We have lists of quality internship programs with businesses, non-profits and government. NWC also has a list of approved "sending agencies" for international internships. However, for-credit internship needs to be approved on an individual basis.

What if the start and stop date the employer wants does not fit into a semester?

If your internship does not fall within the extended internship semester period, you may need to register the internship in both semesters. You may continue to work for your internship provider after the end of the semester for no credit. If you have an irregular term please contact the Center for Calling & Career.

How do I find housing in another state?

Short-term housing is readily available in most urban areas. Many colleges (including NWC) rent dorms to students during the summer. Plus, sublets are frequent during the summer months. Don't forget to check sites like "CraigsList" or apartment rental magazines. Another way is to find a NWC student, alumnus or Christian contact in the area. Churches are also a great source of housing information. Some employers provide housing arrangement help.

Can I do an international internship?*

Yes! If you are thinking about this it is best to inform both your faculty supervisor and Center for Calling & Career ASAP. There are additional steps for the approval and registration process. There are many organizations that offer intern abroad programs. There is a growing number of multinational companies that offer international internships. Plus there are many mission organizations, NGOs, and government internships. Even paid internships are available, but these may require a work visa.

Does the internship show up on my transcript?

Only Academic (for-credit) Internships appear on your transcript. However, the transcript does not include any of the details about the internship such as the site or title. Student Development does have an activities transcript available. Professional Development Internships could qualify for that transcript. Contact Student Development for more information.

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Academic Internships

Does my department require an internship?

Each academic department has different requirements. Check with your academic advisor to see what is required for your major.

Can I register for the internship credits before I have an internship offer?

You must have a firm offer from an internship site before your faculty supervisor can give their final approval and before you complete the liability release agreement. There is an option if you need to register for the internship credits before you have found your internship. See College Catalog (search for GST4095) for more details.

Can I do an academic internship as an elective?

Yes! All majors except art, biblical & theological studies, engineering and educational studies offer elective internships. Many minors allow for an internship as well.

Is financial aid available for academic internships?

Yes! Financial aid/student loans can be used to finance any approved academic internship just as with any other college coursework. However, if you want to finance a summer internship or intern abroad during the school year you need to plan ahead. Talk with the Financial Aid Office. Give yourself plenty of lead-time.

What do I do if the internship site needs verification of internship credit?

Some internships are only available to students taking them for credit. Contact the Center for Calling & Career if your internship site needs an official confirmation letter. The CCC office will generate and send an official confirmation letter to your site.

What do I do if the site asks for a certificate of insurance?

Please forward the request to the Center for Calling & Career.

Can I transfer an internship from another school?

No. Most internships require a student to have taken at least one semester at Northwestern College before they do an internship.

Can I do an academic internship on-campus?

Yes! Some student worker positions have been used as academic internships.

Can I use a campus leadership experience as my academic internship?

No. Leadership experiences in student government and campus clubs do not meet the criterion for academic internships.

Can I do an internship in another state?*

Yes! This type of learning experience may help you develop your intercultural competencies. Plus, you will have a much better selection if you are willing to go anywhere for your internship. For some professions certain cities provide more opportunities.

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Professional Development Internship

Is health and accident insurance required?

For many internships health and accident insurance is required. Unless you are placed on payroll you may not be covered under worker's compensation. This is especially true of unpaid/volunteer internships.

Is financial aid available for no-credit internships?

Generally, no. However, you can discuss the issue with the Financial Aid Office. Give yourself plenty of lead-time.

What do I do if the internship site needs verification of internship credit?

Some internships are only available to students taking them for-credit. Get clarification. Ask the organization if they need verification of academic credit or just a confirmation that you are enrolled in college. If the site requires that you are receiving academic credit, then you will need to register for at least the minimum number of credits offered by your major. Ask you academic advisor for options.

International Students

Can I do a no-credit internship or volunteer experience?

International students need to be careful with "volunteering." It is a very risky act that exposes both the student and the employer to potential violations of U.S. immigration and labor laws. Examples of legitimate volunteer positions include programs advertised by hospitals, libraries and other non-profit organizations legally approved to solicit for such volunteers. Make sure that the organization qualifies!

Can I have a paid for-credit internship?

Yes! If it is classified as Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT allows you to be employed off-campus to satisfy either required or an elective internship in your academic program. However, CPT is NOT available during the first year (3-quarters) of a student's academic program at Northwestern College regardless of status.

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FOCUS and Graduate Students

I am a FOCUS student. Can I do an academic internship?

Yes. FOCUS students can get up to three elective credits.

I am a graduate student. Can I do an academic internship?

At present NWC does not have an academic internship as part of any of the graduate programs. However, nothing is restricting you from doing a no-credit internship.

*EXCEPTION: Kinesiology and Criminal Justice majors

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