What is an Internship?

"An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent [...] an internship is a legitimate learning experience benefiting the student and not simply an operational work experience that just happens to be conducted by a student."  (National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Internship Requirements

  • The student must identify a suitable internship location, in consultation with a professor.
  • 50 hours of work per credit hour, to be completed over the course of a semester, for a maximum of six credit hours, three of which may count as an Anthropology elective, and the rest as general upper division electives. Except in exceptional cases approved by academic and internship supervisors, the student is expected to work some hours each week of the semester.
  • Contract, signed by faculty, student and on-site supervisor, specifying the nature and responsibilities of the internship
  • Daily journal specifying tasks of the day, as well as reflections on how it helps prepare for a career, or how it utilizes existing anthropological or other academic skills (in other words, how did your education prepare you for this?). The intern will show the Academic Supervisor the daily journal at least twice per term: once at the time of the midterm evaluation and again at the end of the term.
  • Filled out by student: Midterm evaluation form and 2-3 page (double spaced) reflection on 1. how this experience prepares you for a job; 2. how it ties in with anthropology. It can summarize some of the points made in the journal.; 3. what you hope to accomplish in the rest of the semester.
  • Filled out by on-site supervisor: Midterm and final evaluations, including a form and a written statement as to how the student is performing.
  • Final essay, 6-7 pages for three credit hours, or 9-10 pages for 6 credit hours, due at exam time, including an extended reflection, similar to the midterm reflection paper on how the internship prepares you for a career; how it relates to anthropology; how your education prepared you for success in performing your tasks; strengths and weaknesses of the placement; recommendations for future students doing the internship; list of work accomplished during the internship. Faculty advisors may modify the requirements of the essay.
  • Up to one-page summary of the internship to go on the website, including 1-2 photos, reviewed and approved by the on-site supervisor.
  • Copies or illustrations of work accomplished during the internship. On completion of the internship, during exam time of the semester of the internship, the student should assemble these materials into a final PORTFOLIO. An electronic copy of the website information must be sent to the faculty supervisor.

Objective/Evaluation

Students will be evaluated based on their ability to:

  • Demonstrate the ability to apply training to a work setting through the use of relevant skills.
  • Demonstrate professional standards, including punctuality, attention to detail, ability to work independently, courtesy and collegiality, timely compliance with requirements of the internship (above), etc.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of career options that the internship provides.
  • Demonstrate an application of the skills to the field of Anthropology.

Responsibilities of the Faculty Supervisor

  • Consult with the student about internship opportunities.
  • Provide deadlines, explain requirements, and ensure the receipt of appropriate signatures.
  • Contact the on-site supervisor before the contract is signed, and at least once during the internship.
  • Assign a grade.

Internship Forms

Internship Contract (DOC)
Student Evaluation of Internship (DOC)
Employer Evaluation of Intern (DOC)