Internships
Internships offer students an excellent opportunity to gain professional experience, industry contacts, and referrals while still in school. A recent survey of companies by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), indicated that over 80% of the respondents expected recent college graduates to have work experience in their field, as well as a degree. Internships are a great way to achieve this. Columbia defines an internship as a practical work experience that places students in training positions related to their academic studies. Under this definition the college awards academic credit to students in internships, based on a ratio of credit hours/hours worked. So even though the internship takes place outside the classroom , its academic definition demands that their be institutional and department requirements for students seeking and taking internships.Whether you are actively seeking an internship for the current semester or are preparing for one next year, it is imperative that you contact your internship coordinator (listed below). Make an appointment to meet with the internship coordinator to find out about departmental procedures and requirements for internships and come to the meeting prepared. Pursuing an internship is a critical step in your professional development. The better prepared and knowledgeable you are the greater the likelihood the experience will be rewarding, from both a learning and an experiential standpoint. Remember, it's a competitive world that awaits you after graduation. Integrating classroom theory with practical experience is a 'smart' path to take.
Internship Coordinators
Internship Coordinators
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