CAHNRS Internship Programs

What is an Internship?

A carefully monitored work or service experience in which an individual has intentional learning goals and reflects actively on what they are learning throughout the experience.

How Can Internships Help You?

• Gain exposure to real-world problems and issues that are beyond the classroom.
• Evaluate specific companies or specific careers prior to committing to full-time employment—a “try before you buy” type of experience.
• Increase self-confidence in the workplace while developing an expanded network of associates and professionals for job references.
• Have resume-building experiences while applying academic concepts and principles.
• Have hands-on opportunities to work with equipment and technology that may not be available on campus.
• Improve time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Students who have completed internships are more likely to get a job at their internship site or with a competitor than students who have not completed an internship.

CAHNRS Internships for Credit

Any CAHNRS student may take academic credit for an internship, whether within their major to contribute to their graduation requirements or through another internship course they qualify to take. Students will need to reach out to their Academic Advisor or Internship Coordinator to find out the best course to register for, as these courses are commonly for variable credit and need to be added by an advisor. We recommend a thorough review of our CAHNRS Internship Handbook, which has all the details on requirements.

Students may engage in internships both internally with WSU and externally, outside of the university for academic credit. An Internship Learning Plan is required for both. The Affiliation Agreement Contract is only required for internships external to WSU. Liability Insurance is also required for these external internships and can be purchased at a minimal cost through the link provided. An Academic Advisor or Internship Coordinator for a student’s major can direct students to the best next steps for an internship experience. Individual departments may have their own documents and protocols that will need to be followed, rather than those highlighted here. Checking with individual departments is always a best practice.

• CAHNRS Internship Handbook (pdf)
• CAHNRS Internship Learning Plan (pdf)
• CAHNRS Affiliation Agreement Contract (pdf)
• WSU Liability Insurance (link)

Finding an Internship

Utilize resources to identify available internship opportunities.

• Handshake
• Career Fair & Networking Nights
• Academic Success and Career Center  
• International Experiences: Cougs Abroad!
• Discuss options with your Academic Advisor and Internship Coordinator to determine which internship best suits your needs and interests
• Make a Career Coaching appointment with Judy Hopkins (judy_hopkins@wsu.edu), our Internship & Professional Development Coordinator!

Outside Internships

Employers

Employers can use Handshake to post jobs and internships, receive student application materials electronically, and schedule on-campus interviews.

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