Management Internships
Are internships in the Division of Management mandatory or optional?
Although strongly encouraged, they are very much optional.
Just what am I getting into if I sign up for an internship?
That's a big question and requires a two-pronged answer because there are two kinds of internships. If you are accepted into Business Internship (BA 453), you will be obligated to work 120 hours for a local firm and receive 3 hours of general elective credit. You will need to arrange your course schedule so that you have large blocks of time when you can work. Typically, a student will work 10 hours a week for 12 weeks or 12 hours a week for 10 weeks, which means that you would need to work from 12:30 to 5:30 on Tuesday and Thursday or from 1:00 to 5:00 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This kind of an arrangement works fairly well since most of our classes meet on MWF or TTh. Saturdays aren't usually an option for work because most businesses are closed on Saturday. Mornings aren't as good for work hours because you are required to attend chapel every morning at 11:00.
If you enroll in Management Internship (BA 450), you will be working basically full time for 7 weeks and receiving 6 hours of general elective credit. During the last 7 weeks of the semester you will take courses "on the block," meaning that you will take a few semester-long courses in half the time. By the end of the semester you will have earned 14 to 17 credits, including those for your internship.
When in my academic schedule should I think about doing an internship?
Neither of the internships should be considered until you are through with your sophomore year. The Business Internship can be taken any of the junior or senior semesters, but the Management Internship can only be taken during the spring semester of the junior year.
Can I do an internship in the summer? How about at home?
It is possible to complete the Business Internship in the summer if you do it here in Greenville under our auspices.
Do most students do internships?
At this time the answer is no, probably because most students do not yet see the value of an internship. But the participation in internship programs is growing fast as the word is being circulated that an internship is a very valuable experience and adds some real "punch" to your credentials.
What are some of the companies that you work with in the internship program?
We have worked with many companies of all sizes. Some of the better known firms would be Michelin, Merrill Lynch, A.G. Edwards, Bowater and Wachovia. We also place students with many well-known local and regional firms.
Do I have to find my own internship position?
No. We have one faculty member who is responsible for directing the internship programs and it is his job to find local firms to participate. Some of these firms want to interview several students and make their selections, while others trust us to send them a qualified intern. The entire process from application to placement takes several months.
What are some of the benefits of doing an internship?
There is nothing like real world exposure to the work place. You will get an early look at a chosen industry. Some students are getting their first experience in a professional work environment. Most companies who decide to work with interns also have an interest in education, so they go out of their way to make sure you are learning something valuable. An internship allows you to take an easy, inexpensive step toward a career in your field. An intern who does a good job should have an edge when it comes time to interview as a senior.
What are some of the costs of doing an internship?
The major costs are taking time to learn about the internship programs by going to a couple of meetings, making sure you can schedule the necessary time blocks in your overall academic program, and securing a vehicle for transportation to the job along with the necessary professional wardrobe.
Is everyone who applies for an internship accepted into the program?
Unfortunately, many who apply will not get accepted. The reasons are because their GPA is too low and as a result they do not qualify.
What if I don't get accepted?
Getting into an internship program should be viewed as a privilege. If you apply but aren't accepted, there are other ways to gain valuable experience in your chosen career field such as part-time employment while going to school or full-time employment during the summer months.