Internships help you explore career possibilities, gain hands-on experience that you can put on your resume, and develop professional skills that complement your classroom learning. An internship can also help you see the realities of a particular job so that you can determine if that career path is right for you before you graduate!
Can I pursue an internship for credit towards my chemistry major?
Yes. We have CHEM 691: Senior Research available. You may coordinate an internship for this course for your Senior Research credit.
Who oversees my internship within the department?
You will need to identify a faculty advisor who does relevant research to supervise the internship. You should consider faculty with whom you have taken a class, and you should look at faculty web pages to understand their background and whether it relates to your internship.
The faculty supervisor will work in cooperation with your on-site internship supervisor. Both supervisors must sign your completed internship agreement form for the internship to be accepted by the department.
Will the chemistry department arrange my internship?
No, we’re not able to do that. You will need to find an internship with an appropriate business or agency on your own, and then ask a Chemistry faculty member to supervise it. Or, if you had a class with a Chemistry faculty member, and want to do an internship related to their research, you can ask that faculty member. They may have suggestions based on community and alumni connections and past students’ internship experiences.
When would I qualify for an internship?
Employers generally look for students with substantial progress toward their degree and with well-rounded skills in chemistry theory and laboratory techniques. However, students earlier in their studies may qualify for some internships.
Can I be assured of an internship placement?
The department works to match students with employers but we cannot be certain that a suitable internship will be available for all students. Employers may also only accept students with certain coursework completion or grade points.
Are all internships paid?
We believe that paid internships are most beneficial to the student. However, some unpaid positions arise that provide important experience and contribute significantly to the educational experience.
Does the department place students into internship jobs?
The department develops employer contacts and receives requests from companies seeking qualified students. We help to match students and employers. The employer is responsible for the employment process (and interviews) based on their procedures and practices.
When are internships offered?
Depending on the employer, internships may be offered during the summer months or at various times during the academic semesters. The employer determines the number of hours worked, days, and times.
Can I get course credit for an internship?
Course credit can be awarded for an internship that provides a bona fide educational experience. Credit is awarded by registering for Chemistry 489, which requires permission of a faculty advisor and satisfaction of certain reporting requirements. Contact your advisor for more information.