What Are Internships?

Simply stated, an internship is another method for learning. As an intern, you would take what you've studied in the classroom and apply it in a work environment. You learn more about job opportunities that are available for someone with your major, and you get an idea of the types of jobs and tasks you like and dislike. In some cases, you are able to get your foot in the door with a company you would like to work for after you graduate.

With an internship, you are actively involved in an exciting way to learn. Don't wait until you graduate to start building an impressive resume! Hundreds of students from Missouri State work in internships every year, gaining valuable work experience, money, and academic credit. Why don't you join them?

How Can You Benefit from Participating?

• Gain valuable work experience that is relevant to your career choice
• Earn income for tuition and living expenses while in college
• Earn academic credit while working in an internship or cooperative education program
• Learn the practical skills required in your profession
• Experience the professional work world first-hand and learn what it takes to be a valued employee
• Build a strong work record and make contacts with professionals in your field, which will help you when the time comes to seek permanent, full-time employment
• Learn what it's really like to work in your chosen profession and determine if your career choice is right for you

What Are the Program Options?

Parallel

Part-time employment with local organizations.

Alternating Semester

Students alternate between being a full-time student and full-time employee, usually for two or three semesters.

Summer

Students have worked literally from coast to coast during the summer.

One-Semester

Students work for one semester only, either in a full-time, paid position or a few hours a week in a non-paid internship.

Academic Credit Policy

Each academic department determines if cooperative education credit is mandatory or optional for students. If you have questions concerning Cooperative Education credit, contact Career Center, 836-5636, CareerCenter@missouristate.edu. The following departments require students to enroll in a co-op or internship class if hired through a Career Center referral:

Accounting Biology Computer Information Systems Finance & General Business Management Mathematics Political Science

Agriculture Chemistry Computer Science Geography, Geology & Planning Marketing Physics & Astronomy Technology

How Do You Qualify?

You're eligible to participate in the Cooperative Education Program if

• Your GPA at Missouri State is 2.0 or higher (not combined with any transfer GPA)

• You were enrolled full-time during the previous semester at Missouri State, or you were enrolled at least part-time for the past two semesters at Missouri State

• You're willing to comply with the credit requirements of your academic department

What Is the Process for Participating in an Internship or Cooperative Education Experience through the Career Center?

Step 1

Learn how to use JobTracks, the Career Center's online system for posting full-time jobs and internships/co-ops.

Step 2

Complete a Consent Form and return it to the Career Center with the $20 registration fee.You may log in by the next business day to see if your registration has been processed.

Step 3

Complete your resume and any other jobs-search materials you would like to include (i.e. cover letter, writing samples) and upload to JobTracks.

Who Are the Faculty Co-op Advisors within the Departments?

See the list of Faculty Co-op Advisors (.pdf format)