Course Syllabus

BUS 1997 Business Internship I

Course Description

This course provides hands-on, field-based internship experiences that connect business theory with real-world practice. Internships help students gain practical skills, build professional networks, and develop resume-worthy experience that can improve employment prospects after graduation. Internships are temporary, on-the-job experiences that may be paid or unpaid and are arranged by the student in collaboration with a business faculty member and a workplace supervisor at a business, organization, or government agency.The course is repeatable for up to six credits, with a maximum of three credits per semester. Each credit requires 45 clock hours of internship experience. Internships are typically graded pass/fail.

Justification

An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate them.” (NACE Definition, NACEweb.org)As such, internships provide students opportunities to explore career options through an engaged setting, help students apply academic materials and skills to practical work situations, provide valuable professional experience, and develop interpersonal skills. Students who participate in internship opportunities secure work more quickly and are promoted more rapidly than students who do not. Often, internships work well as capstone courses. All USHE institutions offer internship opportunities to their students. Students at Snow can enroll in up to 3 internship credits in an academic semester. No more than 6 credits can count toward the associate’s degree. Duplicate experience for additional credit is not allowed.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will understand and be able to apply classroom material to a professional work situation.
2. Students will develop interpersonal skills by negotiating with faculty and supervisors as they design an internship contract.
3. Students will develop professionalism by developing self-initiative, time management skills, effective communication skills, punctuality, and professional conduct.
4. Students will connect work experiences with business studies.
5. Students will discover the educational and practical experience needed for business careers.
6. Students will add to their network of business professionals.

Course Content

This will be determined collaboratively by the student, the faculty mentor, and the job supervisor. The internship contract uses a student’s academic and professional interests to serve as the intellectual starting points for developing a semester-long project. Together the student, faculty advisor, and worksite supervisor will design a project that meets the following criteria:1) Aligns with the student’s academic program, 2) Offers the student an opportunity to significantly expand their current knowledge and skill set; and 3) Aligns with the student’s professional pursuits. To qualify for an internship, a student must be in good academic standing (2.0 GPA), have completed 30 semester hours or have instructor permission, and ideally have completed coursework that relates to the work experience.