Internships are a form of experiential learning and one type of nationally-recognized “High-Impact Practices” (HIPs) that prepare college students for continued success after graduation. Internships allow students to gain direct experience in a career field while benefiting from the supervision and mentorship of industry professionals. That is why the UH Strategic Plan, 2023-2029 pledges to increase the number of students engaged in work-based learning such as paid internships. The UH System is supporting these efforts through grant funding from the Strada Education Foundation focused on improving post-graduate outcomes. There are hundreds of courses in place across the ten UH campuses that will even allow students to earn college credit for their internship experiences.
Experiential learning, as defined by the EL Toolkit, “aims to help students develop knowledge, skills, and values by engaging in authentic practice and reflecting upon their experiences in focused and guided ways. EL can happen in on-campus and off-campus settings, and can consist of both credit and non-credit learning opportunities.”
Students may encounter internship, externship, and practicum opportunities during their time at UH, and while they are forms of experiential learning that have much in common, here is an overview of each that demonstrates the nuances:
Internships
- Definition: An internship is a structured work experience related to a student’s major or career goal. Internships can be paid or unpaid, part-time or full-time, and typically last for a set period, such as a semester or summer. Internships provide students with hands-on experience in a professional environment, allowing them to apply academic knowledge in real-world settings.
- Example: A marketing student might complete an internship at an advertising agency, where they assist with campaign development, conduct market research, and learn about client management.
Externship
- Definition: An externship is a short-term, often unpaid, observational experience that allows students to shadow professionals in their field of interest. Externships are typically brief, lasting from a few days to a few weeks, and provide students with a glimpse into the daily activities and responsibilities of a profession.
- Example: A medical student might participate in an externship at a hospital, where they shadow doctors and nurses, observe patient care, and attend medical rounds.
Practicum
- Definition: A practicum is a supervised practical application of previously studied theory. It is a course designed to give students hands-on experience in a specific field, often required for licensure or certification. Practicums are typically part of the academic curriculum and are closely supervised by faculty or experienced professionals.
- Example: An education student might complete a practicum by teaching in a classroom under the supervision of an experienced teacher, allowing them to practice lesson planning, classroom management, and instructional strategies.
7 Benefits of College Internships
Practical Experience
Internships provide hands-on experience in a real-world work environment, allowing you to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to actual tasks and projects.
Skill Development
Internships allow you to develop and refine various skills, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork, time management, and technical skills relevant to their field of study or industry. These skills are often highly valued by employers and can enhance your employability after graduation.
Networking Opportunities
Internships provide you with the opportunity to network with professionals in your desired career field, including supervisors, mentors, and colleagues. Building these professional relationships can lead to valuable connections, mentorship opportunities, and potential job offers in the future.
Resume Building
Internships add valuable experience to your resume, making you more competitive in the job market after graduation. Employers often prioritize candidates with relevant internship experience, as it demonstrates a proactive attitude and a willingness to learn.
Exploration of Career Paths
Internships allow you to explore different career paths within your field of study or career path. Gaining exposure to various roles and responsibilities will help you understand your own interests, strengths, and career goals.
Potential Job Offers
If you perform well during your internship, there may be opportunities for full-time employment when you are done. Many employers use internships as a recruitment tool to identify and hire top talent.
Course Credit
Every UH campus offers courses that allow you to earn course credit, meaning that you may be able to fulfill academic requirements while you complete your internship experience.
Resources for Students
UH Mānoa Internships
UH Mānoa‘s TRIO office maintains this internship opportunities webpage. UH Mānoa’s Career Center also offers tips and resources on its Internships webpage.
SECE
UH’s campus employment website (SECE) contains a feature that connects students to internship opportunities, including those in local industry. In the menu on the left of the landing page, go to the “Job Program” category and select “Intern” to view what is currently available. You can also restrict your search to “off-campus” only. For step-by-step instructions on setting up a SECE account that includes your resume and other materials, click here.
Handshake
While operating independently of UH, Handshake offers a software platform that connects students and employers, including but not limited to those interested in internship opportunities.
UServe
UH Mānoa’s UServe program connects students to unpaid community service opportunities.
BUSA at UH West Oʻahu
UH West O‘ahu’s Business Administration Division offers this Practicum Information webpage for its students, complete with information on internships.
Resources for Employers
The University of Hawai‘i is committed to expanding opportunities for students to enter into internships and supporting faculty in their efforts to integrate experiential learning (including internships) more effectively into their course offerings and academic programs. Through a grant with the Strada Education Foundation, the UH Office of the Vice President for Academic Strategy (OVPAS) is partnering with the UH Office of Alumni Relations to support these efforts in hopes of improving post-graduate outcomes for UH students. The OVPAS has launched a series of internship meet-and-greet events for specific career sectors that bring together students, faculty, and alumni/employers in hopes of facilitating internships and career-oriented connections.
UH invites you to make internships available to current UH students via the SECE (student employment) website. For step-by-step instructions on how to set up an employer account in SECE and post internship opportunities, click here.
