Welcome to your gateway to real-world experience. Our internship program bridges the gap between classwork and practical application, preparing you for a successful career after graduation.
- So what, exactly, is an internship?
An internship is supervised career-related work experience. It enables students to bring their classroom learning and educational goals together with professional skills in real-world situations. SA/VS internships are intended to give students an opportunity to learn while being mentored by professionals in their fields.
- Why should I get an internship?
- It looks GREAT on a resume and you could gain a valuable reference.
- You might actually get a job in that very company where you intern.
- The experience sets you up for future success.
- To meet other people in your field (networking).
- Learn new skills, time management, goal setting etc.
- Be a meaningful contributor to a successful project.
- Am I required to have an internship?
A-H majors are required to have a “Direct Experience” so the answer there is YES. A-E, A-S & DMD students are not required to do an internship, but it is strongly encouraged for DMD majors.
- What are the different types of internship credits here at SA/VS?
- A-S 399 Experiential Education: A Creative Internship where the student produces work for portfolio evaluation. (At least 70% of the job is producing creative work.)
- EXP 396 Experiential Education: Workplace experience in the industry, no portfolio evaluation.
- A-H 399 Experiential Education in Art History & Visual Studies: Usually gallery and/or museum internships for Art History and Visual Studies majors.
- If I get an internship, do I have to also sign up to receive credit?
No, it is perfectly fine to do an internship without getting credit. It looks great on your resume!
- Will I get paid for my internship?
Maybe. Each employer is different. Some offer a semester stipend or hourly payment, and some do not. You will need to discuss that with your employer. If you are not getting college credit for your internship, then in most cases you should be paid.
- If I do want to receive credit, how does that work?
Once you have connected with an employer and been offered a position, to receive academic credit for an internship you start by contacting Prof. Lee Ann Paynter to set up a meeting. The type of internship will be determined, along with the deliverables and due dates etc. Professor Paynter will answer your questions and help guide you in completing the paperwork. There is a contract that must be completed and signed. It is an agreement between you, the employer and SA/VS.
- What do you mean by a contract / agreement?
You will take part in setting your own learning objectives and determining how you will reach them. Contracts have a section that must be completed by you, a section for your employer to complete, and a section for the faculty sponsor Prof. Paynter. All parties sign the contract in agreement of the objectives and goals and as a commitment to the process. Lastly the contract must be approved and signed off on by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
- Who should have an internship while in college?
- Those who want to learn more about a particular career path.
- Those who want to get real-world experience before entering the job market.
- If you would like to make money (in SOME positions).
- If you are interested in upward mobility within a particular company.
- If you want to use your creative skills outside of school.
- If you want to learn about professional environments.
- When should I try to get an internship?
Generally students are ready for an internship during or after their junior year. You need to have taken several upper-level studio classes so you have enough skills to be an asset to an employer.
- How many hours should I work?
During the regular fall and spring semesters it is recommended to work around 10 hours per week so you can keep up with your academic requirements. In the summer semester or winter intersession that number could increase quite a lot.
- How many total hours do I have to work to get school credit?
1 credit hour = 48 work hours
2 credit hours = 96 work hours
3 credit hours = 144 work hours
- What else is required to receive credit and the grade for the internship?
There are deliverables: At then end of the semester, all students will write a 350 – 500 word reflection about their experience, as well as complete an evaluation of the employer. If you are in a creative internship you will also supply a portfolio of the creative work you have done in your internship. The parameters of the portfolio will be agreed upon in the contract. All students will also be evaluated by their employer, which helps determine the final grade.
- What about mid-term?
All students will be required to complete a mid-term evaluation of their employer, and their employer will be required to complete an evaluation the student. Mid-term grades are based on that evaluation.
- Will SA/VS get me an internship?
No. We are not obligated to provide you with an internship. However, we are always building relationships with local, regional and even national organizations in order to offer these great opportunities for our students. It is ultimately up to you to get an internship by finding, applying, and interviewing with a company.
These are professional areas on which students will be evaluated at the end of the semester:
- Professionalism: Students should carry themselves in a professional manner (Proper attire, respectful, on time, keep commitments, complete tasks in a timely manner, communicate well, business etiquette etc.)
- Attitude: Students should display a positive attitude and pleasant manner, take a solution-focused approach to problems, and maintain self-control under stressful situations.
- Job Knowledge and Teachability: Student interns should have an openness and eagerness to learn and apply their existing as well as new skills on the job. Students should accept feedback and apply said feedback to improve performance. Students should have a desire to contribute to the company success.
- Quality of work / creativity: Students should demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness and display a commitment to excellence. They should look for creative ways to improve and promote quality work, and show good attention to detail.
- Work Ethic: Students should strive to be productive, offer assistance and support to coworkers and make maximum use of their time on the job.
- Initiative: Student interns should take initiative where appropriate and ask for help when needed. Go the extra mile.
- Openness: A part of the learning experience is being open to new ways of doing things.
- Provide a job description that outlines internship duties
- Provide a positive, professional real-world learning experience for the student
- Give mentorship and guidance on practical and general professional skills in the field
- Provide training and tasks that are in line with the job description and the learning objectives
- Provide feedback for improvement on assigned duties and learned professional skills
- Complete a mid-semester check-in assessment for the Internship Coordinator and grading purposes
- Complete an end of semester assessment questionnaire for the faculty sponsor & grading purposes
- Agree to possible site-visit by Internship Coordinator, if requested
- Adhere to the federal guidelines regulating internship programs under the Fair Labor Standards Act
Lee Ann Paynter
The University of Kentucky’s Career Services has a fast and powerful recruiting platform for UK students and alumni. Handshake uses cutting-edge technology to help you more easily connect with employers and other students within the platform.