What To Do If Offered An Internship
What should I do if I accept an internship?
If you accept an approved internship during the fall or spring semester, there are several things you will need to do to maintain your student status during your work assignment. Otherwise, you will simply be dropping out of school and will need to be readmitted.
The Career Services Office can assist you in making a smooth transition from school to work and back to school. For example, we can answer questions about financial aid, housing contracts, parking fees, the possibility of academic credit for your internship assignment, advising, pre-registration for your next school term, etc.
To maintain your student status during approved fall or spring semester internships, contact Career Services at 865-974-5435 to schedule an appointment with DeAnna Bonner. Exception: Students accepting assignments with the Disney College Program should schedule an appointment with Mary Mahoney, Career Services. You will be asked to bring in a copy of your resume, transcript or student academic history, and the offer letter you received from your internship employer. To be classified as a full-time registered student while interning you must be in good academic standing and have no outstanding fines or fees. Your transcript will read "Co-op in Field" for the internship semester.
Please Note: In order to receive academic credit (typically elective credit) for your intern/co-op work experience you must register and pay the appropriate fees for the credit hours during the semester in which you are interning/co-oping. If you want to participate in student activities, you must pay the Program & Services Fee. Otherwise, you do not pay any tuition.
What are my responsibilities during the internship assignment?
- Toward the end of your internship, complete the Student Work Report and submit to Career Services. The Student Work Report is not shared with employers.
- Please give the Supervisor Evaluation instructions to your immediate supervisor. He/she may use the Supervisor Evaluation Form or a company evaluation - whichever is preferred.
- Your performance should be discussed with you before you return to school and you should receive a copy of the evaluation from your immediate supervisor.
- Please note: If you plan to receive academic credit for your internship, your faculty advisor my require a copy of the Supervisor's Evaluation form.
- Be sure to update your resume and check Hire-A-Vol for future job and internship opportunities.