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INTERNSHIP FAQs

1. Why should I get an internship?
2. What do I need for an internship?
3. Where can I learn about internship opportunities?
4. Will I get paid during my internship?
5. Can I get credit for my internship?

 

1. Why should I get an internship?

Internships can provide you with the following benefits:

• The start of a professional network
• Professional experience in your field
• Career sampling (can you picture yourself in this field?)
• Possible income
• Possible college credits
• A chance to apply what you've learned in school to the real world

 

2. What do I need for an internship?

• Resume & cover letter

It is important to make a good first impression with your resume and cover letter. These documents are sometimes your only opportunity to land an interview; perfection is crucial. If you need assistance with your resume or cover letter, please sign up for the "Writing Resumes & Cover Letters" workshop or set up an individual appointment with Haley Brown, Coordinator of Career Connections: 621-3130 or hbrown120@maine.edu.

• Interviewing skills

An interview is your opportunity to show a potential supervisor your ability to present yourself in a professional manner, both verbally and non-verbally. It's also a time to convince him/her that you are truly interested and are the perfect fit for the organization. For help with your interviewing skills, attend the "Successful Interviewing" workshop or set up a mock interview with Haley Brown: 621-3130 or hbrown120@maine.edu.

• Motivation and persistence!

An internship may not fall in your lap. Similarly to a job search, it can take time, energy, and persistence to find an internship opportunity, especially since not all internships are posted. Some organizations may hire interns without advertising, and some may consider accepting an intern for the first time - if you ask them. These hidden opportunities require you to reach out to organizations where you want to do your internship, not necessarily the ones who ask you to apply.

Start your search early, and don't get discouraged if your first few attempts don't pan out. Continue networking with professionals in your field to learn about new opportunities.

 

3. Where can I learn about internship opportunities?

• Blackboard

All internship advertisements sent to the Advising Center are posted on the UMA Advising Center Blackboard site. To access the site the first time, you must self-enroll using the following steps.

1. Log into Blackboard (www.courses.maine.edu) with your "@maine.edu" username and password.
2. Click on the Courses tab (top left of your screen, between the Home tab and the Community tab).
3. On the right-hand side of the screen you will see a Course Catalog box. Find and click on the UMA Advising Center link.
4. Click the drop-down menu between the Course ID and the Course Name, then select Enroll.
5. Click Submit, then on the next screen click OK.

Once you have self-enrolled, the UMA Advising Center link will appear in your My Courses list (where all of your Blackboard courses appear) whenever you log into Blackboard.

• www.internhelpme.com

InternHelpMe.com is a new initiative started by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. Visit this website to connect with Maine employers for internship opportunities. Registration is required on this site, but there is no cost.

• www.internships.com

Visit this national website to search for internships nationwide, read intern blogs, and get tips on searching and applying for internships.

• Faculty members

Don't forget that faculty members have connections outside of UMA. Talk to your instructors about possible internship locations and contacts.

• Other Resources:

Intern Help ME
Internships
Jobs in ME
Career Rookie
Top Internship Employers
The Riley Guide
Federal Internship Directory
Study Abroad
Search for internships on websites pertaining to your career interests
Search for internships on company websites

 

4. Will I get paid during my internship?

Most internships are unpaid, so don't expect a paycheck when you apply. However, keep in mind that under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the U.S. Department of Labor has put forth specific guidelines that outline under which circumstances interns must be paid. For more information on these guidelines, visit http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs71.pdf. Remember that an internship is about gaining experience, building your network, and potentially receiving a job offer.

 

5. Can I get credit for my internship?

The UMA majors listed below have a required or optional internship/practicum. Students in majors not listed below have the option of pursuing an internship through an Independent Study.

Major	Class Number	Class Title	Required/Optional
BA Architecture	ARC 406	Architectural Apprenticeship	Required
BA Art	PHO 296 ART/PHO 496	Photography Internship Internship	Optional Required
BA Biology	BIO 475	Internship in Biology	Optional
AS Business Administration	BUA 294	Coop Education/Field Experience	Optional
BS Business Administration, Accounting Major	BUA 495	Business Internship (in Accounting)	Optional
BS Business Administration, Management Major	BUA 495	Business Internship	Optional
AS Computer Information Systems	CIS 280	Internship	Optional
BS Computer Information Systems	CIS 380/480	Internship	Required
AS Dental Hygiene*	DEH 400	Dental Hygiene Practicum	Optional
BS Dental Hygiene*	DEH 400	Dental Hygiene Practicum	Optional
AS Information & Library Services	ILS 299	Library Assistant Practicum	Required
BS Informational & Library Services	ILS 499	Advanced Research/Internship	Required
BS Justice Studies	JUS 361	Community Policing Practicum	Optional
AS Medical Laboratory Technology	MLT 395	Hospital Practicum	Required
BS Mental Health & Human Services	HUS 461/462 or 463	Internship in MHHS	Required
AS Mental Health & Human Services	HUS 204	Practicum	Required
AS Nursing*	NUR 121/222/223	Independent Clinical Practice I/II/III	Optional
BS Public Administration	POS 485	Public Administration Internship	Optional
AS Veterinary Technology*	VTE 115 VTE 230	Veterinary Technical Student Internship Practicum in Veterinary Technology	Required Required
Certificate/Minor Secondary Education	EDU 490	Internship in Student Teaching	Required

*These degree programs have additional required clinical experiences built into their curriculums.

Check the UMA catalog for more information on courses and degree requirements.