Experiential Learning Home | Experiential Learning FAQ | Partnership Organizations
What are internships?
Internships are a form of experiential learning, a carefully supervised work or service experience in which students have clear learning goals and reflect on what they learn throughout the experience. At Rosemont College internships are an essential part of the educational process.
Under Rosemont Works, our undergraduate curriculum, students work toward the goal of a truly engaged learning experience. Each student is required to complete one experiential learning component prior to graduation. Students can choose from internships, service learning programs, or study abroad opportunities. The experiential learning component will be integrally related to each student’s program of study and will provide an important link between classroom theory and practice.
How long are student internships?
Internships usually last one semester, or fifteen weeks, though they may last longer.
Do I have to pay interns?
Internships may be paid or unpaid. If internships are unpaid students appreciate receiving some compensation for transportation.
How many hours will student interns work at my company or organization?
Rosemont College student interns usually work from 8-10 hours per week. Their time commitment is usually an entire day per week or two or three half days, depending on the student’s schedule.
What kind of job is appropriate for interns?
Student interns and their supervisors will agree on a job description together. In general, the job description for Rosemont College interns should allow students to meet the learning objectives they establish for the internship with their faculty advisor. You should also consider a project that students can complete during the time they will be with your organization as an intern.
Can I have more than one intern during the year?
Yes! Rosemont College hopes to develop long-term relationships with the companies and organizations where student interns are placed. You can also accept more than one intern per semester.
Will someone from the college monitor the internship?
All internships will be monitored by a representative from the college. Either a faculty member or the Coordinator of Experiential Learning will visit the internship site at least once during the internship experience and the coordinator is always available to answer questions or address concerns.
What is expected of the internship supervisor?
In addition to any special qualifications, the supervisor should possess a desire and ability to mentor and guide the student during the internship. It is important that the field supervisor be located at the same site as the intern. The field supervisor completes the Internship Learning Agreement with the student before the internship begins and completes a short evaluation at the end of the internship.
What kind of companies or organizations partner with Rosemont College?
Our students major in a variety of subjects and are interested in internships in many different kinds of organizations. Rosemont offers over twenty-five undergraduate majors in Art, Business, English and Communications, Foreign Languages, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science. Among the sites where students have interned are government agencies, banks, research laboratories, publishing companies, hospitals, radio stations, and non-profit organizations.
Are student interns experienced and mature enough to work in my organization?
Most interns are at least second-year students and all interns must have approval from a faculty advisor before doing an internship. Rosemont also prepares students for internships through a number of pre-service workshops.
What do students say about their internship experiences?
"I gained valuable insight about business, about people in business, but most importantly about myself. The experience I gained and the people I formed relationships with simply could not take place in the classroom."
Gina Kelly, sophomore
"Through my internship at Citizens for Arlen Specter, I learned a great deal about grassroots politics and the workings of a United States Senatorial campaign. I was also able to attend exciting events and meet influential individuals who were willing to answer my questions and tell me of their own career experiences. Most importantly however, I learned that few things can take the place of a strong work ethic."
Kaitlyn Woods, junior
"Living and working in New York proved to me that confidence, hard work, and professionalism are absolutely necessary to success in the working world. If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere!"
Erin McCarthy, junior
What’s in it for me? How will my organization benefit from having an intern?
Student interns are motivated pre-professionals. They may bring fresh new perspectives to old problems. They can increase the visibility of your organization on Rosemont's campus. Student interns are also a source of quality candidates for temporary or seasonal positions and a good cost-effective way to recruit, evaluate, and train potential employees.
Finally, accepting interns in your organization is a way to improve and enhance your image in the community by contributing to education. It’s a win-win proposition.
How can I get involved?
If you are interested in sponsoring an intern from Rosemont College, contact Lezlie McCabe, Coordinator of Experiential Learning, x2389 lmccabe@rosemont.edu
Rosemont College
1400 Montgomery Ave.
Rosemont, PA 19010
Tel: 610-527-0200
Fax: 610-527-0341