What is an Internship?

An internship is a educational opportunity for undergraduates to gain practical experience in a working environment under the direct supervision of a professional.  Internships allow you to explore a field and add to your classroom learning.  Research/Internship experience is required of undergraduate sociology majors in the department's honors track and those pursuing certification in one of the departmental concentrations.  And though not required, it is encouraged for all other Sociology majors.  

What an Internship is NOT  

Although an internship is usually pursued outside of the college setting it should not be viewed as "time-out" from school to go to work.  An intern is not supposed to perform all of the routine or uninteresting work within an organization.  It should be a meaningful learning experience.  Finally, an internship is not a guarantee of a job offer.

Internships must be taken pass/fail and credit is based on what you can show or demonstrate you learned during the internship, not solely on the evaluation of your performance by your on-site supervisor. The criteria for assessing how the internship has contributed to a student's intellectual and academic development will be determined in conjunction with the student's faculty sponsor. Internships may count toward the 120 credits required for graduation. They may not be used to fulfill departmental core curriculum or elective requirements.

How do I get an internship?

The Department of Sociology's Undergraduate Internship and Research Committee (UGIRC), which includes staff from various JHU departments and research centers, may be able to help you locate a suitable placement.  If you have general questions regarding internships, you can contact Karl Alexander, Undergraduate Coordinator for the department. 

Links

• JHU Career Center
• idealist.org
• studentjobs.gov
• Baltimore City Mayoral Fellowship
• National Academy of Social Insurance Student Opportunities
• Attorney General's Office
  
  
  
  
  

04/26/2005