Internships
Internships are a valuable part of the college experience. This “on the job” education enables you to get a feel for a future profession without the commitment of a career. Plus, they provide the opportunity to gain valuable work experience before graduating from college.
What is an internship?
Internships are typically comprised of college or university students who work for a company in a temporary position with an emphasis on on-the-job training rather than classroom teaching. Internship opportunities usually vary with the level of responsibilities and duties assigned. They may be paid or unpaid, for college credit or not for credit, short or long term, or part or full time.
The benefits of interning
Internships provide you with the opportunity to experience firsthand how classroom education relates to real world situations. They enable you to apply practical classroom knowledge alongside professionals within your field of study and gain career experience while still in college. Internships are an excellent way to build your resume, while at the same time developing relationships that can help you explore career opportunities after graduation.
Internships opportunities
Internship opportunities are everywhere. A company may contact the College of Business directly for potential interns or students may learn of internships through their own personal contacts. There are many places available to research internship positions including:
- COBA Majors Community on UTC Online
- UTC Office of Cooperative Education
- Faculty members
- Friends and family
- Researching companies of interest
- Online resources, such as Chattanoogahasjobs.com
Qualifying internships
Although many companies offer internship opportunities, not all internships qualify for college credit. Internships are evaluated on a company by company basis to ensure students will obtain real-world work experience; apply learned business concepts; and provide the company with quality workmanship.
If you are interested in earning college credit for an internship, you should work with the appropriate College of Business’s Internship Coordinator to determine if an internship is eligible for credit.
Earning college credit
Business majors interested in serving in an internship program for credit must meet the following criteria:
- be in good academic standing;
- have junior standing (60 earned credit hours);
- a minimum GPA of 2.75;
- nine hours of upper level business credit*;
- approval of the internship coordinator.
*The nine hours or required course work will vary depending on the nature of the internship.
In addition to working for the company, students participating in an approved internship for course credit will be required to provide the Internship Coordinator with:
- a written report with a detailed description of duties performed and hours worked;
- the student's evaluation of the company and position;
- the employer's evaluation of the student's performance;
- a revised resume;
- a letter thanking the employer for the opportunity to work for them.
Students may earn one to three hours of college credit per semester, for a maximum of six hours over the course of earning their degree. The number of hours earned for an internship are based on the hours per semester worked:
1 credit hour - 45 hours on site work;
2 credit hours - 90 hours on site work;
3 credit hours - 135 hours on site.
This averages out to approximately 3-9 hours of work per week during a 15 week semester. Internship credit will count to overall earned hours. Hours are awarded on a satisfactory or no credit basis and will not apply toward a student’s GPA.
Students who would like for their internship experience to count for a specific degree requirement should consult their Academic Adviser.
BUSA 390r Internship (1-3) -
A supervised work experience designed to strengthen the students’ technical competencies and fundamental knowledge in accounting, finance, management, marketing or entrepreneurship. Written report required. Every semester. Graded on a satisfactory/no credit basis. Prerequisite: junior standing and approval of internship coordinator. Open to business majors only.
Internship Coordinators
We provide assistance in participating in an internship programs, and have designated these faculty members as Internship Coordinators.
Accounting and Finance:
Prof. Anne Wilkins
(423) 425-5372
Fletcher 412J
Anne-Wilkins@utc.edu
Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship:
Prof. Jim Wyatt
(423) 425-4047
Fletcher 302
Jim-Wyatt@utc.edu
Academic Adviser:
Nikki Ownby
(423) 425-5111
Fletcher 408
Nikki-Ownby@utc.edu
