McCombs School of Business
Undergraduate Programs

Internship Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does my internship have to be a paid position?

No. Your internship can be paid or unpaid.

2. How many hours do I have to work during my internship?

Your internship should be at least 6 weeks in length and include 160 work hours. Part-time or full-time employment is acceptable.

3. When should I submit my internship application?

Your application must be submitted and approved PRIOR to beginning your internship.

If you complete an internship without receiving prior approval, the internship will not count toward your degree.

4. What type of internship will count for credit?

The McCombs School of Business requires each student to complete a professional, business-related internship or practicum prior to graduation. As long as you can relate the internship to your career goals, your application should be approved.  The best way to find out if your internship will be approved is to submit your application.

 When to do an Internship

Finding an Internship

Internship Approval

Internship Course/Credit

Frequently Asked Questions

Internship Coordinators & Contact List

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Resources:

BBA Career Services

Career Exploration Center

5. Can my current job be considered an internship?

If you are currently employed (including work-study positions) and your position is related to your academic major, you might be able to receive approval from your department to count your present job as an internship.  You will still be required to complete all academic requirements.


6. Why can’t I add the internship class, even though my application was approved?

It usually takes a few days to be cleared to add the class after approval. You must add it by the 12th class day in the fall (if completing the internship in fall or the previous summer session) or spring (if completing the internship during the spring semester).

7. The internship course is putting me over 17 hours for the semester. What should I do?

Contact your academic advisor in CBA 2.400 for assistance.

8. When does the internship class meet?

The class normally meets once early in the semester (or in early May for summer interns). Students with approved applications receive notification of this meeting via email.

9. If the class does not meet on a regular basis during the semester, when do I submit my assignments?

Summer interns must submit course materials (journal, final paper, and supervisor documentation form) by the first Friday of the fall semester.

Fall and spring interns submit course materials three weeks before the last class day of the semester.

10. What if I experience difficulty in my internship?

Contact the Internship Coordinator who approved your application, your academic advisor, or Cindy Bippert, UPO Internship Liaison in CBA 2.400.

11. What if I can’t find an internship?

Contact your academic advisor or one of the career counselors in BBA Career Services to discuss your options.