Internships for Academic Credit

Internships are an integral part of a Macalester College liberal arts education. Academic internships are a structured form of experiential learning that can take place in a wide range of companies and organizations in the Twin Cities and around the world. An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional workplace setting (across in-person, remote, or hybrid modalities). Through internships, students can test out career interests, develop professional skills, and pursue personal growth. 

Macalester considers the following components to be essential in a high-quality internship experience: 

• Real-world opportunities to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom (it must not be simply to advance the operations of the employer or replace the work that a regular employee would routinely perform).
• Learned skills and knowledge that are transferable to other employment settings.
• A defined beginning and end that is mutually agreed upon and consistent with institutional sponsor guidelines and schedules. 
• A position description with clear responsibilities and required/desired qualifications.
• Clearly defined learning objectives/goals supportive of the student’s academic program goals and institutional requirements.
• Direct supervision by a professional with relevant expertise and educational and/or professional experience who provides productive feedback, guidance, and the resources and equipment necessary to successfully complete the assignment.

(Source: “NACE’s Guide to Internships,” National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2023)

During the 2023-2024 academic year, students completed 312 credit-bearing internships across 26 disciplines. The 2023-2024 Internship Site List is available for review at this link.

Career Exploration is here to help students find, register, and successfully complete an internship.

Why should students register their internships for academic credit?

There are many benefits to registering an internship for credit:

• Structured Support and Guidance: When students register their internships for academic credit, they receive the support of the college and a faculty sponsor. This helps them stay focused on their goals, set clear expectations, and reflect on the experience in a meaningful way.
• Increased Employer Confidence: Many employers prefer interns who earn academic credit because it shows a higher level of commitment and responsibility. Employers tend to trust these interns to be more reliable and engaged, and as a result, they’re often given more substantial tasks and responsibilities.
• Assistance with Problem-Solving: If any issues arise during your internship, the Career Exploration team and the faculty sponsor are available to help resolve them. This ensures that students have the support needed to navigate any challenges encountered.
• Stronger Faculty Relationships: An internship provides a great opportunity for faculty to get to know students beyond the classroom. By reflecting on the internship with a professor, it’s easier for faculty to write personalized, impactful letters of recommendation when requested for job applications or graduate school.
• Easier Time Management: Registering for academic credit makes it easier to integrate the internship into the semester course load and schedule. Having the internship as part of the student’s regular academic requirements helps with prioritizing the necessary time commitment, making it more manageable to balance with other responsibilities.

Note: International students at Macalester on student visas are required to register all internship experiences for credit. Review the information on the “Registering an Internship for Credit” web page, including the International Student section at the end.