Students

1. What is an internship?
2. Who is expected to complete an internship?
3. How will I get an internship?
4. What does the internship course cost?
5. Will I get help when it comes time to prepare for my internship?
6. How will I be graded on my internship?
7. Will there be support for me while I am doing my internship?

1. What is an internship?

• Baccalaureate degree programs are four-year programs of study which integrate seven semesters of academic course work and one semester of internship to prepare you for employment upon graduation.
• An internship is, traditionally, four months of work experience to provide students with an opportunity to put academic education into practice. Salary rates are determined by the employer.

2. Who is expected to complete an internship?

• Any student who plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts - Policy Studies degree from Mount Royal University is expected to complete an internship.

3. How will I get an internship?

• Positions are posted by the work experience coordinator based on industry participation and labour market conditions.
• Employers submit job descriptions that are posted on a website accessible to internship students only.
• Employers review the applications, shortlist, interview candidates, and offer the position to the successful student.
• Students are also encouraged to identify and secure their own opportunities through self-marketing efforts.
• Students must complete the work experience professional development sessions prior to commencing an internship.
• See your work experience coordinator for more details.

Please note: The availability and number of opportunities is dependent upon employer's needs and labour market conditions. Many employers post opportunities at a number of post-secondary institutions, creating competition for available positions. Therefore, work term placements cannot be guaranteed.

4. What does the internship course cost?

• All Mount Royal course fees are assessed on a per-credit basis. Internship courses are worth 15 credits. Please refer to the 2018/19 Tuition and Fee Schedules for details.
• Internships are sometimes located outside of Calgary and students may have to relocate. In these cases, budget for travel expenses as well as living expenses such as rent and food for a minimum of four months.

5. Will I get help when it comes time to prepare for my internship?

• Yes. Your work experience coordinator has designed a series of sessions that will assist you in preparing a resume and developing interview skills that effectively demonstrate your capabilities.
• Active participation in this process is critical to student success and a prerequisite for doing an internship.
• Students are expected to apply for a wide variety of positions to increase their success in securing an internship.

6. How will I be graded on my internship?

• You will register in the POST 3030 course to receive academic credit. This course comprises professor-directed assignments (such as papers and a presentation), in addition to fulfilling all expectations of the work commitment to the employer.
• To receive a final grade, you are responsible for completing both requirements:
  
  1. Course requirements outlined, with deadlines arranged by the professor; and
  2. Successful performance on the job, with evaluation by the employer.

7. Will there be support for me while I am doing my internship?

• Yes. During your internship you will have access to both your faculty instructor and your work experience coordinator. Each have a specific role, but work closely together to provide you the support you need.
• The faculty instructor is there to help you with the academic components and resources or technical advice that relate to your position.
• You will be required to complete assignments, work reports and projects.
• The work experience coordinator maintains ongoing contact with the employer to ensure their needs are being met and answer any questions about the work term while continuing to promote further participation in the program.
• Students are asked to complete a feedback form in the first month to let their work experience coordinator know how the job is going.
• Your work experience coordinator is your first point of contact if you have questions or concerns about your job or the workplace at any time.