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THE INTERNSHIP

We believe that learning in the classroom is only one part of the learning process in entrepreneurship. The required internship component allows students to experience real-life scenarios outside of our courses to implement what they have learned.

Other Information

Students are able to pinpoint their own internships through their networks or work with our Internship Manager to connect with internship opportunities that could be a good fit.

Students are required to complete Econ 325 BEFORE the internship requirement.

Internships should be close 320 hours (full-time). Internships should be 8 weeks of full-time work. Internships shorter than that must be approved by the Internship Director. We recommend students complete internships over the summer, as it gives students the appropriate amount of time to complete the requirement. If you have questions about the time requirement, please reach out to the Internship Manager.

Students must complete a Learning Contract before beginning internships so that the internship can be approved and meet program requirements. Learning Contracts are due by April 15 for summer internships. If your internship will take place during the semester, contact the Internship Manager to discuss the details and get your internship approved.

For the internship to be approved for the program, students must complete a learning contract, which will be made available during the spring semester by the Internship Manager. Learning contracts are due in April, before the summer internship begins.

 
 

 

F.A.Q

  • Where could I work?
    • Because our program is interdisciplinary, each student’s internship looks different. Students have worked at places like IBM, the NFL, Ogilvy, Ralph Lauren, HQ Raleigh, SAS, and the Wall Street Journal. Students complete the internship requirement all over the country. 2019 saw the highest number of students completing internships in the triangle area of NC, New York City, Charlotte, and California.
  • Are there any resources available in the Shuford program to help me find an internship?
    • Yes. The Internship Manager is available to meet with students who would like assistance in finding a work-site. Alumni connections, campus resources, and company contacts are some of the resources the Internship Manager may provide, along with resume assistance, interview preparation, and general career advice.
  • What if I study abroad?
    • While the internship is an important part of our program, and a great learning opportunity, we realize that it is only part of a student’s experience at Carolina. Because of this, we will work with the students to help find an alternative solution to a summer internship, such as a position during the academic year.
  • What kinds of things cannot count as an internship?
    • We will not accept camp counseling, lab research, or sales associate positions for the requirement. If you are unsure if your position would satisfy the requirement, please consult with the Internship Manager.
  • Do I receive credit for the internship?
    • The internship requirement is built into Economics 393, the Capstone in Entrepreneurship. You receive academic credit for the course in combination with the internship. You do not receive stand-alone credit for the internship. That being said, you are not enrolled in a summer course while completing the summer internship.
  • How do I get in touch with the Internship Manager?
    • Camelia Walker (karwa@ad.unc.edu) has an office in Gardner Hall, Room 104E. She can also be reached by phone at (919) 843-2689.


Timeline

Fall Semester

  • Work on resume/cover letters
  • Begin researching industries, companies, cities
  • Attend the fall Internship & Career Fair, hosted by University Career Services
  • Meet with the Internship Manager for assistance in the internship search process

January

April

May/June

  • Begin working!
  • Ensure you are completing the weekly journals, which will be submitted at the end of the internship, prior to enrolling in Economics 393, the Capstone

August

  • Submit the writing assignment to the Student Services Manager, who will then enroll you in Economics 393 in either fall or spring.


INTERNSHIP POLICY