[ Internships ]

Internship FAQs

Can I earn credit for my internship?
You may be able to earn credit for completing an internship. It depends on the nature of your internship and on the requirements of your major. For instance, a theology major would likely earn credit for a church-based internship, and an internship with the Ravinia Festival would probably result in credit for a music major.

How do I find out what internships are available?
There are lots of ways to get started. If you’re interested in an internship in a specific academic discipline, like biology, you can start by checking that department’s website or by contacting a faculty member. Or, if you’re not sure what field you’d like to work in, you can browse internship listings at the website of Elmhurst’s Center for Professional Excellence. Finally, some students design their own internships by contacting a business or organization directly.

How can I take on an internship when I already have a full schedule of classes?
If your internship applies to your major, chances are good you’ll be able to earn credit for it—so you can actually count your internship toward your courses for that term. But even if that’s not the case, most Elmhurst students discover that taking on an internship is well worth the additional demands it puts on your time.

How are students matched with internships?
First, the internship coordinator for your academic department will meet with you to talk about your goals. Then the coordinator will either match you with an available internship that suits your interests, or, if nothing is currently available, work with the local business community to create an opportunity for you.

What kind of work will I do as an intern?
The work you’ll do varies from one discipline to another, but all Elmhurst internships share one important feature: they involve substantive, real-world work, not paper pushing. Elmhurst interns make meaningful contributions to the organizations they work for.

How much time does an internship take?
Most interns work 14 to 20 hours a week over the course of a term. Summer and J-Term internships, however, can consist of full-time work.

Will I get paid for the work I do as an intern?
Many Elmhurst interns earn a salary or stipend for their work as interns; others don’t. It all depends on the firm you choose to work with.