ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Internships are a highly valued form of career-based experiential education at Bryant University.  Hundreds of students participate each year to test drive a career, apply classroom theory to a profession of interest, develop relevant skills while experiencing office dynamics and practicing good work etiquette.  Participating employers report that Bryant interns are eager to apply theory to practice in a professional environment, bring a fresh perspective to the workplace, welcome challenge and an opportunity to contribute.  Meanwhile, an employer has the opportunity to assess the skills, abilities, and ethics that may lead to permanent employment.

To better serve our students and employers, internships are centrally coordinated through the Amica Center for Career Education, not individual departments of the college, Therefore, whether you are looking for students in accounting, finance, human resources, international business, marketing, graphic design, computer programming, communications, or one of our other business or arts and sciences academic programs, we assist you in publicizing your positions.  In addition, we provide support for resume collection, on-campus and off campus recruiting services, and provide you with resources to better orient and supervise student interns.

DEFINITION
An academic internship is a semester-long, supervised work experience related to a student’s major or career goal for which the student earns academic credit. The work experience may be part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid, and primarily in an off-campus environment.  Important elements structured into the experience which distinguish it from a short-term job or volunteer work are an intentional self-directed learning strategy, reflection - both verbal and written, and an emphasis on professional development, as well as personal growth.  Due to the elective nature of the program (internships are not mandatory), and if the employer DOES NOT REQUIRE credit, the student can opt to accept an offer without earning credit. 

BENEFITS 
Many employers enjoy sharing their expertise and savvy in their roles as professional mentors. In addition, some tangible benefits include:

• A  source of highly motivated pre-professionals
• Quality candidates for projects
• Students with up-to-date knowledge of theory and principles adding value to the workplace
• Proven, cost-effective way to recruit and evaluate potential employees.