Can I use my job as an Internship?

No.  An internship is not an extension of your current job.  The SCCJLS does not grant academic credit for life/employment experience.

 

Can I enroll for CJ 490/CJ 491 credit in another semester besides the semester when I am actually Interning?

No.  Organizations require that you are enrolled for the specific semester you are interning with them.  CJ 490 has a co-occurring course requirement (CJ 491) that cannot be completed in another semester.

 

Do I have to Intern in West Michigan?

No.  Many students intern at a location close to where they would like to live post-graduation.  A student can intern at any CJ-related location–in or out of state or through study abroad.

 

Can I Intern in the Spring/Summer Semester?

Yes.  Students can intern during any semester.  Many students seek internships during the summer when their schedules are more open, and often where they want to live post-graduation. 

 

Are Internships paid?

In most cases, criminal justice internships are not paid.

 

Will GVSU place me in an internship?

No.  Students must seek out internships on their own.  While some information will be provided regarding sites, students must personally contact the organization and complete all necessary paperwork on their own.  The internship coordinator is available for consultation as needed.

 

Does GVSU assist in scheduling my Internship hours?

No. Scheduling Internship hours is between you and the internship coordinator/site.

 

Am I guaranteed employment with my Internship site after completion?

No. In most cases, interns are not hired after completing an internship. The internship experience does not guarantee employment.

 

Can my Site Supervisor terminate my Internship at any point?

Yes.  Interns can be removed at any time.  All concerns should be discussed with the internship coordinator.

 

Can I have more than one Internship?

Yes.  Students can enroll in CJ 490 for 1 to 9 credit hours. The number of credit hours will allow students to have multiple internships.  CJ 491 is 1 credit and is c-occurring with each internship.

 

Will my Internship site accommodate my personal and work-related needs for time off?

Students are encouraged to treat their internship seriously.  It is recommended that once a schedule is made, the intern follows that schedule and does not ask for any changes or modifications.  Any specific GVSU “holiday” time off must be discussed with the site.

 

Is there a Dress Code Required for Interns?

Yes. Students will be working (and networking) in a professional environment. As such, students will be required to dress and act professionally.  It is very important that you ask your internship site supervisor about appropriate dress.

 

If I have questions, who should I contact?

All questions should be directed to the SCCJLS Internship Coordinator.