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

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.

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.

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. 

In most cases, criminal justice internships are not paid.

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.

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

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

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

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 co-occurring with each internship.

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.

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.

All questions should be directed to the SCCJLS Internship Coordinator.