Internship Information
All Professional Science Master’s (PSM) students are required to complete four (4) credits of internship (PSM 691) and 440 hours working at an internship, if enrolled prior to Fall 2026. (Students enrolled in Fall 2026 or later will be required to complete three (3) credits of PSM 691 and 300 working hours at an internship.) Students may use multiple experiences to fulfill these requirements, such as internships, Build Fellowships, volunteer work, and/or research projects. In some cases, we may use the first few months of your full-time job after all other courses are completed. This may have immigration implications. All experiences must be approved by the internship coordinator, Professor Holli Reyes. Internships must be hands-on, high-quality, master’s level work directly related to your academic program. Opportunities that are not closely aligned with the core components of program curriculum but are peripherally connected are likely to be denied.
Internship Process
First Steps
- Find an internship or other experience that meets objectives of the internship program.
- The student must work in an environment where the immediate supervisor and other team members have technical expertise that will enable them to act as mentors to the student and give an informed opinion about the performance of the student.
- Please contact Chris Babbitt, our internship partner coordinator, at [email protected], Professor Holli Reyes, and the Career Center for assistance in resume building, interviewing, and finding an internship. Be sure to attend the GVSU Career Fairs held in the Fall and Winter semesters.
- We will do our best to help you find internship opportunities, but it is ultimately your responsibility to secure one.
- Log your internship to get approval from the internship coordinator, Professor Holli Reyes.
- Do not submit an override request for PSM 691 prior to obtaining approval. Professor Reyes issues the override after collaboratively determining the appropriate number of credits for the experience with each student.
- Log your internship in the GVSU Career Center's Internship Management System (IMS). Please note that this form is editable by Professor Reyes. Do your best to complete the form (edits can be made later if needed).
- Professor Reyes is automatically emailed when you complete the IMS form and will review it for approval of your internship.
- If there are any questions or concerns with the form, Professor Reyes will reach out to you.
- International students may need to complete CPT forms (Faculty Approval Form and Cooperative Agreement Form) prior to starting any internship work. Please contact ISS to work through this process.
- Students collaboratively work with the PSM Coordinator to determine how many credits and when to enroll in PSM 691.
- Additional information may be requested to determine eligibility.
Internship Expectations
- Talk with your internship supervisor about expectations and requirements. Be sure you understand everything expected of you during this experience.
- Work at your internship and complete the Blackboard assignments, such as reflection journals.
Finishing the Internship and Class
- Submit a written report.
- Give an oral presentation on your internship.
Failure to complete all items (journals, report, presentation) will result in an incomplete (I) or No Credit (NC) on your transcript.
Internship Timeline
Follow this timeline as a guide for your internship journey. Securing an internship is your responsibility. You should save email confirmations of events you attend, applications you submit, and any other supporting documents. While this is the recommended timeline, your path may vary.
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First Semester |
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Second Semester |
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Third Semester |
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Fourth Semester |
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Build Fellowships
The Build Fellowship by Open Avenues Foundation can only be taken as a 1-credit internship. A minimum of two Build Projects are required to fulfill the requirements of 1 internship credit (PSM 691). You must complete the IMS form for each Build Project.
Learn more about Open Avenues | Learn more about The Build Fellowship
Projects
Students may complete one or more projects supervised by GVSU faculty in lieu of, or in addition to, industry-based internships. Students must be pre-approved by the PSM Internship Coordinator before seeking work with faculty. Students seeking pre-approval should show previous applications to industry-based internships, and proof of attendance at Career Center and/or other GVSU professional development events. Students who do not receive pre-approval to seek faculty-led projects, do not show previous job applications, nor show event attendance are not likely to be approved for a project.
Students Currently Working Full-Time
We understand that students working full-time in the field during graduate school face different challenges. Please email Professor Holli Reyes with questions that are not addressed in this section.
Working full-time in your field: You may count your current employment to fulfil your internship requirement with approval from Professor Holli Reyes. Students will enroll in PSM 691 and complete all required assignments (journals, paper, and presentation).
Not working full-time in your field: You can work an internship, or you may complete a project overseen by faculty with approval from Professor Holli Reyes. Students will enroll in PSM 691 and complete all required assignments (journals, paper, and presentation).