ECON 490 - Economics Internships Application

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ECON 490 - Economics Internship Application

Information

Economic majors can participate in the ECON 490 Practicum in Economics internship program. The internship is a one-time opportunity to enhance students’ educational experience by allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in a professional environment. Internships allow students to explore specific careers while developing new skills and enhancing current strengths. Gaining this career-related experience improves students’ prospects on the job market and often leads to employment at the place of internship.

Internships require an equivalent of a semester of work at 10-20 hours per week, 150+ hours total to earn three credit hours toward a degree. Internships may be either on-site or remote.   Economics Internships Credit Opportunities are approved by the Economics department chair.

Students if you plan on applying for Internship Credit, you must APPLY prior to starting your internship.

Internship Credit Information

Employer Benefits

Internships benefit the host company in many ways. Companies who utilize WKU interns receive highly motivated and talented students who serve as assistants or junior staff members. The student interns are bright, responsible, and eager to work. Student interns can bring enthusiasm and new ideas to the workplace. Their responsibilities differ from site to site depending on the company's needs but they should involve real-world work experience that will enhance students’ education. Student interns can assist in daily operations of a company or in the implementation of a special program or project. Supervising an intern also allows a company to observe a potential employee.

Requirements

1. Junior Standing and completion of at least 12 hours of upper division economics courses.
2. Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
3. Academic load for the term of the internship must not exceed 18 hours including the 3-hour internship.

Application

To be fully considered for an internship, students must submit to the Economics department chair a detailed proposal describing planned activities to be undertaken during the Practicum in Economics, and why those activities are deserving of college credit. The proposal must be approved before a student can be enrolled in the ECON 490 Practicum in Economics class.

Grade

Internship is evaluated on a normal grade scale. Upon conclusion of the internship, students must submit a 3-5 page report summarizing activities during the internship. The report should include

• Total number of hours of work during the internship;
• How much of that time was spent on different activities;
• Description of projects and tasks performed during the internship;
• A reflection of how the internship applied directly to the students’ major;
• Description of any new skills acquired during the internship.

The report must be submitted to the Economics department chair at the end of the semester along with the Site Supervisor’s Evaluation form, and an updated resume that includes internship/work experience.  Students will not receive a grade in the ECON 490 class until all required paperwork is turned in.

Disability

Students with disabilities who require accommodations (academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids or services) for this course must contact the TRIO Student Support Services, Disabilities in Downing Student Union (DSU) Suite 1079. The SSS-D office can be reached at (270)745-5175. Per University policy, please DO NOT request accommodations directly from the professor.

Employer Internship Terms of Agreement

Internships are an educational opportunity. An internship consists of services for experience between a student and an employer. Internships help students determine if they have an interest in a particular career, create a network of contacts, and in some cases achieve course credit. Some interns find permanent, paid employment with the organizations for which they worked upon completion of the internship.

Interns may or may not be receiving hours of upper-level academic credit from the Gordon Ford College of Business for completing their internship with a participating business. No matter the circumstance, GFCB appreciates the opportunity for students to receive legitimate, real-world experience that is directly related to the student’s major. While routine filing, copying and answering phones are important parts of jobs, these duties and responsibilities should not represent more than approximately 25% of the interns’ activities. If an intern is receiving course credit, please abide by the number of hours they must work in order to receive their credit.

Employer understands that WKU does not assume liability for any injury or damage sustained or caused by the student.

By submitting the application for Internship Credit, the student confirms that the employer is aware of the Employer Internship Terms of Agreement.

Click here to see how you can apply for internship credit