Navigating the Chapman University Internship Portal: A Comprehensive Guide

Internships are invaluable experiences that bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. At Chapman University, the internship portal, Handshake, serves as a central hub connecting students with diverse opportunities to gain practical skills, explore career paths, and make meaningful contributions to various organizations. This article provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the Chapman University internship portal, maximizing its resources, and understanding the key policies and procedures surrounding academic internships.

Understanding the Internship Landscape at Chapman

Chapman University encourages students to engage in internships that align with their academic pursuits and career aspirations. The university recognizes the significance of internships in providing students with a beneficial learning environment and the chance to make an immediate contribution to an organization. To ensure a quality experience, Chapman has established guidelines and resources to support both students and employers throughout the internship process.

Academic Credit for Internships

Chapman University does allow students to receive pay in addition to academic credit. Students can earn academic credit for their internships, which involves tuition costs that may not be covered by financial aid. The number of credits students can apply for depends on the number of hours they plan to work. A typical semester allows for up to 6 credits, equivalent to 240 hours. It's important to note that students can only count the same internship site for up to 6 credits.

Eligibility and Registration

First-year and sophomore students typically register for internship courses at the 290 level, while juniors and seniors register at the 490 level. However, lower-class students can register for the 490 level with departmental approval. Graduate students register at the 690 level. The internship course subject should coincide with the internship duties.

To register for internship credit, students must use the Chapman's career portal, Handshake, and select the desired term and subject.

Utilizing the Internship Portal: Handshake

Handshake is Chapman University's career portal where students can search for and apply for internships, as well as access other career resources. Employers can also post their opportunities on Handshake.

Finding Internship Opportunities

The Handshake portal allows students to search for internships that match their interests and skills. It's crucial to regularly check the portal for new postings and to tailor your search criteria to find the most relevant opportunities.

Internship Application Process

The internship application process involves several steps, including:

Finding an Internship: Identify an internship opportunity that aligns with your academic and career goals.
Internship Application: Complete the application process through Handshake. Step 2 in your internship application requires information that will be used to populate your Internship Site Approval Form.
Faculty Advisor Approval: Students are advised to ask a faculty member of their choice to be their advisor prior to submitting their application for approval. The selected Faculty Internship Advisor works with the student to establish learning objectives and assignments.
Department Head Approval: In some cases, such as lower-class students registering for upper-level courses, reaching out to the department head for approval may be necessary.
Site Supervisor Approval: The internship site supervisor (the person you report to) also plays a crucial role in the approval process.

Internship Site Approval Form

The Internship Site Approval Form is a critical document that outlines the responsibilities of the student, the supervisor, and Chapman University. This form ensures that the internship provides a valuable learning experience and meets the university's academic standards.

Key Policies and Expectations

Chapman University has established policies and expectations to ensure that internships are meaningful and beneficial for students.

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Meaningful Work and Learning Experience

Internships should be project-based and provide a meaningful work/learning experience. Work that is primarily clerical (e.g., faxing, running errands, etc.) is generally considered inappropriate and will not be approved. The Academic Internship Design Worksheet can serve as a guide when creating your internship.

Supervisor Responsibilities

The designated Site Supervisor is responsible for completing an Intern Performance Evaluation. Supervisors should also be familiar with Chapman University's policies regarding internships. It’s true that every employer is unique and should be reviewed at the beginning of service.

Supervisors should also familiarize the intern with your organization’s policies right up front. This includes policies about conduct, breaks, attendance, and days off.

Performance Evaluation

The internship provides an opportunity for you to evaluate the intern’s performance. The supervisor should complete the designated Site Supervisor an Intern Performance Evaluation to complete. You can access the survey on your Handshake account surveys page. If a supervisor does not get a performance evaluation, students can access the survey on their Handshake account.

Deadlines and Time Sheets

All internship hours should be completed by the last day of the term. It is important to adhere to deadlines for submitting timesheets and other required documents. If a student misses the deadline or a supervisor cannot sign the timesheet in time, they should check with their faculty advisor. It is generally not possible to count hours after the deadline.

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Additional Opportunities for Academic and Research Engagement

Chapman University offers various avenues for students to engage in academic and research endeavors beyond traditional internships.

Independent Study

An independent study gives students the opportunity to engage in academic research. Students interested in pursuing an independent study should talk to their instructors. Ready to get started on your independent study? Talk to your instructors.

Faculty Research

Students can also participate in faculty research projects. Check out faculty profiles and reach out to them and ask about participating.

School of Communication Resources

Students in the School of Communication can schedule an appointment with a School of Communication advisor to explore their options. A School of Communication advisor can help you explore your options that most resonates with you. Also, speak to your professors!

Maximizing Your Internship Experience

To make the most of your internship experience, consider the following tips:

Set Clear Goals: Work with your faculty advisor and site supervisor to establish clear learning objectives and expectations.
Communicate Effectively: Maintain open communication with your supervisor and faculty advisor throughout the internship.
Seek Feedback: Actively solicit feedback from your supervisor to identify areas for improvement and growth.
Reflect on Your Experience: Take time to reflect on your internship experience and consider how it has shaped your career aspirations.

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