Get answers to your frequently asked questions about internships.
Below you'll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about internships, co‑ops, and the InternPLUS program at University of Maryland Global Campus.
FAQs: Internships and Co-ops
Through InternPLUS, UMGC is collaborating with numerous employers to develop flexible and creative work experiences where students can gain experience in a competitive job market. Career changers and those new to the professional world can especially benefit from experience before graduation. Participation in InternPLUS can add real-world experience to your resume, expand your skillset, boost your confidence, and help you be more competitive in your career.
More information can be found on the InternPLUS tab on CareerQuest.
Both internships and co-ops are opportunities for students to gain relevant experience before graduation. Co-ops are traditionally full-time, paid positions while an internship usually refers to a short-term work assignment and can be full- or part-time, paid or unpaid, depending on the employer.
If you are changing careers or entering the professional world for the first time, it’s never too early to start gaining experience in your new field. Ideally, you should have something significant by the time you are halfway to three quarters of the way finished with your degree. You should definitely have some kind of relevant experience in your new field before you graduate.
You must be an undergraduate student and have completed at least 30 credits to earn credit for an internship (also known as the Workplace Learning program). If you have completed fewer than 30 credits, you can still take part in internships, but no credit will be awarded. Keep in mind that each employer has different requirements; some may only accept upperclassmen as interns. Graduate students are not able to receive academic credit for internships. Learn more about additional requirements and how to apply for Workplace Learning.
Career Services offers a number of resources to help you find an internship, including information about locating Federal, public, and private-sector internships, as well as co-ops and other opportunities. UMGC students and alumni are encouraged to check out CareerQuest to access the exclusive UMGC job/internship board, connect with a mentor, register for career events, and access dozens of job search articles and resources.
If you have additional questions, contact Career Services.