Internships

To view currently available internships you must be registered on Handshake.

Why Internships?

Internships are partnerships between the University, the student, and an employer. They are usually single-semester (or summer) opportunities in which students obtain relevant work experience. Interns combine on-the-job learning with application of classroom education in a work setting.

In addition to work experience, it may be possible for students to receive academic credit and earn funds to support their education. Obtaining a degree from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and gaining practical work experience provides a competitive edge when students seek full-time employment upon graduation. Internships are one of the most exciting and beneficial opportunities available to University Students.

For more information on internships contact:

Additional Information

Student Internship Information

To view currently available internships you must be registered on HireAnIslander.

Internship FAQ for Students:

Why should I do an internship?

• Gain marketable experience in your field that will help you as a candidate for jobs in the future
• Obtain meaningful work experience in your field.
• Build transferable skills for your resume
• Many internships are paid, and can help you financially
• Build your professional network
• Strengthen confidence, maturity, and professionalism.
• Establish professional references.
• Evaluate employers prior to accepting full-time work.
• Gain academic credit (depending on your major and individual circumstances)

How do I get started?

1. Create an account on Hire an Islander. This will allow you to search and apply for internships on and off campus, as well as get emails about new internship opportunities

2. Have your resume reviewed. Meet with a career counselor to ensure your resume is effective before you stay applying

3. Do your research. Explore companies in the area that you are interested in and inquire to see if they have an internship program.

4. Consider your schedule. Make sure you have time to manage an internship along with classes, jobs, clubs, social life and any other commitments

5. Plan ahead! Don’t wait to start looking for an internship. Allow yourself at least a semester to research and apply prior to starting an internship

How do I find an internship?

1. Check Hire an Islander and other job search websites every day for new opportunities.

2. Attend events held on campus that include employers in your field. Bring your resume and dress professionally.

3. Utilize the network you have. Let your friends and family know you are looking for an internship.

4. Meet with the internship coordinator. If you’re having trouble getting starts or knowing where to look, the internship coordinator can help answer questions and provide resources.

When should I do an internship?

It’s best to get started early researching companies and targeting specific areas of interest. Most employers want students who have begun classes specific to their field (juniors and seniors) but some are open to freshman and sophomores. When you do an internship is dependent upon your knowledge of the field, schedule limitations and personal goals.

What if I don’t know what I want to do for a career?

While internships can help you limit down your career interests, they’re most effective if you have a general idea of what you want for your future. Meet with a career counselor first to explore careers, your interests and your skills before pursuing internships.

What will the Career Center offer to your intern experience?

The Career Center regularly conducts site visits to evaluate any risks associated with the internship and ensure a quality experience for the student.

Student Eligibility & Academic Credit

Internship positions are available to all TAMU-CC students and subject to employer requirements. However, individual colleges within the university assign criteria for receipt of academic credit and employers are not eligible to offer academic credit to students. You can only receive credit through the university. You will receive assistance understanding credit requirements from the Career Center and your academic advisor. Application for credit will be through the college of your major. To receive course credit approval for an internship, you must contact your academic advisor and register for credit prior to the beginning of the semester.

Transcript Service

If you are not doing an internship for credit, but still want documented proof of the experience, talk with the Career Center staff ASAP. It’s possible to have your internship noted on your transcript.

After You’re Hired

• Always update the Career Center on where you were hired whether you’re receiving academic credit or not.
• Colleges within TAMU-CC have varying requirements for receipt of internship credit. Your academic advisor will guide you through approval of learning objectives, oversight of academic requirements, and assignment of credit.
• If you have issues or questions during your internship experience, contact the internship coordinator for assistance and support.

Endowment Scholarship for Interns

The Student Endowment Fund Internship Scholarship is available to TAMU-CC students pursuing a paid or unpaid internship.

Please click here for more information & to apply.

Student Endowment Internship Scholarship

The Student Endowment Internship Scholarship is for undergraduate and graduate students with a financial need who are completing an internship during the fall, spring or summer sessions. Applications open each semester on the following dates.

Fall: July 1

Spring: November 1

Summer: April 1

*Students are still encouraged to apply if they have not received their offer letter from the internship site

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria during the semester in which applying and completing the internship.

• Completed at least two semesters at TAMU-CC
• Be currently enrolled at TAMU-CC for at least 3 semester credit hours
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 for undergraduate students or a minimum GPA of 3.0 for graduate students
• In the process of securing an internship for the semester in which applying

Application Process

Applications are considered complete when all forms and documents below have been submitted by the appropriate deadline.

Prior to completing this application, students must be prepared to upload (1) a letter of recommendation, written by a current or former faculty member and/or supervisor; (2) a signed offer letter or working agreement provided by the internship site no later than the priority deadline.

• Complete the online application form for Spring 2022
• Priority Deadlines

Fall: August 1

Spring: December 1

Summer: May 1

Awards

• Between $500.00 - $1,000.00
• Recipients will be notified of award via email and funds will be applied to their SAIL account

For more information contact Career Services at 361-825-2628.

Employer Internship Information

Advantages for Employers

As an employer, internship sponsorship yields numerous benefits. You will be able to reduce your recruiting costs, meet temporary staffing demands, and secure motivated, low-cost employees. Our goal is to ensure that all internships are mutually beneficial to the student and employer by providing access to bright, ambitious students. Internships and co-ops give you the opportunity to:

• Access a quality, educated work force.
• Increase productivity at very reasonable cost.
• Evaluate students. performance prior to long-term commitments.
• Obtain immediate productivity from internship graduates.
• Reduce costs and time recruiting and training new graduates.
• Offer assistance to senior professionals, releasing them for more complex responsibilities.
• Participate in the education of potential employees.
• Maintain high visibility with students, faculty and staff at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
• Tap the resources of an outstanding public university.

Do you qualify for the Job Development Internship Program? Click here to discover the benefits you will receive in addition to those of a standard internship!

Characteristics of an Internship

An internship is a partnership between the employer, the student and the university. It emphasizes learning through hands-on work directly related to the student's major.

• Can be part-time or full-time, and offer various types of compensation
• Employer and student should work together to develop learning objectives and frequently evaluate progress
• Usually single-semester or summer duration
• Includes a specific intern supervisor to mentor student
• Employers provide resources for professional growth

Building Your Internship

Considerations for a New Internship

• What skills and experience will a student intern gain from working with you and your company?
• Do you or someone in your department have time to mentor an intern?
• Does your company have project-based needs?

Defining the Position

As you think about the structure and foundation of your new internship program, use these questions to help form your internship program even further:

• Academic Credit: Would you like the intern to earn academic credit?
• Pay/Stipend: Will you pay your intern or offer a stipend? See the information about unpaid internships and compensation by clicking here.
• Academic Majors: What academic majors or areas of study would be a good fit for your internship?
• Qualifications: What qualifications, skills, and previous experience does an intern need?
• Site Supervisor: Who will serve as your site supervisor for your intern? If not the site supervisor, who?
• Application Materials: What application materials do you want to collect?
• To support you in setting up the internship structure, review a guide to internships for employers.

Create a Job Description

Now that you have answered all of the tough questions, it’s time to write the position description for your internship position. You can find an example of a position description along with a template to assist you in organizing yours here.

Post your Internship Position

Once you’ve written your position description you can use the HireAnIslander web portal to post your position.

1. Go to HireAnIslander
2. Click on "Click Here To Register"
3. Complete the profile information
4. Once you have completed the profile information you can then post a job. If you need help setting up your account or have questions regarding the process please contact your TAMUCC Internship internships@tamucc.edu 361-825-2628

Helpful Resources

Please read our Guide to Internships for Employers.

Internship Background Check Process

Background checks are required for students who are working with minors during their internships. If the agency/company a student will be interning with does not conduct a background check students are required to go through a background check conducted by the university. Background checks will be facilitated by Career Services

Forms

Steps:

1. Students will meet with faculty and decide upon an agency. Students will have the agency sign paperwork and return to the college or department. In accordance with University rule 11.99.99.C0.02 background checks are required for students who are working with minors. If a background check is determined necessary and the agency will not be conducting a background check; the student is referred to Career Services

1. Students will complete the Criminal Background Check Authorization forms found above.

1. Students must bring completed form with proof of ID to Career Services located in UC 304. Students will be required to pay for the background check via marketplace. The cost will be $15.00 for students who have only resided in Texas since the age of 18 and $25 for a multi-state check for students who have lived outside of Texas since the age of 18. Students will print a receipt showing they have paid for the background check.

1. Career Services will enter student information into the Sterling database and store the paper form in a secure location. Notation will be made in Handshake of date background check was conducted (Unless a more recent background check is requested by an agency background checks will be good for 1 year).

1. Once completed students will take the receipt to their prospective faculty members to confirm a background check is being conducted.
2. Career Services will receive the results of the background check. If there is a flag Career Services will forward the background check results to the employing agency/company. The agency/company is responsible for determining eligibility of the student to complete the internship based on company policy.
3. If student’s background check does result in a flag, faculty will be notified appropriately. Career Services will notify the student of the results of the background check.
4. If background check is clear Career Services will notify the student, agency, and faculty of the completed background check.
5. Once a decision has been made on a flag or once a background check has cleared the paper form will be destroyed.

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