Internships

Internships provide Penn students with the opportunity to apply academic course work and techniques in the work environment. At Penn, we like to refer to internships as "experiential education," providing rewarding avenues of learning while supplementing your classroom, laboratory and textbook studies.

Internships offer a learning experience that is indispensable and very tangible as you enter the job market. By participating in an internship you have the opportunity to "test" a given occupation. This is especially helpful if you are exploring a variety of career options.

William Penn University's internship program provides a hands-on work and learning opportunity. In some cases, it is a credit-bearing experience. Opportunities can be found on campus, in the Oskaloosa area, surrounding communities and throughout the United States.

What benefits will a Penn internship offer you?

An internship will boost your self-confidence and improve your interpersonal skills as you experience the work environment. You will have the opportunity to integrate the information you have gained through your academic preparation and develop valuable networking opportunities.

An internship experience offers Penn students:

The opportunity to explore various career paths. By participating and observing the day-to-day activities of a work environment you have the potential to discover a rewarding career.
The opportunity to determine if additional coursework or education is necessary to attain your career goals.
The opportunity to develop networking contacts for future employment references.
The opportunity to gain a clear picture of what full-time employment is like.
The opportunity to develop and fine-tune transferable skills.
The opportunity to place work-related experience on a resume'.
The opportunity to earn money, academic credit, and in some instances, both.
The possibility of having an edge on entry-level positions.

What kind of time commitment will an internship require?

Internships are available for full-time employment, part-time employment, or for just a few hours per week. Semester and summer internships are also available. Most employers who participate in an internship program are flexible and work around a student's class schedule. You and your advisor will need to determine the number of hours required to complete a for-credit internship.

What internships are available?

Career Services serves as a resource for individuals interested in participating in an internship experience. In addition, the office has information on companies that have on-going internship opportunities. We also maintain a number of publications and websites that list organizations that sponsor interns.

When should I start planning?

You are encouraged to contact the William Penn University career planning office one semester before you wish to begin your internship experience. This will give you ample time to develop a list of potential internship sites, submit a resume and cover letter, interview, and complete the requirements for academic credit.

How to Begin

Visit with your academic advisor to discuss how an internship experience will complement your academic coursework. Your advisor will help you determine the scope of the internship, the number of credit hours, and any special projects you will complete during the internship experience.
Set up an appointment with Penn's career services director to review opportunities and complete the necessary registration forms.
Develop a resume and cover letter.
Communicate your interest with family, friends and other acquaintances. Networking is an important aspect that should not be overlooked as you explore internships in your area(s) of interest.

Resources
Career Services
William Penn University
201 Trueblood Avenue
Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577

Phone: 641-673-2173
Fax: 641-673-1098
Email: careerservices@wmpenn.edu