Step by Step Internship Guide

Think about your future dream job. What knowledge, skills, and abilities do you need for that role? Keep that in mind when looking for an internship.  

• Speak to an advisor regarding when to enroll for your internship
• Check course requirements and internship guidance in your department
  • Academic Internship Resources by Department 
  • Credit Internship Courses
• Internship Handbook for Students

• Professional Development Tools and Resources
  (Resumes, Interview Prep and more!)
• Cougar Career Closet - Free Professional Clothing 
• Free Professional Headshots

• S4 Academic Internship Database 
  • Login using your CSUSM username and password  
  • If interested in an internship posting, see the opportunity information for instructions on how to apply.   
• New Internship Alerts: Teams Channel: CSUSM Internships –Front Desk – New Academic Internship Opportunities  
• Handshake
• Company Websites, Online Search Engines (i.e. LinkedIn), Networking, etc. 

• Before You Apply:‎ ‎Academic Internship Policies

1. Receive an offer letter for your internship and obtain instructor approval
2. Ensure both Site and Internship Opportunity are in S4 Academic Internship Database
   
   
   • If BOTH Site Internship AND Internship opportunity are listed in S4:
     Move on to Stage 5
   • If either site or the internship opportunity are not listed in S4:
     • • My internship is UNPAID or paid via STIPEND:
         
         1. My employer/organization is not in the database.:
            Please refer to the steps for requesting a community partner. (Allow 2-6 weeks for processing). 
         2. My employer/organization is in the database but my internship opportunity is not listed:
            Please ask your site to complete the New Opportunity Form.
       • My internship is PAID HOURLY at least minimum wage via W2 employment. Please complete our W2 Internship Confirmation form. This form will be initiated by you, then sent to your employer to verify your employment, and then the Career Center will contact you to proceed to Stage 5.

Note: If you have not done so already, enroll in your academic internship course.  See our flowchart aid for Internship Placement 

• Officially “place” in internship in the S4 Academic Database 
  • Find site and opportunity and follow Placement Instructions 
  • Note: you will not be able to report placement in the database until you are enrolled in an internship course. 
• Complete necessary training and paperwork in S4 
  • Safety video, internship records, supervisor information, emergency contact, and professionalism knowledge check 
• Keep your instructor updated with your placement 
• Ensure you have reported your placement in the database prior to your first day 
  • Instructor will provide course internship information including when you may begin your internship, assignments/projects, timekeeping information, and more. 
  • Timesheet Example