Human Services Internship

Internship Guidelines

The following guidelines have been set by Gordon State College for students seeking academic credit through any professional internship program:

1. Students are responsible for arranging their own internship. A list of interested agencies will be available each semester. (See Pre-Approved Internship Partners link below for examples.)
2. Internships will be arranged only with an approved human services agency or organization relevant to the student's career aspirations. (See Pre-Approved Internship Partners link below for examples.)
3. The 9 credit hour internship consists of 337.5 contact hours*. During a typical semester, students work an average of 22.5 hours per week over a 15 week period. For each of the 15 weeks, the student must work a minimum of 5 hours. The 6 credit hour internship consists of 225 contact hours*. During a typical semester, students work an average of 15 hours per week over a 15 week period. For each of the 15 weeks, the student must work a minimum of 5 hours. A 3 credit hour internship consists of 112.5 contact hours*. The 3 credit hour internship requires students to work an average of 7.5 hours per week over a 15 week period. The 3 credit hour internship can be completed in approximately 8 weeks with an average of 14 hours per week at the internship site. A total of two placements may be used to accumulate required hours.
4. The internship is expected to provide the student with hands-on experience that helps them develop the knowledge and skills required to gain entry into their field.
5. Students must have professional level supervision at the work site while also reporting to the GSC internship coordinator. Supervisors must have at least a bachelor's degree (a master's degree is preferred) in a human services related field. The supervisor must also have at least 2 years of significant work experience.
6. Students are expected to complete an Internship Application prior to starting their internship.
7. Students must complete an Internship Objectives form with their on-site supervisor by the end of their 1st week. This form should be turned into the GSC internship coordinator.
8. Student must keep a time log of all hours worked that includes a description of activities and an end of the week summary identifying objectives addressed.
9. The student is expected to meet with the internship coordinator at regular intervals during the semester of internship service.
10. The on-site supervisor will provide an evaluation of student's performance to the internship coordinator in the middle and at end of student's active service period. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they are evaluated twice during their internship at both of these points; the internship coordinator may utilize this as element in calculating course grade.
11. A written project will be required of each student for completion of the internship and assignment of academic credit; form and extent of the written project rests with the internship coordinator. (Additional information will be found in course syllabus.)
12. The internship description should specify whether the position is paid or unpaid and, if paid, specify salary or stipend amount. See additional notes for unpaid internships below.

*Contact hours include working hours and do not include mealtime, commuting or other non-work activities. A limited number of hours spent in training or workshops that are recommended by the intern's supervisor may be included in the student's contact hours.

In addition to the above, all unpaid internships supported by Gordon State College should meet the following six criteria established by the U.S. Department of Labor as "fair hiring practice":

1. The internship, even though it includes actual operation of the facilities of the employer, is similar to training which would be given in an educational environment.
2. The internship experience is for the benefit of the intern.
3. The intern does not displace regular employees, but works under close supervision of existing staff.
4. The employer that provides the training derives no immediate advantage from the activities of the intern; and on occasion its operations may actually be impeded.
5. The intern is not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship.
6. The employer and the intern understand that the intern is not entitled to wages for the time spent in the internship.

Internship Steps

1. Contact internship locations the semester before you plan to enroll in HUSV 4900 and discuss the availability of an internship opportunity.
2. Get all the information from the internship location to complete the internship application.
3. Submit the online internship application six weeks prior to the beginning the internship. (The Internship Coordinator will use this information to determine if the proposed internship qualifies for credit in HUSV 4900.)
4. Complete the Internship Learning Objectives Form, with the assistance of your site supervisor, to detail your internship goals.
5. Begin recording hours and activities from the beginning of the internship experience.
6. Attend any scheduled internship class meetings.
7. Complete internship hours and complete internship report. (Details are provided in the course syllabus.)

INTERNSHIP EVALUATION

Apply Now For Internship

Exit Survey

Internship Resources

NOTE: These online resources will open in a new window

Optional Pre-Approved Internship Sites (pdf)

Potential Healthcare-related Internship Sites (pdf)

Please review all guidelines before your initial meeting with the internship coordinator.