Career, Professional Development and Internships

An internship is a short-term learning experience that allows students to take the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and apply them in a professional setting. Internships provide students the opportunity to learn from professionals and explore potential career options in a wide variety of disciplines and industries. An internship should be recognized as a professional development opportunity where the student is directly supervised and mentored by a staff member at the organization. Interns are given responsibilities beyond basic administrative or clerical tasks, rather focusing on more project-based experiences.

The ideal timeline is that students should begin searching for internships 6-12 months in advance of their preferred start date. For summer internships, most employers begin recruiting students in September / October of the year before, so be prepared to apply early in the academic year! It should also be noted that students do not have to wait until their junior and senior year to apply for an internship. Most employers typically recruit juniors and seniors, but students can participate in an internship at any point during their college career.

Check out upcoming events and look at resources with ASU’s Career and Professional Development Services.

Students with approved internships and submission of completed documentation may enroll in HON 484. Specific HON 484 assignments will vary based on the instructor teaching the course. Grading is based on the following general course elements: course participation, discussion boards, written reflections, timesheets, and supervisor evaluations. Students are expected to maintain regular contact with their internship supervisors and meet all agreed-upon expectations for the duration of the internship.

No, Barrett does not require internships for graduation, but your major might. While an internship isn't an honors requirement, certain ASU degree programs do mandate them. We highly recommend checking in with your major academic advisor to see how an internship fits into your specific degree path.

Beyond checking a box, internships are among the absolute best ways to gain hands-on, experiential learning outside the classroom and significantly boost your hiring potential after graduation.

Most students complete an internship during their junior or senior year; however, the first two years are a great time to research available options, build a skill set, make networking connections, and learn about the process. Start by getting involved in Barrett opportunities, such as: Life Prep, Barrett Fellows, student employment, and involvement and leadership.