Internships

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of an internship is to give students an opportunity to apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world problems and scenarios. In addition to offering opportunities to demonstrate technical proficiency, it is also a time to develop professional skills such as communication, collaboration, and networking aimed at learning industry specific frameworks, procedures, and processes.

Students can earn academic credit for CS related internships currently in-progress (either paid or unpaid) and will need to complete a CS Internship Work Plan.

Minimum Eligibility Qualifications:

  • Must be in good academic standing (2.0 major and cumulative GPA) prior to internship

  • Must complete at least one full semester (12 credits) at the University and at least one CS course prior to internship

  • Must be currently enrolled at The University of Arizona within the Department of Computer Science

  • Be declared a Computer Science major / minor

*Additional requirements may be needed for International students. For further guidance regarding CPT/OPT, please visit the ISS webpage.*

Student Interns Agree to:

  • Apply for internship credit at least one week before the beginning of the semester for credit to be earned.

  • Pay any registration fees associated with the credits to be earned (including summer and winter sessions).

  • Discuss with your prospective supervisor at the work sit the possible risks and dangers associated with the planned internship.

  • Uphold the University and Department Student Code of Conduct and Code of Academic Integrity as ambassadors to the community.

  • Complete all academic agreements and reporting requirements (Portfolio, Presentation, Updated Resume) as specified by the department.

Application Components (prior to course enrollment):

* Please contact your assigned Academic Advisor if you have any questions with the application process.

Reporting Requirements (due by the last day of class):

  • CS Internship Presentation Guidelines - Prepare a brief PowerPoint presentation that outlines your experiences and learning gained to share at later internship information sessions.

  • Updated Resume - Update resume to include internship experience that may be used in future internship or industry applications.

Internship Application Process:

  • Complete the updated CS Internship Work Plan (including all supporting documentation).

  • Send complete CS Internship Work Plan and Assessment to your assigned Academic Advisor for approval. Once approved, students will receive an email confirmation and guidelines for the Internship Portfolio and Presentation. 

Overview of Credit

  • Credit will appear on your schedule as CSC 493
  • CSC 493 is graded on a pass / fail scale and can be taken for 1, 2, or 3 units
  • Internship credits cannot be awarded retroactively for internship experiences performed during an earlier time
  • CSC 493 does not fulfill any CS major elective requirements (i.e. major elective courses for the BA / BS degrees) - please speak with your Academic Advisor for more information on this policy

Academic Contact Hours Chart

total hours worked 1 unit 2 units 3 units
Minimum 45 - 89 hours Eligible N/A N/A
89 - 134 hours Eligible Eligible N/A
> 135 hours Eligible Eligible Eligible

*i.e. students wanting to earn 3 units of internship credit over a 15 week semester will need to contribute at least 9 hours per week*

  • Login to Handshake and create / update your student profile
  • Attend the CS Career Fair and / or STEM Career Fair
  • Read the Computer Science Weekly Newsletter for internship opportunities
  • Meet with the Coordinator of Career Development to find opportunities specific to your interests

Many employers are interested in advertising their position to active members, and they find the best route to follow is to make a direct connection with the club / organization. Involvement in student clubs / organizations (technical or non-technical) demonstrates active participation beyond the classroom. In addition, personal projects are a great way to demonstrate application of knowledge and skills to areas of interest.

 

International students should start by contacting ISS to learn more about CPT guidelines. Once you have spoken with ISS, please follow these steps to complete your CPT application:

  • Secure a written offer for an internship
  • Complete the Internship Work Plan with manager / supervisor
  • Submit Internship Work Plan by emailing your documents to your assigned Academic Advisor.
  • Submit CPT Application form with ISS and provide Arthur as department contact
  • Once all forms and documents are reviewed, students are enrolled in the appropriate amount of units for CSC 493