Undergraduate Internships

Internship Director

For general information about internships at West Chester University, please visit www.wcupa.edu/internships.

Each computer science major can complete one 6-credit internship as the course CSC400. This internship requires 14 weeks or 560 hrs of work and may be done on a full time or part time basis spread out over more than one semester if necessary.

Student Responsibilities

1. Applying for the internship program.

   A student can apply for an internship if he or she meets the following requirements:
   • Completion of CSC 141,142, 240, 241; MAT 151, 161 (each with a C- or better)
   • CSC GPA of 2.5 or better and a MAT GPA of 2.0 or better

   Certain opportunities require early application, so that the student may apply before all requirements are completed. Under these and other conditions the Internship Director may permit a student to start the internship before all requirements are met. Feel free to visit the Internship Director and discuss the internship program at any time, even before all these requirements are met.

   To officially apply for the internship program you must complete the application form. Additionally, students should make an appointment with the Internship Director to discuss opportunities and the details of the internship program. This should be done during the semester before you intend to do your internship. If you are ready to begin looking for an internship, bring the completed application form with you.

2. Finding an internship

   Before looking for an internship, students should prepare an up-to-date resume. Check with the Career Development Center for help with preparing your resume.

   The Internship Director maintains an up-to-date database of companies looking for student interns accessible via the Job Database link. A student must have an account on the Computer Science Student Linux server (taz) to access this database — it is only useable on campus.

   The database can be searched for jobs which fits the student's needs, and when one is found, the student should send a resume along with a cover letter to the contact person listed. The cover letter should include:

   • the fact that you are a WCU computer science major looking for an internship,
   • when you will be available to work,
   • whether you can work full time or part time,
   • any other pertinent information.

   Hopefully you will be called in for an interview, and receive an offer. The pay you receive is up to the prospective employer.

   Students can also try to find an internship on their own. This may be done by following up on opportunities provided by other students, friends, or relatives, or through ads.

3. Submitting an Offer Letter

   Before starting your internship, you must submit an offer letter to the Internship Director from the company which is sponsoring this internship for you. This letter must be on company letterhead, addressed to the Internship Director, and signed by your supervisor or employer. It should state that the company has offered you an internship, and provide your job description and responsibilities.

4. Registering and grading

   Once an offer of an internship is made the student should see the Internship Director about registering for the internship, and the required forms that need to be submitted to obtain a grade. All the forms needed can be obtained from this website.

   When you register for an internship you are registering for an official WCU course, for which you will receive a grade. Your grade will be based on

   • Your supervisor's evaluation
   • The quality of your summary reports
   • The timely submission of all required forms

   In many cases the semester in which you have registered for the internship will end before completing the internship requirements. In this situation the student receives an NG (no grade) which is replaced by a letter grade as soon as the internship requirements have been met and all forms have been received.

Things to do to apply for an internship

1. Fill out an Application Form
and bring a hard copy of your application and internship information forms.
2. Prepare your resume.
3. Find an internship opportunity.
4. Prepare for the job interview.