Internship Course FAQs

Where can I go to find an internship?

Handshake, specific companies’ websites, UTRGV Career and Internship Expos, student organizations, VCoBE information sessions, and other online career portals such as Indeed.com, LinkedIn, or Monster.com.

Where can I find help to build or improve my resume/interview skills?

You can make an appointment with our VCOBE internship advisors at cobe.internships@utrgv.edu or visit https://www.utrgv.edu/careercenter/ to make an appointment with the Career Center advisors. It is highly recommended that you also make an appointment at Career Center to participate in mock interviews to polish your interviewing skills.

Is it required that I obtain the internship through Handshake in order for me to enroll in the course?

We recommend Handshake as our university’s tool to look for internships and other career-related information. However, you can find internships through specific companies’ websites and other online career portals. As long as the internship’s functions align with the course, how you got your internship makes no difference.

Do I have to enroll in the internship course while I am working as an intern?

Yes. The course and internship have to be completed simultaneously.

Are the internship courses taught face-to-face or online?

he internship courses are taught online. Student taking these courses are required to turn in journals and reflection essays based on the learning outcomes from their internship. Also, the instructor will send a performance evaluation to the intern’s supervisor.

Do I have to obtain an internship that aligns with my major or can I explore other options?

It is best that your internship is related to your major because it will provide work experience and skills in the industry where you are planning to work when you graduate. However, you would still receive credit for an internship class outside your major, and it will count as an elective in your degree plan.

What if I chose to do an internship that does not correspond to my major?

You need to enroll in the internship course that best aligns with the job functions of your internship regardless of the internship being outside your major. All internship classes at VCOBE count as an upper level elective for your degree plan.

You can do an internship that does not correspond to your major, however, this kind of internship cannot be aligned with your degree by taking the internship course.

Is it okay to do an uncompensated internship?

It is possible to work as an intern without compensation, but we strongly recommend that you seek a compensated internship.

Does the internship have to be compensated for me to enroll in the course?

Internships can be compensated or unpaid. However, at the Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship, we strongly encourage you to seek a compensated internship. To enroll on the internship class, compensation makes no difference.

Can I do an internship on campus?

Yes. And even work-study, direct wage hires, assistantships, and students enrolled in the SEI program can turn their jobs into internships, as long as their functions are meaningful with specific learning outcomes that allow business professional development.

Can I turn a regular part time job into an internship so I can enroll in the class?

Yes, as long as:

a) You are performing a different function than you have previously done for your employer, which allows for your professional development,

b) You’re working for a different supervisor, and/or

c) You complete a specific project for your employer that is beyond the scope of what you were hired to do originally.

Your instructor will determine if your new functions align with the intended outcomes before you’re approved to enroll in the course.

Can I obtain an internship if I am an international business student?

Yes, as long as you have checked with the International Admissions and Student Services Office at UTRGV to verify and comply with visa requirements. Normally international students are required to enroll in the internship course before they are granted the visa necessary to work off-campus. Visit https://www.utrgv.edu/iass/index.htm for more information.

Can I do an internship as a Master’s level business student?

Yes, your MBA director can guide you to the right course to take for academic credit.

How many credits do I receive for this course?

Three (3) academic credit hours

What if my questions is not in this FAQ list?

For more information, please email us at cobe.internships@utrgv.edu

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship Division of Provost

Internship Course FAQs