INTERNSHIP PROCESS

Internships are an essential component of a student’s college education. 

COLFA believes that internships are an essential component of a student’s college education. Internships allow students to obtain work experience, gain knowledge of key operations, explore a chosen career path, improve teamwork and communications skills, and increase marketability and value to employers. View the steps below to learn more about the process!

*PLEASE NOTE: Students pursuing internships for Academic Credit (3 or 6 credit courses) are required to submit forms for processing and registration NO LATER THAN the last day to add a class in ASAP for a given semester. Late forms will not be accepted.

STEP 1: Eligibility
To determine academic prerequisite requirements for a credit-based internship, check the catalog of your major. You may also meet with your academic advisor to verify eligibility for a for-credit internship. If you do not meet requirements for a for-credit internship, you may choose to complete the internship for professional experience (non-credit).

STEP 2: Explore Your Options
Once you’ve determined your eligibility, utilize Handshake to find internship opportunities that meet your academic and professional goals.

STEP 3: Apply for the Internship
Please review the requirements for the internship opportunity and reach out to the company contact to inquire about the internship. Click here to explore the best methods for reaching out to employers: https://www.themuse.com/advice/ask-for-an-internship-email-examples. Also, meet with the UTSA Career Center for cover letter and resume review.

STEP 4: Complete the COLFA Student Internship Application Form
Once your employer has confirmed your internship, please:

For-Credit Internships
1) Start the COLFA Internship Application Process.
 For-Credit COLFA Internship Application

Non-Credit Internships
1) Complete the Non-Credit Internship Application.
Non-Credit COLFA Internship Application

2) Add the Internship Experience to Your UTSA Transcript

STEP 5: Send your employer the COLFA Employer Partner Form (for academic credit internships only)
If you are seeking academic credit for your internship, please have your employer complete the Employer Partner Form. COLFA Employer Partner Form

STEP 6: COLFA Center for Student Excellence will review your information (for academic credit internships only)
Once all information is complete, a member from the COLFA Student Success Center (Center for Student Excellence) will review your information and notify you and the academic department that you are eligible for registration.  Confirm with your academic advisor if you have questions about how an internship course will fit into your degree plan.