Frequently Asked Questions
Terminology and Definitions
1. What is the difference between internships and co-ops?
2. Are internships and co-ops full or part time?
3. Are internships and co-ops paid or unpaid?
4. What are pay rates for co-ops and paid internships?
General Questions
5. What happens when I leave campus for a semester co-op experience?
6. Do employers provide housing?
7. Am I guaranteed a co-op or internship position?
8. When do most employers recruit for internships and co-ops?
9. I am a freshman/sophomore/junior/senior. When is the best time to look for internships and co-ops?
10. If I am studying abroad, how can I find a summer internship or co-op?
Eligibility Requirements
11. Are there eligibility requirements for the Isenberg Internship Program?
Searching for and Applying to Internships and Co-ops
12. Where are the best resources on campus for finding great inernships and co-ops?
13. Can I do an internship or co-op abroad?
14. Why is networking a key factor in finding great internship or co-op opportunities?
15. Do I write or call employers?
16. Is it okay to use email to contact employers?
17. How many letters and resumes should I send out?
18. What should I put in my resume for an internship or co-op?
19. What should my objective say? Does it have to be detailed or specific?
Questions Regarding Academic Credits
20. Can I earn departmental credits for an internship?
21. What if I have already earned the maximum departmental credits and am required to get credits by my internship employer?
22. Why does the Isenberg Internship Program require me to get credit if I am not getting paid hourly and am receiving a stipend?
23. Can I get credits if I am getting paid?
24. How do I register the credits during fall/summer?
25. Can I get credit for an internship I have found on my own?
Terminology and Definitions
1. What is the difference between internships and co-ops?
A: Definitions for these experiences vary from university to employers. UMASS and the ISENBERG School eRecruiting use these terms in the following manner:
• "Co-op" usually refers to a summer or summer/semester based full time work experience. UMASS and the ISENBERG school use the term CO-OP to define a work experience that is PAID HOURLY.
• "Co-op" is a special, non credit bearing full time status given to students through the University so that insurance coverage continues uninterrupted and any loans do not come due.
• Co-op students can register for credits during the work experience. However, certain restrictions apply. Please check with the Internship Program director for additional information.
• Internship usually refers to a one time work assignment, most often in the summer, but not always. UMASS and the ISENBERG school use the term INTERNSHIP to refer to any unpaid opportunity that requires students to be registered for academic credits.
• Internships are generally, but not always, part time.
However, beware: Not all employers use these terms consistently or with consistent meanings.
• Some employers use the term "co-op" to refer to a one- or two-term work assignment. Some use the term "internship" to refer to a paid, full time, summer opportunity.
When you talk with employers about their programs, make absolutely sure you know what their program requirements are, and know what they expect of you.
2. Are internships and co-ops full or part time?
A: Internships can be either; depends on employers needs and the way each employer chooses to structure an internship program. Some internship programs are very formal and structured, while others offer more flexibility to negotiate terms.
Co-ops are, in most cases, full time. Some local area employers do seek part time co-ops during the semester. These are paid hourly and the minimum hourly requirement is 20 hours per week to be considered a part time co-op.
3. Are internships and co-ops paid or unpaid?
A: Depends on how the employer is using the term. UMASS defines an internship as unpaid and requires academic credit. Some internships do provide stipends or reimbursements for travel, mileage, etc.
Co-ops are always paid hourly position.
4. What are pay rates for co-ops and paid internships?
A: Pay rates for co-ops and paid internship positions vary greatly among employers and geographic locations. Each employer sets its own pay rates.
General Questions
5. What happens when I leave campus for a semester co-op experience?
A: You are coded "co-op" by the registrar's office -which means you are on a special full time status and not withdrawn. This ensures that your insurance coverage continues and that no loans you may have taken come due. (If you were withdrawn from the University, loans would come due in 6 months).
Students should meet with an academic advisor (in their academic department or with an Undergraduate Advisor) to determine how being away from campus will impact your academic progress.
6. Do employers provide housing?
A: This varies widely. A very few provide housing; some rent free, some require you to pay rent. Some employers provide assistance finding housing. Some provide financial assistance or allowance for moving and/or housing. If you get an offer for an opportunity and the employer has not explained exactly what help is provided, you should ask.
7. Am I guaranteed a co-op or internship position?
A: No. Applying for a co-op or internship position is competitive. Employers evaluate your resume and compare you to your peers in the Isenberg School of Massachusetts, and for some postings, with you peers University wide.
Factors leading to success in obtaining an interview and being offered an opportunity include: A well written resume that highlights strong GPAs and academic success, appropriate extracurricular experiences, leadership roles and work experience. However, other factors are involved in employer decisions such as supply and demand for student candidates.
During an interview, employers evaluate your interpersonal and communication skills. Employers are looking for genuine interest (you can demonstrate some knowledge about the employer/industry) and enthusiasm (you can answer the question: "Why should I hire you?") when deciding between candidates.
Some industries have a higher demand for student interns or co-ops than others. Be sure to explore a variety of options and apply to multiple opportunities.
8. When do most employers recruit for internships and co-ops?
A: For summer co-ops and internships, start looking in the fall and continue your search through spring semester. Some employers recruit only in the FALL and others do the majority of summer hiring in the spring. Most employers have completed the process of interviewing by mid March. However, in some industries, opportunities can be posted well into May.
Use school breaks (Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks) to make contacts at home through family, friends, neighbors.
For semester based co-ops, start looking the semester prior to the time you'd like to be on co-op.
9. I am a freshman/sophomore/junior/senior. When is the best time to look for internships and co-ops?
A: All students should take advantage of the many networking and career related activities that are planned throughout the year. Each of these is an opportunity to meet and make a connection with a potential employer.
Freshmen: Learning about employers and potential internships and co-ops is an ongoing process and the sooner you begin, the more you will understand about different industries, employers and internship and co-op application timelines and requirements.
Sophomores: There are many opportunities to meet employers throughout the academic year. (link to activities) 2nd semester is a great time to look into opportunities as there are employers who will consider you for the summer. Attend the Co-op and Summer Internship Fair held in early February. Ask employers about "EXTERNSHIP" opportunities as well. These are unpaid, short term experiences which expose you to an employer and its employees.
More and more sophomores are getting internships and many of them are unpaid, credit required internships. Some are paid, co-ops during the summer. Please read about Credits for Internships and Co-ops to learn more about eligibility and other issues related to credits.
Juniors: Juniors need to be diligent about their search. You need to make time during each semester to dedicate yourself to this if you are serious about having an opportunity. If you have spent time previously learning about employers and gathering information about application timeframes, you will be well ahead of the game.
Make sure your resume is written before you begin the process. You will also need cover letters for some opportunities. Begin looking in the Fall semester and attend Isenberg Career Day if you can. Many employers at the Fair will have information about their summer (or semester co-op) programs. Apply to opportunities posted in the fall semester. You may have an internship or co-op offer by December.
The majority of employers seeking summer students will recruit in the spring semester. Opportunities are posted as early as January and will continue into March. Many of the competitive internships or co-ops are posted and recruited for early. Most employers are finished with the process by mid March and offers are being made into April. A handful of employers will continue to post opportunities well into the semester and early summer. Check erecruiting!
Seniors: Some seniors continue to look for ways to build their resumes as they move into a search for full time, post graduate career opportunities. A fall semester internship may be beneficial for both personal and professional growth.
Seniors interested in a semester internship should look during the summer or preceding semester. There are a variety of very good local (Western MA) internships available through both the Isenberg and UMASS Erecruiting systems.
10. If I am studying abroad, how can I find a summer internship or co-op?
A: PLANNING is key. Planning when you study abroad should also be coupled with thinking about internships and co-ops. You will need to be proactive about meeting with and keeping in touch with employers about opportunities before you leave. The Isneberg Internship Program director encourages students to apply for semester based internships following a study abroad experience to help to continue to build your resume.
Being abroad second semester Junior year can make your search especially challenging for several reasons:
• Your return home date may not coincide with internship or co-op training programs. Few employers can be flexible but others cannot make exceptions.
• You will not be able to attend the Co-op and Summer Job Fair in February
• You are not available to interview in person
Eligibility Requirements
11. Are there eligibility requirements for the Isenberg Internship Program?
A: Yes. INTERNSHIPS require that you have a 2.0 GPA and have 45 accumulated credits and are in good academic standing.
CO-OPS require good academic standing - not on probation, not suspended.
Searching for and Applying to Internships and Co-ops
12. Where are the best resources on campus for finding great inernships and co-ops?
A: eRecruiting. The online database where students manage theire application process.'
There are 2 systems on campus - use both for best results!
Isenberg's eRecruiting database will include only internships and co-ops specific to Isenberg majors. Start your search here. You will not find duplicate postings in the UMASS and Isenberg databases.
UMASS' Career Services eRecruiting database will list opportunities for all university majors - which include ISOM majors. Many employers seek business majors but they also seek talented students in other majors, too. Limiting your search to only the ISENBERG site will limit the number of opportunities you will find.
Keep in mind that eRecruiting represents only a segment of the job market. The majority of employers who post opportunities here have either formal college recruiting programs OR may be from alums in companies who do or do not have college recruiting programs.
Link to Erecruiting
13. Can I do an internship or co-op abroad?
A: The London Internship Program offers internships in London. This program is directed by the International Programs Office and information can be found in the International Programs Office in Hills South on campus. For additional countries, it is important for American students to research issues around visa requirements for working in non-US based corporations. You can research companies that have offices over seas and look into the process of application for these opportunities. The Isenberg Internship Program, does not list or solicit these openings and thus if you are interested, you need to do the leg work.
14. Why is networking a key factor in finding great internship or co-op opportunities?
A: WHO you know coupled with WHAT you know makes all the difference in the world - not just for finding internships and jobs but for other important life challenges and events. More than 80% of all jobs are found through networking.
Just knowing someone may get you so far - but WHAT you know and how you communicate that information- about yourself as a candidate, and an industry, company or specific opportunity will impress the WHO and has a greater influence on locating potential opportunities than just WHO you know.
Many students are intimidated by what they think they know about "networking". While there are etiquette rules around the more formal aspects of business networking, students can begin the process by seeking out and talking with their peers. You can learn a lot of information about an internship or co-op by talking to someone who has had the experience. You'll meet these people in class, in clubs, through the CEIP program, in residence halls.
Networking with employers, family, friends and others is a vital avenue for creating opportunities. Think about who you know - you will be surprised by how many people could potentially lead you to opportunities. The Chase Career Center Alumni Mentor Program matches students with alumni in a variety of careers.
Networking begins when you meet someone who works or has had an internship in a field that interests you. This could be an upper classmen who has had an internship or co-op. This could be your friend's dad or mom. This could be your aunt or uncle or cousin. This could be a faculty member. This could be an employer representative you meet at an Isenberg or school/club related event.
Opportunities to meet people abound. Take advantage of them!
15. Do I write or call employers?
A: There are several answers to this question.
For internships or co-ops you find posted on campus in erecruiting, always follow the application instructions.
For internship or co-op advertisements you find in online or printed media, follow instructions. If you are interested in working for a company but no internship or co-op is listed, you may do the following:
1. Write a targeted letter to a specific individual (you know through networking, found a name on a website, etc), and follow up with a phone call
OR
2. Call the company for more information (such as the name of the person to whom you should write) and follow up with a cover letter and resume.
Consider your timeline as well. For example, if you are hoping to schedule visits to an employer during spring break and spring break is just two weeks away, your time may be best spent making telephone calls or sending emails where appropriate.
16. Is it okay to use email to contact employers?
A: IF the employer has provided an email address, it is certainly acceptable to use e-mail. In some eRecruiting postings, you will see employer contact info including phone and e-mail.
DO treat e-mail as a method of business correspondence and use the same rules as for traditional letter writing:
• accurate spelling and grammar
• courteous tone
• clear signature block with your return email address
• use Mr./ Ms./Dr in your salutation. (When writing to women, you never know if they are married or not. "Ms." is always the best salutation in all cases.)
• don't assume familiarity of using first names unless specifically invited to do so
• Use a meaningful subject line that will get attention -and not get deleted by recipients who may have no clue who you are
17. How many letters and resumes should I send out?
A:
18. What should I put in my resume for an internship or co-op?
A: See resume guidelines (link to toolkit).
19. What should my objective say? Does it have to be detailed or specific?
A: It can be very simple. First, make sure your objective clearly states that you are seeking an "internship", "summer position", or "co-op". Don't make the employer guess.
Do not include phrases like "to gain experience in my field". The employer knows you want experience, but the employer doesn't necessarily know what "my field" is - be clear about which field you are pursuing.
Don't say "to gain experience related to my major". Jobs are not organized by major and it is not the employer's job to figure out how your major may relate to an available opportunity.
Don't say "to offer hard work and dedication to the company while adding value to the bottom line".
Clear objectives reflect that you understand what the nature of the opportunity is and that it makes sense for you based on your academic interests and experience.
Some examples of clear objectives are:
• "Summer internship in financial service firm with exposure to research and stock analysis"
• "Semester co-op at IBM in accounting or finance related business function"
Questions regarding Academic Credits
20. Can I earn departmental credits for an internship?
A: BBA candidates in the Isenberg School of Management student can receive 3 credits from their individual major departments. These departmental credits are issued to declared majors only, are pass/fail and require departmental faculty sponsorship.
BS candidates should check with their departments or read additional information here: (link to Credits for Internships and Co-ops/BS Majors)
21. What if I have already earned the maximum departmental credits and am required to get credits by my internship employer?
A: Isenberg students can also receive UMASS 298Y graduation credits. However, it is important to understand that these credits DO NOT fulfill any ISOM requirements for the school or your major. Nor can these be treated as non-business electives. See the program director for additional information about faculty sponsorship for these credits.
If you receive UMASS 298 credits, it is important to plan carefully to ensure that you take the required 60 credits of coursework outside of business or you could need more than the normal 120 credits to graduate.
22. Why does the Isenberg Internship Program require me to get credit if I am not getting paid hourly and am receiving a stipend?
A: It's all about liability. If you are working for an employer and are being paid hourly, you are covered by the employer's workman's compensation insurance in case of damage done to company property.
However, if you are NOT being paid hourly, and you have an accident and damage equipment or company property, you are not covered. If you are registered for credit, you would be covered by the University in case of an accident.
Other important factors to consider:
If you are registered for credits through the University, then your internship has been approved by the Isenberg Internship Program and considered part of a University program.
23. Can I get credits if I am getting paid?
A: Yes. This is called a "Co-op with Credit". Meet first with staff in the Isenberg Internship Program about your desire for credits while on co-op. You'll need to find a faculty sponsor and complete the academic contract and then register these credits through Continuing Education.
24. How do I register the credits during fall/summer?
A: Fall/Spring semesters - credits are registered THROUGH the department. You need to let your departmental administrator know you've signed up for these credits.
Summer/Wintersession - credits are registered through Continuing Ed. You will be given a registration form in the Chase Career Center after completing your academic contract.
25. Can I get credit for an internship I have found on my own?
A: Yes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Terminology and Definitions
Q: What is the difference between internships and co-ops?
A: Definitions for these experiences vary from university to employers. UMASS and the ISENBERG School use these terms in the following manner:
• "Co-op" usually refers to a summer or summer/semester based full time work experience. UMASS and the ISENBERG school use the term CO-OP to define a work experience that is PAID HOURLY.
• "Co-op" is a special, non credit bearing full time status given to students through the University so that insurance coverage continues uninterrupted and any loans do not come due.
• Co-op students can register for credits during the work experience. However, certain restrictions apply. Please check with the Internship Program director for additional information.
• Internship usually refers to a one time work assignment, most often in the summer, but not always. UMASS and the ISENBERG school use the term INTERNSHIP to refer to any unpaid opportunity that requires students to be registered for academic credits.
• Internships are generally, but not always, part time.
However, beware: Not all employers use these terms consistently or with consistent meanings.
• Some employers use the term "co-op" to refer to a one- or two-term work assignment. Some use the term "internship" to refer to a paid, full time, summer opportunity.
When you talk with employers about their programs, make absolutely sure you know what their program requirements are, and know what they expect of you.
Q: Are internships and co-ops full or part time?
A: Internships can be either; depends on employers needs and the way each employer chooses to structure an internship program. Some internship programs are very formal and structured, while others offer more flexibility to negotiate terms.
Co-ops are, in most cases, full time. Some local area employers do seek part time co-ops during the semester. These are paid hourly and the minimum hourly requirement is 20 hours per week to be considered a part time co-op.
Q: Are internships and co-ops paid or unpaid?
A: Depends on how the employer is using the term. UMASS defines an internship as unpaid and requires academic credit. Some internships do provide stipends or reimbursements for travel, mileage, etc.
Co-ops are always paid hourly position.
Q: What are pay rates for co-ops and paid internships?
A: Pay rates for co-ops and paid internship positions vary greatly among employers and geographic locations. Each employers sets its own pay rates; the Chase Career Center does not dictate pay scales but advises employers to know what other companies in their industry pay and to be competitive in their rates.
Be aware that in some fields such as communications, financial planning and brokerage, media, broadcasting and some marketing related industries, unpaid internships are common. Many of these internship do require academic credits to be taken during the course of the internship period. See eligibility and internship credit requirements for additional information.
General Questions
Q: What happens when I leave campus for a semester co-op experience?
A: You are coded "co-op" by the registrar's office -which means you are on a special full time status and not withdrawn. This ensures that your insurance coverage continues and that no loans you may have taken come due. (If you were withdrawn from the University, loans would come due in 6 months).
Students should meet with an academic advisor (in their academic department or with an Undergraduate Advisor) to determine how being away from campus will impact your academic progress.
Q: Do employers provide housing?
A: This varies widely. A very few provide housing; some rent free, some require you to pay rent. Some employers provide assistance finding housing. Some provide financial assistance or allowance for moving and/or housing. If you get an offer for an opportunity and the employer has not explained exactly what help is provided, you should ask.
Q: Am I guaranteed a co-op or internship position?
A: No. Applying for a co-op or internship position is competitive. Employers evaluate your resume and compare you to your peers in the Isenberg School of Massachusetts, and for some postings, with you peers University wide.
Factors leading to success in obtaining an interview and being offered an opportunity include: A well written resume that highlights strong GPAs and academic success, appropriate extracurricular experiences, leadership roles and work experience. However, other factors are involved in employer decisions such as supply and demand for student candidates.
During an interview, employers evaluate your interpersonal and communication skills. Employers are looking for genuine interest (you can demonstrate some knowledge about the employer/industry) and enthusiasm (you can answer the question: "Why should I hire you?") when deciding between candidates.
Some industries have a higher demand for student interns or co-ops than others. Be sure to explore a variety of options and apply to multiple opportunities.
Q: When do most employers recruit for internships and co-ops?
A: For summer co-ops and internships, start looking in the fall and continue your search through spring semester. Some employers recruit only in the FALL and others do the majority of summer hiring in the spring. Most employers have completed the process of interviewing by mid March. However, in some industries, opportunities can be posted well into May.
Use school breaks (Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks) to make contacts at home through family, friends, neighbors.
For semester based co-ops, start looking the semester prior to the time you'd like to be on co-op.
Q: I am a freshman/sophomore/junior/senior. When is the best time to look for internships and co-ops?
A: All students should take advantage of the many networking and career related activities that are planned throughout the year. Each of these is an opportunity to meet and make a connection with a potential employer.
Freshmen: It is uncommon that employers will have either internships or co-ops for first year students. Most employers are seeking students with at least some college experience under their belt and some evidence of hard work, GPA, extracurricular involvement, etc.
However, learning about employers and potential internships and co-ops is an ongoing process and the sooner you begin, the more you will understand about different industries, employers and internship and co-op application timelines and requirements.
Sophomores: There are many opportunities to meet employers throughout the academic year. (link to activities) 2nd semester is a great time to look into opportunities as there are employers who will consider you for the summer. Attend the Co-op and Summer Internship Fair held in early February. Ask employers about "EXTERNSHIP" opportunities as well. These are unpaid, short term experiences which expose you to an employer and its employees.
More and more sophomores are getting internships and many of them are unpaid, credit required internships. Some are paid, co-ops during the summer. Please read about Credits for Internships and Co-ops to learn more about eligibility and other issues related to credits.
Juniors: Juniors need to be diligent about their search. You need to make time during each semester to dedicate yourself to this if you are serious about having an opportunity. If you have spent time previously learning about employers and gathering information about application timeframes, you will be well ahead of the game.
Make sure your resume is written before you begin the process. You will also need cover letters for some opportunities. Begin looking in the Fall semester and attend Isenberg Career Day if you can. Many employers at the Fair will have information about their summer (or semester co-op) programs. Apply to opportunities posted in the fall semester. You may have an internship or co-op offer by December.
The majority of employers seeking summer students will recruit in the spring semester. Opportunities are posted as early as January and will continue into March. Many of the competitive internships or co-ops are posted and recruited for early. Most employers are finished with the process by mid March and offers are being made into April. A handful of employers will continue to post opportunities well into the semester and early summer. Check erecruiting!
Seniors: Some seniors continue to look for ways to build their resumes as they move into a search for full time, post graduate career opportunities. A fall semester internship may be beneficial for both personal and professional growth.
Seniors interested in a semester internship should look during the summer or preceding semester. There are a variety of very good local (Western MA) internships available through both the Isenberg and UMASS Erecruiting systems.
Q: If I am studying abroad, how can I find a summer internship or co-op?
A: PLANNING is key. Planning when you study abroad should also be coupled with thinking about internships and co-ops. You will need to be proactive about meeting with and keeping in touch with employers about opportunities before you leave. You need to be prepared to face not having an internship or co-op despite your best efforts. The Isneberg Internship Program director encourages students to apply for semester based internships following a study abroad experience to help to continue to build your resume.
Being abroad second semester Junior year can make your search especially challenging for several reasons:
• Your return home date may not coincide with internship or co-op training programs. Few employers can be flexible but others cannot make exceptions.
• You will not be able to attend the Co-op and Summer Job Fair in February
• You are not available to interview in person
Eligibility Requirements
Q: Are there eligibility requirements for the Isenberg Internship Program?
A: Yes. INTERNSHIPS require that you have a 2.0 GPA and have 45 accumulated credits and are in good academic standing.
CO-OPS require good academic standing - not on probation, not suspended.
Searching for and Applying to Internships and Co-ops
Q: Where are the best resources on campus for finding great inernships and co-ops?
A: eRecruiting. The online database where students manage theire application process.'
There are 2 systems on campus - use both for best results!
Isenberg's eRecruiting database will include only internships and co-ops specific to Isenberg majors. Start your search here. You will not find duplicate postings in the UMASS and Isenberg databases.
UMASS' Career Services eRecruiting database will list opportunities for all university majors - which include ISOM majors. Many employers seek business majors but they also seek talented students in other majors, too. Limiting your search to only the ISENBERG site will limit the number of opportunities you will find.
Keep in mind that eRecruiting represents only a segment of the job market. The majority of employers who post opportunities here have either formal college recruiting programs OR may be from alums in companies who do or do not have college recruiting programs.
Link to Erecruiting
Q: Can I do an internship or co-op abroad?
A: The London Internship Program offers internships in London. This program is directed by the International Programs Office and information can be found in the International Programs Office in Hills South on campus. For additional countries, it is important for American students to research issues around visa requirements for working in non-US based corporations. You can research companies that have offices over seas and look into the process of application for these opportunities. The Isenberg Internship Program, does not list or solicit these openings and thus if you are interested, you need to do the leg work.
Q: Why is networking a key factor in finding great internship or co-op opportunities?
A: WHO you know coupled with WHAT you know makes all the difference in the world - not just for finding internships and jobs but for other important life challenges and events. More than 80% of all jobs are found through networking.
Just knowing someone may get you so far - but WHAT you know and how you communicate that information- about yourself as a candidate, and an industry, company or specific opportunity will impress the WHO and has a greater influence on locating potential opportunities than just WHO you know.
Many students are intimidated by what they think they know about "networking". While there are etiquette rules around the more formal aspects of business networking, students can begin the process by seeking out and talking with their peers. You can learn a lot of information about an internship or co-op by talking to someone who has had the experience. You'll meet these people in class, in clubs, through the CEIP program, in residence halls.
Networking with employers, family, friends and others is a vital avenue for creating opportunities. Think about who you know - you will be surprised by how many people could potentially lead you to opportunities. The Chase Career Center Alumni Mentor Program (link) matches students with alumni in a variety of careers.
Networking begins when you meet someone who works or has had an internship in a field that interests you. This could be an upper classmen who has had an internship or co-op. This could be your friend's dad or mom. This could be your aunt or uncle or cousin. This could be a faculty member. This could be an employer representative you meet at an Isenberg or school/club related event.
Opportunities to meet people abound. Take advantage of them!
Q: Do I write or call employers?
A: There are several answers to this question.
For internships or co-ops you find posted on campus in erecruiting, always follow the application instructions.
Several different application scenarios may be presented:
1. You will be directed to the company website to apply through their career portal
2. You will submit: 1.) a resume; 2.) a resume and cover letter; 3.) a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and additional documents; or 4.) other combination of materials including specific forms or an unofficial transcript through eRecruiting.
Additionally you may be asked to submit through eRecruiting AND through the company career portal. Your application will only be considered if you do both.
For internship or co-op advertisements you find in online or printed media, follow instructions. If you are interested in working for a company but no internship or co-op is listed, you may do the following:
1. Write a targeted letter to a specific individual (you know through networking, found a name on a website, etc), and follow up with a phone call
OR
2. Call the company for more information (such as the name of the person to whom you should write) and follow up with a cover letter and resume.
Consider your timeline as well. For example, if you are hoping to schedule visits to an employer during spring break and spring break is just two weeks away, your time may be best spent making telephone calls or sending emails where appropriate.
Q: Is it okay to use email to contact employers?
A: IF the employer has provided an email address, it is certainly acceptable to use e-mail. In some eRecruiting postings, you will see employer contact info including phone and e-mail.
DO treat e-mail as a method of business correspondence and use the same rules as for traditional letter writing:
• accurate spelling and grammar
• courteous tone
• clear signature block with your return email address
• use Mr./ Ms./Dr in your salutation. (When writing to women, you never know if they are married or not. "Ms." is always the best salutation in all cases.)
• don't assume familiarity of using first names unless specifically invited to do so
• Use a meaningful subject line that will get attention -and not get deleted by recipients who may have no clue who you are
Q: How many letters and resumes should I send out?
A: Don't send form letters. Each letter you write should be targeted to the position you are applying for. Keep track of whom and when you've written and follow up each letter with a phone call - if appropriate. If a posting indicates "no phone calls please", do not call. There will be instances where you send an application and have no appropriate way to follow up. While this can be frustrating, there is not much you can do about it. If the employer is interested in you, you will be contacted.
Q: What should I put in my resume for an internship or co-op?
A: See resume guidelines (link to toolkit).
Q: What should my objective say? Does it have to be detailed or specific?
A: It can be very simple. First, make sure your objective clearly states that you are seeking an "internship", "summer position", or "co-op". Don't make the employer guess.
Do not include phrases like "to gain experience in my field". The employer knows you want experience, but the employer doesn't necessarily know what "my field" is - be clear about which field you are pursuing.
Don't say "to gain experience related to my major". Jobs are not organized by major and it is not the employer's job to figure out how your major may relate to an available opportunity.
Don't say "to offer hard work and dedication to the company while adding value to the bottom line".
Clear objectives reflect that you understand what the nature of the opportunity is and that it makes sense for you based on your academic interests and experience.
Some examples of clear objectives are:
• "Summer internship in financial service firm with exposure to research and stock analysis"
• "Semester co-op at IBM in accounting or finance related business function"
Questions regarding Academic Credits
Q: Can I earn departmental credits for an internship?
A: BBA candidates in the Isenberg School of Management student can receive 3 credits from their individual major departments. These departmental credits are issued to declared majors only, are pass/fail and require departmental faculty sponsorship.
BS candidates should check with their departments or read additional information here: (link to Credits for Internships and Co-ops/BS Majors)
Q: What if I have already earned the maximum departmental credits and am required to get credits by my internship employer?
A: Isenberg students can also receive UMASS 298Y graduation credits. However, it is important to understand that these credits DO NOT fulfill any ISOM requirements for the school or your major. Nor can these be treated as non-business electives. See the program director for additional information about faculty sponsorship for these credits.
If you receive UMASS 298 credits, it is important to plan carefully to ensure that you take the required 60 credits of coursework outside of business or you could need more than the normal 120 credits to graduate.
Q: Why does the Isenberg Internship Program require me to get credit if I am not getting paid hourly and am receiving a stipend?
A: It's all about liability. If you are working for an employer and are being paid hourly, you are covered by the employer's workman's compensation insurance in case of damage done to company property.
However, if you are NOT being paid hourly, and you have an accident and damage equipment or company property, you are not covered. If you are registered for credit, you would be covered by the University in case of an accident.
Other important factors to consider:
If you are registered for credits through the University, then your internship has been approved by the Isenberg Internship Program and considered part of a University program.
Q: Can I get credits if I am getting paid?
A: Yes. This is called a "Co-op with Credit". Meet first with staff in the Isenberg Internship Program about your desire for credits while on co-op. You'll need to find a faculty sponsor and complete the academic contract and then register these credits through Continuing Education.
Q: How do I register the credits during fall/summer?
A: Fall/Spring semesters - credits are registered THROUGH the department. You need to let your departmental administrator know you've signed up for these credits.
Summer/Wintersession - credits are registered through Continuing Ed. You will be given a registration form in the Chase Career Center after completing your academic contract.
Q: Can I get credit for an internship I have found on my own?
A: Yes. The staff Program will want to know about the internship and ask you to fill out a "Self Identification" form so that a description of the position is in your file
