Internship Requirements

What is an internship?

An internship is defined as “a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent.” (National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2011)

What qualifies as an internship?

  • If you are receiving academic credit at MGA through your program of study, then your experience automatically qualifies as an internship.
  • If you are not receiving academic credit through MGA, please see below to make sure your experience qualifies as an internship:

Length: The internship must last for at least 8 or more consecutive weeks.

Hours: You must have worked an average of 10 hours per week or a minimum of 80 hours total during the 8+ weeks.

Educational: Your internships must be educational and within your area of study bringing the knowledge you've acquired through your academic education. To ensure that an experience is educational, all the following criteria must be met (as defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers):

  1. The experience must be an extension of the classroom: a learning experience that provides for applying the knowledge gained in the classroom. It must not be simply to advance the operations of the employer or be the work that a regular employee would routinely perform.
  2. The skills or knowledge learned must be transferable to other employment settings.
  3. The experience has a defined beginning and end, and a job description with desired qualifications.
  4. There are clearly defined learning objectives/goals related to the professional goals of the student's academic coursework.
  5. There is supervision by a professional with expertise and educational and/or professional background in the field of the experience.
  6. There is routine feedback by the experienced supervisor.
  7. There are resources, equipment, and facilities provided by the host employer that support learning objectives/goals.

What does NOT qualify as an internship?

  • Experience lasts less than 8 consecutive weeks
  • Experience is less than 10 hours per week or a minimum of 80 hours total
  • Tasks and responsibilities do not directly relate to your area of study and/or career goals
  • There are no defined learning objectives or goals