Internships
Is an internship required?
The major in Social Science does NOT require an internship, but you should consider trying to work one into your schedule. An internship can be a rewarding experience that enhances your education. Students who are interested in an internship must meet with the program advisor and/or coordinator. An internship in Social Science must relate to the major and/or the student's career goals. All internships must be approved by the program coordinator. Please contact the Social Science Advisor (soscadvisor@csuchico.edu) for more information.
What are the requirements for an internship?
Student Responsibilities:
- Student interns work a minimum of 135 hours in their internship for 3 academic units/credits (90 hours for 2 units; 45 hours for 1 unit) over the course of the semester or the summer.
- The intern and his/her Site Supervisor are to keep track of the intern's work hours.
- The intern will keep a weekly journal. The journal should contain details of intern duties, problems, ideas for improvements, and any other details that may help the intern in writing their final paper. The journal will be emailed to the Faculty Supervisor by Monday of finals week.
- The intern will turn in a four page paper. The paper should be a reflection on the internship experience and how it relates to course concepts and career goals. The paper will be emailed to the Faculty Supervisor by Monday of finals week.
- Student interns are expected to report for the internship when scheduled, be on time, and follow any of the office guidelines about breaks, signing in and out, etc.
- Student interns should discuss any requests for days off (e.g., Thanksgiving break, spring break, final exam week, etc.) with their internship supervisor as soon as their internship is established. Supervisors are encouraged to be flexible in granting any time off (as long as the intern will complete his/her required number of hours), but it is understood that it may not be possible to grant the time off.
- Student interns are to dress professionally, behave in a professional manner at all times, treat co-workers, supervisors and the public/clients with respect, and follow the instructions and guidance of their supervisor.
- Student interns are to communicate immediately with the Social Science Program Coordinator, Dr. Eugenie Rovai (erovai@csuchico.edu), if they have any concerns or questions about their internship.
Site Supervisor Responsibilities:
- Intern supervisors are expected to give interns work that gives the intern a professional experience, one that introduces the intern to the responsibilities and expectations of the professional employees. The intern should not do only clerical work, for this is meant to be a professional experience. The intern may not be asked to do personal errands or chores for their supervisor or other office employees.
- Intern supervisors agree to contact the Faculty Supervisor on Monday of finals week to report on the intern's responsibilities and performance over the semester.
- Supervisors are encouraged to discuss any problems or questions about the intern or the internship with the Social Science Program Coordinator, Dr. Eugenie Rovai (erovai@csuchico.edu) as soon as they arise.
Examples of Social Science internships:
Panetta Institute for Public Policy
CSU, Chico Career Center
Butte Environmental Council
Victim Witness Assistance
Bidwell Academy for Young Children
CSU, Chico Cross-Cultural Leadership Center
International Rescue Committee
Cline & Duplissea Advocacy Firm
Capital City Early Head Start
CSU, Chico AS Recycling
Sutter County Department of Child Support Services
CSU, Chico Academic Advising
North Marysville High School
United Health Care
Modoc County CalWORKS
Foothill High School
UCLA Labor Occupational Safety and Health Program
Pillars Academy
Catalyst Domestic Violence Services
CSU, Chico Student Learning Center
Chico Community Children’s Center
Torres Community Shelter
Business Career Network
Vista Verde Middle School
CSU, Chico Accessibility Resource Center
Plumas Rural Services
Vectors
CSU, Chico EOP
Boys and Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley
Esperanza High School
Pleasant Valley State Prison
Johnsonville School
Redding Library
Lassen Career Network
Stonewall Alliance
Private Industry Council
Safe Place
Women’s Resource Clinic
Almond Blossom Senior Care
Citrus Elementary School
Conflict Resolution Center
Redding Police Department
Butte Community Employment Center
Women’s Health Specialists
Lassen Community College
Passages
Academy for Change
Butte College Career Center
West Hills College
Valley Oak Children’s Services
Planned Parenthood
Independent Living Services
United Way of Northern California
Caminar
Enterprise High School
Internship Searches
- Chico State's Office of Experiential Education (Search the campus internship database)