Undergraduate internships

What is an internship?

An internship is an experiential learning exercise where a student spends several weeks working under supervision to get experience for a future career in that sector. Undergraduate internships are relevant to the student's academic program, may be paid or unpaid and conducted in the employer’s workplace (hybrid models included).

At-a-glance details

Course number: POLI 397

Eligibility

• Minimum of 27 program credits completed
• GPA of 3.3 or above 

Requirements

• Approximately 10 hours per week for 13 weeks or minimum of 160 hours in total
• Submission of a research paper about the experience
• Supervised by a full-time faculty member

How to find an internship

1. Find a suitable internship through the CAPS online job bank or other posting website.
2. Follow the employer's instructions to apply and interview for the position.
3. The internship can be completed during any semester (Fall, Winter, or Summer) and can be unpaid.

What is a suitable internship?

A suitable internship is a placement that is relevant to your academic program. The internship can be in the private sector, with the government or community organizations. In the past our students have secured internships with:

• Canadian Boarder Services Agency
• Cancer Research Society
• Doctors Without Borders 
• EQUITAS

How to apply for course credit

When you are accepted or hired, submit your internship application to the Department four weeks before the start of the term in which you wish to register for POLI 397. Your internship must be approved by the Department.

Download the application form

Interested students should contact the Internship Coordinator, Eve Pankovitch for more details.