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Non-Credit Internship Option

Overview:

Kean’s non-credit internship option is an experiential learning experience that allows students who may not meet the criteria for academic credit to still gain formal recognition of their internship.  This also applies to students who want to gain internship experience, but do not need (or want) academic credit.

Criteria for an Experience to be Recognized as an Internship 

To ensure that an experience is eligible to be recognized as an internship the following criteria must be met: 

  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. 

(Source: National Association of Colleges & Employers)

Co-Curricular Transcript Notation: 

Notation of student completing Kean’s Non-Credit Internship Option provides formal college recognition on the student’s co-curricular transcript (CCT).  This will be updated on the CCT upon successful completion of approved the internship.

Students Who May Benefit Include But is Not Limited To: 

  1. Students who are currently working through non-work study or work-study assignments.

  2. Students who have already completed internship requirements of their program.

  3. Students who’ve already enrolled in the maximum number of credits for the semester.

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Internship must be approved by the university (internship must be submitted through Kean’s Online Employment & Internship Portal to be reviewed for approval)

  2. Suggested G.P. A. 2.5

  3. Internship relates to student’s professional/career interest

  4. Students must work at least 40 hours in their internship over the semester.

  5. Students must have earned at least 23 credits from a University.

  6. Supervisor must complete a one time evaluation for student

  7. Student completes a one time self evaluation which includes reflective questions. 

Steps for Finding, Applying & Registering for a Non-Credit Internship

  1. Find an internship: There are many places to find an internship. Career Services at Kean is a great place to start. But internships can be found through professors, personal contacts, websites, and by reaching out directly to employers as well. Kean's Online Employment & Internship Portal lists numerous internship opportunities in every major.  Other popular sites for internship opportunities include: indeed.com, internships.com and linkedin.com. 

  2. Apply for your internship: Once you have identified an internship opportunity or opportunities, you can apply on your own or work with Career Services on your resume and application. 

  3. Register your internship: After receiving an official offer, register your internship through Kean’s Online Employment & Internship Portal.  All internships must be reviewed and approved by Career Services.  

Once approved, you may begin your internship.

Questions? Contact Kean’s Career Services at career@kean.edu or (908) 737-0320. For alumni, please click here.