Overview & Benefits of Short-term Internship

What is short-term internship?

A short-term internship is designed to assist students in finding quality work experience which aligns with their studies and career goals. The duration of these internships is 10 weeks to four months: May to August, September to December, or January to April.

All internships affiliated with the Social Science Internship Program are full-time (32+ hours) and paid : stipend or honorarium-based roles are not considered paid.

Students may not take any academic courses during their internship work term without special permission. Most students seek summer internship work terms so that they may continue with full-time studies in Fall and Winter terms. If you are interested in a Fall or Winter internship, please review further details in the FAQs section.

Who can participate?

See Eligibility Criteria

What is the application process process?

  • Internship information sessions are available annually in the Fall Term.
  • Submit your application of interest between August  - October on Western Connect
  • A resume workshop and assessment will be required of all approved participants.
  • See Application Process for more detail.

What are the costs?

  • You pay a program fee and are enrolled in a 0.5 credit upon receiving an internship offer.
  • The fee is $500 per work term, which covers your course tuition.
  • You will maintain full-time status while on internship, but will not be charged regular tuition or ancillary fees while out on your placement; USC health benefits and related services will be charged every September as normal unless you opt out (doing so requires proof of alternative coverage).

Why should you participate?

  • Earn a salary to help offset the cost of tuition
  • Earn academic credit while you gain hands-on experience related to your academic program (0.5 credit for short-term; 1.0 credit for long-term)
  • Develop marketable skills employers are looking for in new recruits
  • Clarify your career goals and objectives
  • Build a network with employers and professionals in your field of interest
  • A short-term internship after your second year of your degree may provide you with an opportunity to pursue a long-term internship with the same employer between your second last and last year of studies
  • Many employers view internship work terms as an opportunity to assess candidates for future full-time positions after graduation
  • See new places
  • Demonstrate higher-level learning and an early, ongoing commitment to professional development and lifelong learning

What does an employer expect?

  • Motivated and enthusiastic students
  • Clear, neat and organized resumes
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ethical and professional judgment
  • Responsible and accountable student employees

SHORT-TERM INTERNSHIP (4 MONTH)