Connecting students to internships is a high-impact practice linked to increased persistence, degree completion, and post-graduation success. Internships contribute to personal and professional development, fostering skills like teamwork and communication. They offer insights into workplace culture, networking opportunities, quicker job placement, higher starting salaries, and leadership development.
Students participating in internships gain real-world experience, acquire and adapt skills, explore various career paths, and establish professional networks. Internships can count toward Sociology and Anthropology majors or minors; consult with an advisor regarding academic credit early on. For internships relevant to your degree, communicate with the internship coordinator.
Students interested in an internship earning academic credit through the Department of Sociology and Anthropology should contact the internship coordinator at least four months prior to the semester in which the student wants to have an internship. The semester of the internship, students enroll in SOCIOL 390R Directed Field Experience I.
Internships include a minimum of 150 hours during the semester, which means students usually average 10 hours/week for the 15-week semester at the host site.
Excelling in academics, building relationships with faculty and advisors, engaging in extracurricular activities, and taking on leadership roles are crucial. Volunteer or community engagement work also serves as relevant experience toward the internship of your choice.
Crafting an outstanding resume and cover letter is essential. UMKC Career Services offers support in resume and cover letter development to enhance your internship applications. Additionally, honing interview skills is vital for success when invited to interviews.
