Since not all internships are alike, it's a good idea to review the facts prior to starting an internship.
1. Internships Must be Completed for Credit in Order to Count
Although it is true that internships for credit are included on a college transcript and are often graded (at least a pass/fail), employers are looking for candidates who possess the relevant skills and experiences to do the job and who who have already gained exposure to the field. When including an internship on a resume, it is not necessary to designate if the internship was completed for credit or not.2. Unpaid Internships or Volunteer Experiences Can Not Be Included on a Resume
All experiences related to a particular internship or job can be included on a resume. As a student, relevant coursework; co-curricular activities; community service; volunteer experience; and previous internships and/or jobs can all be included. Again, it is the relevant skills and experience that employers are looking for when evaluating potential interns or job applicants.3. All Internships Completed for Credit Must be Unpaid
College credit is granted by the academic institution and it does not prohibit employers from paying interns a fair wage or stipend. Colleges generally encourage and support employers to pay for work completed regardless of whether it is being done for credit or not. Students interested in receiving credit for an internship will often do one or more internships for credit during fall and/or spring semester and then do a not-for-credit internship during summer break since additional college tuition is usually required when completing an internship for credit during the summer.4. There is No Difference Between Fall, Spring, or Summer Internships
Usually colleges require that students pay additional tuition for summer internships for credit. The amount students will have to pay will depend on the number of credits received and the cost associated with credit at a particular college. The credits for internships completed during fall or spring semester are generally rolled into regular college tuition.5. There is No Difference Between a Summer Internship or a Summer Job
Ultimately internships should include some form of training along with direct supervision of the work involved. The purpose of an internship is to introduce and train for a particular job and to provide an opportunity to gain relevant work experience in a particular career field. Summer jobs are done mainly for compensation and usually include more of an entry-level position such as cashier, lifeguard, ride attendant, camp counselor, or working at a retail store, restaurant or summer resort.
