Internship and Co-op FAQs

What are internships and co-ops?

The primary purpose of an internship or co-op (cooperative education experience) is learning—a chance to experience what you have been studying in the classroom in a real work setting. Interns set forth specific learning objectives, which distinguish internships and co-ops from other forms of work and volunteering. These experiences allow you to:

• Develop marketable professional skills
• Clarify career interests
• Establish references and contacts
• Strengthen self-confidence.

Where do I start?

Schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor in Career Services by calling (402) 472-3145 or stopping by our front desk in 230 Nebraska Union, or…

• Meet with the “Walk-In Counselor” in Career Services, room 230 of the Nebraska Union, available Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. or ...
• Subscribe to Husker Hire Link where internships are posted on a daily basis.

When should I apply?

The best time to begin applying for internships or co-ops is during or after the second semester of your sophomore year.

For local internships (in Lincoln, Omaha, or other Nebraska communities), you may apply right up to the beginning of the semester or summer you wish to work. National and international internships often have firm application deadlines well in advance of each semester or summer. You may need to apply as many as 12 months in advance for these programs.

Will I be paid?

Internships may be paid or unpaid while most co-ops are paid positions. Salary information including internship pay rates is available for comparison purposes.

When will I work?

Internships and co-ops are available all year – fall, spring and summer.

Internships may be part-time or full-time, and may continue beyond a single term. Part-time work schedules are usually flexible and negotiated by the student and supervisor. Although schedules vary, students generally work 10 to 15 hours per week in part-time internships while they continue to take classes. Co-ops are typically full-time, alternating semesters between full-time work and full-time classes.

Where can I work?

You could accept an internship or co-op virtually anywhere in the world, anyplace people are employed. You may find, for example, an internship as close as Lincoln, or your home town, or as far away as Europe or Australia.

Will I receive academic credit?

In some instances students earn academic credit in conjunction with internships or co-ops. Credit policies, however, vary widely by college. An Internship Advisor in Career Services can help you explore options in this regard.

Credit is contingent upon successful completion of the work experience and academic assignments. Students register and pay tuition for these credit hours in the same manner as that for classroom learning experiences. Credit arrangements should be made at the start of the internship.

UNL students seeking academic credit for an internship but are unable to receive credit from their own academic department may consider Educational Psychology 496/896 as an alternative. This course is taught by staff from UNL Career Services. Consult the website for details. Keep in mind that credit through this course may be elective credit. Check with an academic advisor to understand how this course "counts" toward graduation.

Can international students participate in internships and co-ops?

International students may participate in internships or co-ops through the provisions of Immigration & Naturalization Services (INS) regulations through Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Authorization for CPT must be granted by the International Student Advisor on the I-20, and is for one semester at a time, provided the student and the experience complies with the INS requirements outlined below.

International students must:

• Be currently enrolled as a full-time student
• Have been in F-1 status for 9 consecutive months
• Receive academic credit for the internship

Internship/co-op must be:

• In the student’s major field of study
• An integral part of the student’s established curriculum
• Recommended and approved by the student’s academic advisor

Before beginning an internship or co-op, international students must obtain CPT authorization from the designated school official in UNL International Affairs. Failure to do so will jeopardize the student’s visa status.