Internships FAQ

To learn more about internships through Eastern Florida State College, please take a moment to read the following FAQ:

Who is eligible for internship placement through the EFSC Internship office?

Internships coordinated through this office are for students enrolled in a college credit course that is part of a specific program. See the list of eligible programs and courses.

What is an internship?

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, an internship is a form of realistic learning that incorporates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skill development in a professional setting.

Internships are a temporary job placement that gives students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields the students are considering as career paths.

At the same time, employers have the opportunity to mentor you and assess your potential as a future professional.

What are the benefits of an internship?

An internship offers you a valuable opportunity to gain work experience before completing your program of study. It allows you to develop new skills and refine existing ones, while also applying the knowledge you've acquired from your coursework to real-life situations.

Through internships, you have the chance to meet and work with professionals in your field, establishing important contacts for letters of reference and expanding your network. Additionally, internships provide exposure to different work environments, giving you a broader perspective and deeper understanding of the industry.

Overall, internships are a crucial stepping stone toward building your career by offering hands-on experience, skill development, networking opportunities, and exposure to various work settings.

When should I start looking for an internship?

During the second-to-last semester of your EFSC program, it's important to get in touch with the Internship Office at 321-433-7091 or InternshipOffice@easternflorida.edu. We can help you explore potential internship sites and assist you in finalizing your résumé and cover letter.

While internships are available during all terms, not all programs offer an internship course every semester. We recommended that you check with your Academic Advisor for specific details. If you qualify, you can start the internship application process with the Internship Representative on the following dates:

  • Fall Term Internships: March 1st
  • Spring Term Internships: September 1st
  • Summer Term Internships: February 1st

The Internship Office consistently receives internship listings within Brevard County, Florida. If you're interested in pursuing an internship outside of the area, it's your responsibility to secure a suitable internship site. While it's not necessary, you can reach out to an internship site to initiate contact for placement. Remember, all internship sites must receive final approval from the Internship Office.

How do I get started with the internship process?

Please read through the list of internship courses to see which ones you are eligible to take, then familiarize yourself with the steps involved in the internship process.

Additionally, you need to complete the Student Internship Inquiry Form, which serves as the initial step in the application process. Once you submit the form, the Internship Representative will contact you with more information.

How can I schedule an appointment with the Internship Representative?

You don't need to schedule an appointment, as most internship arrangements are coordinated through phone and email. Visiting the Internship Office in person is not required for the majority of students.

You can contact the office by sending an email to InternshipOffice@easternflorida.edu. Rest assured that even if you receive an automated email indicating high demand, the office reads and responds to all emails in a timely manner.

Will I receive course credit for my internship?

Absolutely! Every internship course at EFSC allows you to earn academic credits.

Typically, a course can earn you anywhere from 1 to 3 credits. Each program has a specific minimum requirement for the number of hours you need to complete at your internship site. To find out the exact hours and the potential credits you can earn for your program, it's important to check the details specific to your program.

I've registered for my internship course and submitted the internship inquiry form. When will the Internship Office contact me, and what should I do in the meantime?

After you submit the Internship Inquiry Form, the Internship Office receives it automatically. We contact students in the order we receive these forms and will initially reach out via phone or your Titan student email address. Please be sure to regularly check this account for updates.

The automated confirmation email you receive after submitting the form includes a link to the required Internship Orientation Course in Canvas, which you can complete at your convenience.

At this time, you can also begin preparing your one-page résumé, cover letter, and a list of three possible partner sites for your internship placement. If you need assistance, please don't hesitate to schedule a résumé review session with us.

I haven't been granted access to the required Orientation Course in Canvas. What should I do?

If you submitted the Internship Inquiry Form, the Internship Office will have sent you an automated email containing a link to the Internship Orientation Course.

If it's been more than two business days and you still haven't received this confirmation email, please resubmit the form and ensure that you use your complete Titan email address. The Internship Office receives many inquiries with incomplete or incorrect email addresses, so it's important to double-check.

If you prefer, you also have the option to complete the Internship Orientation Course one semester early. Please ask your academic advisor for more information.

I work in a field related to my major. Can my employer serve as my internship site?

Many students have used their workplace as their internship site! However, this approval is granted on a case-by-case basis. To explore this option, you will need to get in touch with the Internship Office.

In the meantime, please complete the Internship Orientation Course in Canvas and begin to update your résumé.

How will I know if my internship requires a drug test and/or background check?

In most cases, you will need to undergo a background screening and drug test at your own expense prior to beginning your internship. The Internship Office will confirm whether either of these requirements is necessary.

When applicable, the Internship Office will provide you with contact information for a third-party clearinghouse that handles these services.

When should I submit my internship paperwork and complete the Orientation Course in Canvas?

To make the most of your EFSC internship experience, we recommended you start by completing the Internship Orientation Course in Canvas after you receive the email confirmation that links to it. This course provides important details about when to submit the required forms and documents.

Additionally, you should send a current résumé, cover letter, and list of three potential site locations to the Internship Office.

If I have already completed an independent internship this year, can I count those hours towards my internship course for the semester?
You must earn all internship hours during the semester in which you're enrolled in your internship course. You cannot receive course credit through a previous internship.
What happens if I can't find an internship?
Not to worry! If you're in contact with the Internship Office, our staff will assist you in finding a suitable internship location. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any additional questions or concerns.