Boise State University Internships: A Comprehensive Guide

Internships are vital for students seeking to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional experience. At Boise State University, internships serve as a cornerstone for career development, offering students invaluable opportunities to apply their knowledge, build professional networks, and gain a competitive edge in the job market. This article delves into the various aspects of internships at Boise State University, providing a comprehensive guide for students and employers alike.

The Value of Internships

An internship is a work experience related to the career you are planning to pursue. Internships provide a short-term professional learning experience intended to offer meaningful, practical work experience related to a student’s field of study or career goals. Beyond the financial opportunity, internships provide experiential learning that allows students to employ concepts and theories in the real world. Interns have an increased opportunity to network in the professional community and get a good feeling for the culture and workplace at different companies. They are a crucial stepping stone for students aiming to transition smoothly into their desired career paths. As one industry expert noted, a meaningful internship is a better predictor of a recent college graduate's interview performance than the school they attended or their GPA. Internships are one of the main recruiting tools employers use for college graduates with 8 out of 10 employers saying that internships provide the best return on investment as a recruiting strategy.

Internship Opportunities at Boise State

Boise State University offers multiple avenues for students to gain internship experience. These include traditional internships, the Work U program, on-campus student employment, and other experiential learning opportunities such as volunteering, service learning, student clubs and organizations, and undergraduate research.

Traditional Internships

In most majors, students will seek out their own internship opportunities (but Career Services is here to help with that). Traditional internships involve students actively seeking and applying for positions related to their field of study. These internships can be found through various channels, including online job boards, company websites, and networking events. Boise State's Career Services provides resources and support to help students in their internship search, including resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, and access to an internship database.

Work U Program

Work U is a specialized internship program open to all majors and experience levels where you will be placed into an opportunity based on your interests. The Work U program offers a structured approach to internships, providing students with pre-arranged opportunities based on their interests and skills. This program is particularly beneficial for students who may be unsure of where to start their internship search or who prefer a more guided experience.

On-Campus Student Employment

On-campus jobs provide more than a paycheck; they may provide more opportunities for professional development than a job off-campus. On-campus employment can also provide valuable work experience and skill development. These positions often offer flexibility and convenience for students, as well as opportunities to network with faculty and staff.

Academic Credit for Internships

In most cases it is up to you whether you want to get credit for your internship. Students may choose to receive general elective academic credit for their internship, although it isn’t required. To determine whether or not an opportunity can be considered for academic credit, you must review your opportunity with your department Internship Coordinator. The Internship Coordinator must first evaluate the work that you are doing to ensure that it meets department guidelines and help you decide how many credits the internship should be assigned. Students earn 1 credit for each 45-50 hours of supervised work. Please view the academic calendar to determine the last day to register for internship academic credit. You will need to complete 45 hours in your internship for every credit you earn. So, if you register for a 1-credit internship, you would need to complete at least 45 hours throughout the course of the semester. When you register for credit, you will notice on your course schedule that you are added to a course for however many credits you register for. Along with your internship, you will have academic requirements designed to help you best engage with your internship and articulate your experience.

KINES 293/493 Internship Courses

All students must complete 3 credits (minimum of 135 total supervised hours) of the KINES 493 Internship course to meet graduation requirements. Some students will also need to complete 3 credits (minimum of 135 total supervised hours) of the KINES 293 Internship course as well. It is recommended to complete all 3 credits during the same semester with the same supervising organization. All internships are subject to approval by the Internship Coordinator. Students are required to get approval of their internship by the Internship Coordinator before they apply. The Internship Coordinator reserves the right to pull any student out of his or her internship based on feedback from the site supervisor. Students are required to adhere to the Boise State Student Code of Conduct. Violations of the Student Code of Conduct can result in removal from the KINES 293/493/590 internship and/or degree program. The Internship Coordinator can offer internship ideas and possible locations, but it is the responsibility of the student intern to secure their own internship location.

Psychology Internships (PSYC 293/493)

All Psychology majors are welcome to apply. If you are a lower-division student, you will be enrolled in PSYC 293 (Psychology Internship). If you are an upper-division student, you will be enrolled in PSYC 493 (Psychology Internship). Dr. Tedd McDonald is the Department of Psychological Science Internship Coordinator. He is in charge of reviewing and approving all internship applications, as well as instructing PSYC 293/493 (Psychology Internship). If you have questions about internships, you can reach out to Dr. Dr. Tedd McDonald is the Department of Psychological Science Internship Coordinator. He is in charge of reviewing and approving all internship applications, as well as instructing PSYC 293/493 (Psychology Internship). If you have questions about internships, you can reach out to Dr.

Securing an Internship

Just like jobs, most internship opportunities are not posted, and the majority of students obtain their internships through making direct contact with the company. Get ideas by using the Career Center’s Internship Database to search through past internships. Your internship should be as closely related to your post-graduation career goals as possible. If you don’t know your career goal yet, one resource to use in exploring your options is “What Can I do With This Major?” available from the Career Center homepage. You can also meet with a Career Counselor to take a career assessment and explore what type of career and internship you should be pursuing.

Read also: Famous Alumni of BSU

Handshake: Boise State's Job Posting System

Post your internship opportunity on Handshake, our web-based job posting system where all Boise State students search for part-time jobs; full-time career opportunities and internships.

Internship Orientation Workshop

Complete the Internship Orientation Workshop and download your certificate as a PDF file.

Background Checks

Before ordering a background check, student interns must check with the secured internship agency/organization to determine if a background check is required. If a background check is required, students need to follow the internship agency/organization’s instructions for completing the background check. Below are instructions for completing a background check through DISA Healthcare Technology, Boise State’s preferred background check company. After you complete the order process and create your account, you can log in to your account to monitor your order status, view your results, respond to alerts, and complete your requirements.

CPR/AED Certification

Provide a current CPR/AED certification card (American Red Cross or American Heart Association accredited).

Internship Program Specialist Role at Boise State

Career Services at Boise State University is seeking a collaborative and forward-thinking Internship Program Specialist to drive Boise State's Internship Program forward through student mentoring, faculty support, and employer engagement. This role partners with campus and employer stakeholders to connect students with internships that enhance career readiness and post-graduate success. The ideal candidate is student-centered and committed to developing new ways to connect students to internships across a wide range of academic departments.

Read also: Preserve Your Boise State Diploma

Department Overview

Career Services is a team dedicated to student success and building relationships that help students succeed Beyond Boise State. The office supports current students and alumni in exploring careers, gaining meaningful hands-on experience and articulating their stories, particularly through internships and experiential learning. Through career development, employer relations, and strong campus partnerships, Career Services advances the Blueprint for Success by integrating career education and real-world learning throughout the student experience, from first year through graduation and beyond.

Job Summary/Basic Function

The Internship Program Specialist collaborates with the Experiential Learning Team and Career Services leadership to develop and implement strategy, programming, policies, and assessment for a campus-wide Internship Program. This role collaborates with campus partners to increase student participation in the internship program, supports incoming employer internships, and manages the online platforms and operations needed to ensure program delivery. The Specialist also supports assessment, documentation, reporting, and cross-campus collaboration to strengthen student success and continuously enhance the impact of experiential learning initiatives.

Level Scope

Fully competent and productive professional contributor who applies acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to complete substantive assignments/projects/tasks of moderate scope and complexity. Works independently with general supervision; exercises judgment within defined guidelines and practices to determine appropriate action. May provide guidance and assistance to entry level professionals and/or support employees.

Key Responsibilities

Student Engagement & Advising: The Internship Program Specialist promotes the value of internships throughout the student lifecycle and provides guidance on securing and preparing for internship experiences. This includes delivering workshops, advising students, and ensuring smooth navigation of academic credit processes and application systems.
Faculty Coordinator Support & Training: This role serves as a primary resource for faculty internship coordinators, offering training, troubleshooting, and policy guidance to ensure consistent and effective program implementation. The Specialist supports the use of internship platforms and tools (Handshake/GradLeaders), maintains faculty resources, and helps collect evaluation and assessment data.
Employer Operational Support & Outreach: In partnership with the Employer Relations team, the Specialist supports employer engagement related to internships, assists with platform utilization, and helps coordinate internship-focused events and recruiting activities.
Program Operations & Data Management: The Specialist oversees key operational functions of the Internship Program, including record keeping, scholarship processing, reporting, and assessment support. This role also helps lead promotional initiatives, such as an annual internship showcase, to highlight student success and strengthen program visibility.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree and 2 years of professional experience or equivalent relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in a relevant field such as education, leadership, marketing, social work, or counseling. Experience working with or advising college students or job applicants. Experience using Handshake or similar student-focused employment platform.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Strong communication (oral and written), public relations, marketing, and organizational skills. Demonstrated skill in establishing effective working relationships with students and staff of all levels-faculty, administrators, and employers. Knowledge of employer recruiting strategies and policies, human resources, job market trends, and occupational, career, and employment information sources. Knowledge and ability to utilize computer applications and databases, and proficiency in Internet usage. Strong technical skills. Able to manage the day-to-day use of our experiential learning platform, work with developers to enhance the platform and troubleshoot issues. Strong project management skills along with problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Salary and Benefits

Salary for the role is $55,016. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's (requires use of 3 vacation days)
Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service
10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)
11.96% University contribution to your PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees)
Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages
Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents

Internships in Computer Science

Internships in CS may be the most highly paid and frequently available internships at Boise State. While time and duration varies, many interns work ~15hrs/week while in school allowing adequate time for studies and then full time during breaks.

Boise State: An Employer of Choice

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We're a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond. Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We're building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience.

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