Internship Guide
Why Internships Matter
Real-World Experience: Apply classroom learning to professional projects on food security, sustainability, and economic development.
Skill Development: Strengthen teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and technical skills (data analysis, market research, policy evaluation).
Academic Application: Reinforce classroom concepts while contributing to real research projects.
Networking: Connect with professionals, policymakers, and researchers in agriculture and economics.
Resume Booster: Show initiative and career commitment.
Explore Career Paths: Discover roles in agribusiness, government, non-profits, or academia.
Confidence Building: Gain professionalism and navigate workplace expectations.
Future Opportunities: Many internships lead directly to full-time job offers.
How to Earn Credit (AREC388)
Important Deadlines
Summer Internship: Submit paperwork by May 1 → Credit in summer or fall.
Fall Internship: Submit paperwork by July 15 → Credit in fall.
Spring Internship: Submit paperwork by December 15 → Credit in spring.
Portfolio Deadlines:
Fall: December 1
Spring: May 1
Late proposals: reviewed case-by-case (must include explanation).
Finding an Internship
Resources:
Handshake
AREC Friday Newsletter
AGNR Career Center
Types: On-campus or off-campus, paid or unpaid.
Tip: You’re responsible for finding your own placement, but you can always approach organizations directly.
Steps to Enroll in AREC388
Secure an Internship: Make sure it connects to agriculture, economics, sustainability, or policy.
Find a Faculty Advisor: Ask an AREC faculty member (your academic advisor or another professor in your area of interest).
Prepare Your Paperwork:
At least 5 academic/career objectives tied to your internship
Description of activities
Work commitment (weekly hours + total 135 hours = 3 credits)
Research paper proposal with at least 5 sources (academic focus, not just a task summary)
Signed Consent and Release Form
Submit for Approval:
Send proposal to your on-site supervisor and faculty advisor for signatures
Submit completed paperwork (Proposal + Consent Form) to Dr. Maria Soppelsa
Once approved, Dr. Soppelsa will register you for AREC388 and send confirmation
Completing AREC388
Your Internship Portfolio must include:
- Research Paper: 10–12 pages with bibliography
- Record of Hours: Timesheet showing 135+ work hours
- Reflection Journal: Follow AREC reflection guidelines
- Supervisor Evaluation: Completed by your on-site supervisor
- 5-Slide Presentation: How you found your internship, what you did, and takeaways
Questions? Contact Dr. Maria Soppelsa for guidance.
Internship Forms
Download and submit the required forms by the semester deadline:
