Frequently Asked Questions

Will UNCP place me in an internship?

No. UNCP will not place you in an internship, but we do work hard to develop relationships with business partners in the region and beyond to provide you with internship opportunities. It is up to you to make connections with these partners or other companies to acquire your own internship.

How do I find an internship?

There are a variety of resources and search strategies for finding a good internship.

  • Networking with friends, family, faculty and advisors is how many students connect with internships.
  • Working with the University Career Center’s database system can connect you with employers.
  • Student, social and professional organizations can connect you with potential employers.
  • Visiting employer’s career and employment webpages or using internship specific websites is also another method of finding internships.

Will the internship be paid or unpaid?

Internships can be paid or unpaid. Most business internships will be paid unless the company is a non-profit. Paid and unpaid internships can both provide value to your educational experience, but all internships being used for credit must be approved by the Executive in Residence for Internships.

When are most internship deadlines?

Each internship has different deadlines. Typically larger corporations with a competitive internship program will have deadlines during fall semester for those looking to intern during the summer, where smaller companies might accept applications into mid or late spring. Talk to the Executive in Residence for Internships regarding deadlines and suggestions on when to apply.

Do I need a resume to apply for internships?

Yes. To apply for an internship you will need to have a previously approved resume on file with the career center Brave Opportunities website.

Are internships just for fourth-year students?

Although the majority of companies are looking for students who are entering or currently in their senior year this is not always the case. Each internship will have slightly different criteria.

Is someone available to help guide me throughout the internship process?

Yes. The Director for Internships, Nick Arena, is available to answer all of your questions regarding internships. You can email him at nick.arena@uncp.edu with questions or to schedule an appointment.

Does an internship count for course credit?

Internships can count towards course credit, but not all internships will. It will be up to you and your advisor to decide if taking the internship class is in your best interest. There is information in the UNCP course catalog regarding each of the internship courses available through the School of Business. Please let the Executive in Residence for Internships know if you are doing an internship which will not apply for course credit. It is important for the School of Business to keep a record of all internships.

How do I apply?

For information on applying, visit the internship application page found here.

How will I travel to my internship?

Transportation to and from your internship will not be provided by the School of Business. It is up to you to provide reliable transportation for your internship.

Do I have to know exactly what I want to do in the business field?

An internship is a great way to determine which areas of business you enjoy. Some students take an internship in an area that isn’t of interest to them and find they actually enjoy working in that area whereas other students have the opposite experience.

How much time do internships require?

Most internships for credit are 120 hours which will equal a 3 semester hour internship class. There are other requirements to take the internship class as assigned by the course instructor.