Step 20

Internships

Mihaylo College of Business and Economics cannot stress enough the importance of enrolling in an internship while you pursue your MBA or other business masters degree.  In your first year in the program you should be thinking about what companies you would like to work with to assist with propelling your career. The Graduate Management Admission Council recently surveyed 690 companies worldwide who hire MBAs. Of the companies that hire MBA interns (62% of those surveyed), roughly three-quarters (74%) said that when they seek to hire new employees, they first interview people who have done MBA internships with them, and then open the field to other candidates. The typical company reported that half its new MBA hires in 2003 would come from its 2002 internship pool.

Center for Internships & Community Engagement (CICE)

The CICE at CSU Fullerton creates linkages between higher education, community organizations and professional offices and strives to create high quality community-based experiences that are beneficial to all involved. CICE is committed to pursuing the university's mission to create “experiences in and out of the classroom, [so that] you develop the habit of intellectual inquiry, prepare for challenging professions, strengthen relationships to your communities and contribute productively to society.” http://www.fullerton.edu/CICE

There are internship programs outside of CSU Fullerton that can also help you obtain the leadership skills needed to open doors to new challenges. Take the time to research as many internship programs as you can in the fields that you are interested in. Experience and networking are key factors in establishing a successful future. Engaging in these activities while still in college can give you an edge when joining the workforce.

How do I find an Internship Site (Company)?

To undertake an academic internship you must first satisfy university and department prerequisites, then:

1. find a internship site (company)
2. complete the necessary CICE and departmental registration procedures, and
3. enroll in the appropriate academic internship course.

Step-by-step instructions are provided for each major on the Academic Internship Information Cards. All the information you will need is on the academic information card for your area.

Check the prerequisites for the class you wish to take before enrolling. If you do not meet the prerequisites but still wish to undertake an academic internship, contact CICE for alternatives.
Important: Enroll in the internship class through Titan Online or at CSUF Admissions (same procedures as for registering any other class).

If you have questions or concerns about internships or your site (company), please contact CICE.
Call: (657) 278-3746 | E-mail: cice@fullerton.edu |
Walk-in: Langsdorf Hall, Room 206. Monday – Friday, 8 am - 5 pm.

Program Credit

MBA students with a Finance or Generalist concentration may "only" use the Fin495 internship course as an elective for program credit. This option is open as of Summer 2012; however, internships in Fin taken prior to Summer 2012 may "not" be used for program credit.

• You must receive a letter grade for this 3-credit course and must complete at least 120 hours of work at your internship site (company).

• MBA students must be in good academic standing, classified, and have completed Fin517, Fin320 or equivalent coursework and one semester in residence at CSUF.

• Fin495 may not be repeated for program credit.

• Who to contact for more details: click here

• How to find an Internship site (company): click here

• PETITION REQUIRED: You must obtain approval to enroll in Fin495 and fill out and submit a petition: click here for petition

Professional Development (non-program credit)

495 Internships in Acct, Mktg, BUAD, Econ, ISDS, MLNG, Mgmt, and non-business may be used for professional experience but may not be used to fulfill course requirements for your Master’s program.

• MBA and business master's students must be in good academic standing, classified, and one semester in residence at CSUF.

• How to find an Internship site (company): click here