Internships (question for those of you who had to complete one with a DL program)

For those of you who have completed a distance learning program that required an internship how did you find your internship site? Most colleges have a list of places where you can obtain an internship etc but when doing the degree via DL this list does not apply.

I have 6 months to figure this out but my main problem is I have no idea where I am going to be then! We are trying to make some family decisions currently so my location could change specifically for my program practicum and internships.

So those of you who have completed online programs with internships how did you handle them? How did you find one? Was it paid or unpaid? Did your school help at all?

 

I did a partial distance program (intensive weekend residencies), and the school provided a list of possible sites, but it was up to me to do the legwork. My first internship was at a private mental health counseling service, with my second at a psychiatric hospital; neither were paid, which is the attraction of interns to companies.....basically slave labor. However, if you had a paid position that satisfied the internship requirements, you could use that for your internship.

 

They do supply a list but the list is for Colorado and areas around the school and I am currently living around Seattle. I am tempted just to move to Colorado for a year to do my internships....just not sure the hubby will go for that!

 

Hi Eilla05,

Check with schools in your local area. For my capstone course, I had to do a client project. The school sent me a list for possible clients, problem was they were all in Pittsburgh and I'm in Hawaii. So I contacted my local schools, one thing led to another and I was referred to the community college for help. I was extremely surprised that the local schools were willing to work with me, they provided me with a list of possible clients, and I was able to do my project locally. Check with your school to see if they would allow you to work locally. Also check with your local schools, you will be surprised how much help they can give you, I was.

 

I'd look for private counseling services in your area (including inpatient), and e-mail the clinical directors, inquiring about internships. Private companies are usually thrilled to get the free help, but make sure that any internship sites can provide the necessary supervision and can provide enough hours for your program and licensure needs.

 

Great idea!!! I will start calling around and checking their websites as well.

Another great idea!

 

Networking

Others have given good ideas.

My idea: If you don't already have one, set up a LinkedIn profile and start networking with others. LinkedIn allows searches by profession, employer, university, city and so forth. Networking is something that online students often miss out on, compared to B&M students, so you can make up for that but it takes effort.

My brother-in-law is a mental health counselor in Seattle. If you'd like to correspond with him, send me a PM.

 

I think I still have the form letter provided by MSPP for us to use when e-mailing about internship sites, I'll take a look and see if I saved it.

 

Many job boards post internship positions. Since you know what you would like to do, it is easier to narrow it down. Sending your resume out on popular job boards isn't always the best option because you often do not hear back. However, if you do this as well as reach out to clinics and schools in your area, you will have covered all the bases. Good luck & enjoy it!