What is an internship?
The purpose of an internship is to obtain practical and valuable work experience, to apply skills and knowledge learned in school, and to gain exposure to various job opportunities.
An internship student must:
- be in a job directly related to the economics major.
- register for Econ 398 in advance in order to get credit for the internship.
- have the internship application approved by the Econ department internship coordinator (Rick Hirschi).
Internships are a great opportunity for students to "test drive" careers - giving them the chance to see what workers in that industry do from 8-5 Monday thru Friday. Internships should generally be a "stepping stone" into your future career. Internships are typically 30 to 40-hours a week positions that last for the length of a semester (10-14 weeks). 270 hours minimum.
Top 5 reasons to do an internship:
- It’s required for your degree
- Valuable experience
- Learn more about and engage in the practice of economics
- Try out a prospective employer
- Build your resume
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When should you do your internship?Your department internship coordinator will be able to give you a better idea of when you should complete your internship, based on the coursework you have completed. A basic outline would be: • Internships are typically done between the junior and senior year • Internships are best done when you are "off-track"
Bad times to do the internship course:- Too soon: You have to meet the requirements first for it to count
- Too late: Get it done before graduating – don’t have it hang over you
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Who should complete an internship?Everyone here. Every BYU-Idaho economics and financial economics student is required to complete an internship in order to graduate. Internships are still highly recommended to those who aren't required to complete them. Multiple internships are encouraged!
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Internships are typically done outside of the Rexburg/Intermountain West region. It's a great opportunity to explore new places and regional culture. So far, BYU-Idaho interns have worked in all 50 states and many foreign countries. Thousands of internship Experience Providers are currently registered in the BYU-Idaho Internship Database, Career Center!!
Required internships should be done AT the business you'd like to work for after graduation, or at a company similar in size and function. Because you will most likely be completing your internship outside the area, it's best to plan ahead educationally as well as financially.
How do you get started?
Students are responsible for lining up their own internship experiences, but we're definitely available to help you! Follow these steps to get started:
- Visit with your department internship coordinator, Brother Hirschi, to discuss internship requirements and/or prerequisites - before the end of your sophomore year if possible.
- Through regular job search, networking, advising, and/or your department coordinator, find the appropriate internship. Internships must be directly related to your major and involve the opportunity to apply economics research to the experience. Check out INTERNSHIP EXPEDITIONS!
- Use the Internship and Career Services website!
- Fill out the online internship approval form that goes to your department internship coordinator for approval & processing.
- You must be registered for the internship course BEFORE beginning work. No credit will be given for previous/past experiences.
Economics Internship Information
Economics Internship Information
Learn more about internships here at BYU-I.
Internship Coordinator
Rick Hirschi
111 Smith Building
hirschir@byui.edu
208-496-3806
111 Smith Building
hirschir@byui.edu
208-496-3806