General
Why does the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies (WGS) offer an internship?
WGS felt it was important to give our majors an opportunity to apply classroom learning to authentic work experiences.  We have had many students approach us about wanting an internship or, for those who found an internship on their own, wanting academic credit for their internship.  For these reasons, among others, we developed WST 4940: Internship for Women’s and Gender Studies.

When did WGS begin offering internships?
During the Summer 2012 term.

Where is the best place to find more information?
The WGS Internship website (www.wgs.usf.edu/internships).  We also recommend that you review the WGS Internship Guide located under “Forms and Documents”.

Students/Interns

How do I determine if I’m eligible for an internship?
Students must be a declared WGS major and have earned at least 12 credits of approved WGS courses to be eligible to apply for an internship.  We strongly recommend that you make an appointment with the WGS Advisor to determine if an internship is right for you. (Advising Appointments-- http://usfweb3.usf.edu/appointments/StudentSignon.asp)

I want to intern with an agency that isn’t listed.  What can I do?
Email the Dr.Bell (ebell@usf.edu) with the name and contact information of the agency.  We prefer to also have a specific person at the agency to contact.  The Internship Coordinator will then attempt to establish that agency as an official intern host for WGS.  Note: At this time,WGS can only supervise internships located within Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties.

How do I start the application process?
Review the Getting Started and Internship Checklist documents located under “Forms and Documents”.

Sponsors/Agencies/Departments
I’m interested in hosting an intern.  How do I get started?
Review the Getting Started and Internship Guide documents located under “Forms and Documents”.  We also encourage all interested sponsors to contact Dr. Bell (ebell@usf.edu).

What are the costs associated with hosting an intern?
Neither USF nor the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies charge any fees to host an intern.  We feel the experience is significantly beneficial to USF, the department, the student, and the sponsor.  While the sponsor can elect to pay the intern, almost all of the internships are unpaid.  All sponsors are expected to provide a contact person/supervisor on the site to provide appropriate supervision for the interns.

Can I request more than one intern?
Yes!  You can request multiple interns in any given semester.  The interns can engage in similar or different types of activities to each other.

How will I know if a student applying for my internship will be a good fit for my organization?
After a student submits an application, the Internship Coordinator will make an initial match based upon the student’s experience and vocational goals, and the needs of the sponsor.  The student will interview with the Internship Coordinator AND the sponsor.  The sponsor should only sign the Internship Contract once they believe they have interviewed a student who would be an asset as an intern.