Sophomore Internship Program (SHIP)
Launch Your Career – Join The SHIP!
The Sophomore Internship Program (SHIP) is a credit-bearing internship program for academically high-achieving UB sophomores administered by Career Services. SHIP provides students with an opportunity to gain real world leadership experience in a not-for-profit (501c3) agency in the Western New York area. Internships may be available during the fall/spring/summer semesters. Interns are granted 3 academic credits for successful completion of the program.
After the satisfactory completion of the first semester of the internship, students may be eligible to continue with the organization for an additional semester (for an additional 3 credits). Questions about whether this course will count towards your university requirements, should be directed towards your academic advisor.
About SHIP Placements/Organizations
- Western New York not-for-profit (501c3) agencies
- Approved by UB Career Services
- Intern experience includes:
- Hands-on work experience
- A leadership opportunity with the agency leadership team
- On-going contact with agency executives
- Exposure to the Board of Directors
Student Eligibility
- Full-time UB sophomore (all majors/intended majors)
- 30 credit hours completed (prior to semester of first placement)
- Minimum 3.5 GPA
- Student must be registered for the internship course during the semester they are conducting the internship.
- NOTE: Summer school tuition must be paid for a summer internship.
- International students must ensure that the internship is first approved for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). This process starts with approval from the student's academic advisor. The internship must be deemed, by their advisor, to be "integral to the established curriculum" of the student's degree program and major. The advisor must indicate "pre-approval" of this information, in writing, to the International Student and Scholar Services office (ISSS) in 210 Talbert Hall utilizing the first page of this specific, yellow colored, Curricular Practical Training Recommendation form (PDF (22KB)). Upon agreement by the ISSS office (and after securing the internship) the second page of the form must then be completed by Career Services. The completed two-page form must then be submitted to the International Student and Scholar Services office (210 Talbert Hall) at least 5-7 business days prior to the start of the internship.
Course/Program Requirements
- Career Services appointment to review the syllabus: PDF (77KB) | Word (47KB)
- Pre-internship workshop/training on professional conduct (Success in the Workplace seminar)
- Complete course/program contract: PDF (235KB) | Word (38KB)
- Deliver signed internship contract from site supervisor to Career Services
- Pre-course assessment: PDF (174KB) | Word (36KB)
- Maintaining a Journal
- Mid Semester Progress Report
- Onsite internship meeting with student and employer individually by Career Services
- Full/complete participation in internship placement (minimum of 120 hours of internship work)
- Final Paper
- Post-course assessment/Self Evaluation/Program Evaluation: PDF (174KB) | Word (36KB)
Application Process
- Search/review Sophomore Internship Program internships through the BullsEye system (login at top)
- Submit a complete application packet prior to deadline
- Application Form: PDF (75KB) | Word (35KB)
- One page essay stating why you want the internship and what you can offer to employers
- HUB Academic Advisement Report to demonstrate satisfactory academic status (sophomore status with a GPA of 3.5 or higher)
- Link to InterviewStream interview answers
- (Login to InterviewStream on BullsEye and record answers to the "Sophomore Internship Program" question set. NOTE: Your responses will be made available to potential internship employers.)
- Resume - critiqued by Career Services or School of Management Career Resource Center
- Critiqued résumé should include day/time/name of counselor/peer review
- Student receives notification of approval of application from Career Services
- Career Services sends student application materials to the agencies
- Agencies interview students
- Student may be chosen for internship/placement. NOTE: Career Services cannot guarantee a placement
- Student attends a "Success in the Workplace" one hour seminar prior to starting internship
(Optional) Conducts internship for second semester
- Student meets with & obtains approval from Career Services
- Completes Mid Semester Progress Report
- Student completes Final Paper
- Student receives academic credit & grade for internship
For more information, contact Bob Orrange, Career Services SHIP coordinator, (716) 645-4620.