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Internships

Where Learning Meets Real-World Experience

At Menlo College, internships are more than just a graduation requirement—they are a vital part of your education and career preparation. All business majors are required to complete a six-unit academic internship during the summer after their junior year or during their senior year. While psychology majors are not required to complete an internship, it is strongly encouraged and can count toward up to six elective units. For students pursuing double majors, only one six-unit internship is required.

Our internship program received the 2019 Outstanding College Work Experience & Internship Program Award from the California Internship & Work Experience Association. This award recognizes innovative programs that provide unique opportunities to gain skills and on-the-job-training experiences.

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Business Internships: Real-World Learning in Silicon Valley

As a business student, an internship is not just an option—it’s a key component of your curriculum. Menlo College is strategically located in Silicon Valley, home to legendary tech giants and innovative startups. Our students benefit from this prime location, with access to hundreds of companies where they can apply their classroom learning in real-world settings.

Business students will take the following courses as part of their internship program:

  • MGT 300 Exploring Menlo Pathways (1 Unit)*
  • MGT 301 Internship Preparation (1 Unit)
  • ACC 499 Internship in Major (4 Units) (For accounting students interning at a firm)

*Transfer students may waive MGT 300.

Psychology Internships: Elective Opportunities for Hands-On Learning

While internships for psychology students are not mandatory, they provide valuable opportunities to gain practical experience. Psychology majors can complete an internship for up to six elective units, giving them the flexibility to explore career paths and apply their knowledge in professional settings.

Internships for International Students: CPT and Practical Training

International students have the opportunity to gain off-campus work experience through INT 399, a one-unit elective course designed to meet Curricular Practical Training (CPT) requirements. This course, which can be repeated up to three times, offers structure and guidance for international students as they participate in internships aligned with their major field of study. Students will build a portfolio showcasing their progress, and at the end of the course, they will integrate their practical experience into their job search materials, including their resumes.

Supporting Your Internship Journey

The Office of Internships & Career Services (OICS) is dedicated to helping you find and secure high-quality internship opportunities. Our staff will guide you through every step of the process—from preparing your resume to searching for internships and ensuring your internship meets Menlo’s academic standards.

Internships must be approved by OICS in advance to ensure they provide valuable, professional experiences that align with your educational goals. For a six-unit internship, you’ll need to complete a minimum of 280 hours at your internship site, plus participate in the required seminar course.

Preparing for Your Internship

What steps are you taking to build out your resume to ensure you are competitive with your peers? Here are some points to consider:

  • Maintain a high GPA – Competitive internships often require a 3.0 or higher.
  • Get involved – Employers want to hire well-rounded students who demonstrate initiative, curiosity, and leadership in and out of the classroom. Join or start a student club, run for office in student government, and volunteer locally!
  • Attend Career Services events – Each year, our office hosts workshops, guest speakers, company tours, and an annual career fair. View all events here.
  • Gain work experience – Prior work and/or internship experience is one of the most important factors in any employer’s decision-making process. Use your summer and winter breaks to gain work and/or internship experience!
  • Start networking – Create a LinkedIn profile to connect with your professors, classmates, and Menlo College alumni. Want to learn more about a specific company or career path? Request an informational interview with someone in your network!

Confirming an Internship for Academic Credit

There are many ways to find an internship, and students are encouraged to use all available resources to search for them. However, before a student can start an internship, it must first be reviewed and confirmed for academic credit by the Internships & Career Services team. Students should not accept any internship offer until it has been confirmed for credit by ICS.

To ensure that an internship is educational, and thus eligible to be considered a legitimate internship, Menlo College has adopted the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) criteria for a quality internship:

  • The skills or knowledge learned must be transferable to other employment settings.
  • The experience has a defined beginning and end, and a job description with desired qualifications.
  • There are clearly defined learning objectives and goals related to the professional goals of the student’s academic coursework.
  • There is supervision by a professional with expertise and an educational or professional background in the field of the experience.
  • There is routine feedback by the experienced supervisor.
  • There are resources, equipment and facilities provided by the host employer that support the learning objectives and goals.

ICS will not approve for academic credit any internship that is:

  • Located outside of the designated pre-approved regions communicated to you by the ICS team.
  • Located in a non-commercial office or non-professional setting (e.g., home offices, cafes)
  • In a family-owned business or in an organization where a family member is supervising you or is in a position of authority over you.
  • In an organization where you have previously volunteered, interned, or worked (Some exceptions can be made; contact the program administrator to learn more).
  • Incompatible or not aligned with the internship seminar schedule.
  • Does not meet the 280+ total hours on-site requirement.
  • On-campus.

Internship Cohort Process

To join an internship cohort as a business major, follow these steps:

  1. Complete the Internship Prep Module: An introduction to the program and requirements.
  2. Attend an Internship Pathfinder Session: Develop your strategy for securing an internship.
  3. Meet with Career Services: Discuss your goals and job search strategy.
  4. Apply to Internships: The average student applies to over 100 internships. The college won’t assign one to you; it’s your responsibility to find one.
  5. Complete a Mock Interview: Practice and refine your interview skills.
  6. Submit Your Experience for Approval: Ensure your internship meets all eligibility requirements.
  7. Register for the Internship Course: Once approved, enroll in the summer course.
  8. CPT Authorization for F-1 Visa Students: International students must request CPT authorization and, if needed, apply for a Social Security Number.

Internship Seminar and Class Assignments

In addition to hands-on experience at your internship, you’ll participate in a weekly interdisciplinary seminar during the summer. This course will help you reflect on your internship experience, develop career readiness, and create a portfolio of your work. You will learn how to:

  • Set and achieve specific career goals
  • Analyze organizational structures and environments
  • Present business challenges clearly and persuasively
  • Clarify your career interests and articulate the skills you’ve gained

Real-World Results: The Menlo Internship Legacy

Since the program began in 2014, more than 800 Menlo students have interned with companies like YouTube, the San Francisco 49ers, the American Red Cross, and the City of Menlo Park. These internships provide invaluable career preparation, real-world experience, and networking opportunities with professionals across a variety of industries. View the full list of where students have interned here.

Ready to get started? Contact our team to schedule an appointment or learn more about how you can gain practical experience through Menlo College’s Internship Program.

Internship Placements

Contact

Schedule an Appointment with ICS