Congratulations! Now that you have a position secured, be sure to take advantage of the Career Center’s options for recognition.
| Intern Success Practicum Syllabus |
| Make the Most of Your Internship! |
The Intern Success Practicum
The Practicum (PRAC 95/98/99) is a FREE, zero-credit, pass/fail course for students who are currently participating in an internship, co-op, or research position of 120+ hours.
You will receive a transcript notation of your professional experience while receiving guidance and support to help you excel at your site. UMBC students of all levels and disciplines are welcome to register.
Why Register?
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH: Relevant workshops, discussions, and employer panels help you take your experience to the next level.
FEEDBACK: Performance evaluation from your site supervisor.
SUPPORT & GUIDANCE: Career Center advice and guidance to help you make a great impression and overcome challenges.
TRANSCRIPT RECOGNITION: Your experience is sanctioned by UMBC and noted on your official academic transcript.
ACADEMIC CREDIT: You may be eligible to earn credit for your experience through your department. You may indicate if you’re interested in this option when you register for the Practicum.
Who Should Register for the Practicum?
- Any undergraduate OR graduate student who wants to enhance their experience with support, structure, and professional development
- Students who want to earn credit through an academic internship/research course that requires co-enrollment in the Practicum
- Students who wish to maintain full-time status at UMBC while participating in a full-time fall or spring experience that prevents them from taking a full course load (must be enrolled in the full-time co-op section
- F-1 students participating in eligible internship, co-op, or research experiences. F-1 students considering off-campus employment should review the current OISS CPT guidance before registering or beginning an experience.
Important Information for F-1 Students
Recent federal guidance has changed eligibility requirements for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Enrollment in the Intern Success Practicum (PRAC 95/98/99) does not, by itself, establish CPT eligibility or authorize off-campus employment.
Because federal guidance and UMBC procedures may continue to evolve, F-1 students should review the OISS CPT: Off-Campus Work Authorization webpage for the most current information before beginning any off-campus employment. Questions about CPT eligibility or other employment authorization should be directed to OISS.
How to Register Online for the Practicum
Quick Instructions Guide to Submitting Experiences (intern, co-op, & research) to Handshake to Register Online.
- Log in to Handshake, then navigate to Career Center > Experiences.
- Click “Submit an Experience” and select “Career Center – 1. Internship/Co-Op Practicum, Credit Optional (PRAC 95/98/99) OR Career Center – 2. Research Practicum (PRAC 98C)” as the Experience Type. Fill in the required fields and submit.
- Once you have submitted your request, you must attach a letter or include an email verifying that you have been offered the position. The information should be documented on the organization’s letterhead or sent by someone from the organization’s email domain.
Your registration will be reviewed within five business days. The position will appear as “Pending” until the review is complete, and you will receive an email upon approval. If you have any questions, email us at internships@umbc.edu.
Earning Credit for Your Experience
You may be able to earn upper-level academic credit for your experience via a course in your academic department. Ultimately, a faculty member in your department will determine if your internship is credit-worthy, but the Career Center is a great place to start. Please contact us at internships@umbc.edu if you would like to pursue credit. Many departments require the Intern Success Practicum as a co-requisite for earning internship/research credit.
For F-1 students: Enrollment in the Intern Success Practicum or an academic internship, research, independent study, or other course does not, by itself, establish eligibility for CPT. Please review the current OISS CPT guidance for the latest eligibility and authorization requirements.
Students attending USG should connect with the Center for Career Development by calling (301) 738-6338 or emailing usgcareerservices@umd.edu to schedule an appointment on the Shady Grove campus.
Please note, Financial Aid awards are finalized based on the last day of ADD/DROP. Any internship or independent study credit added after that date will not be considered for aid eligibility. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid to discuss the potential impact of your courses on financial aid.
Applied Learning for International Students
The Career Center works closely with the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) to support F-1 students pursuing internship, research, co-op, and other professional experiences.
Recent federal guidance has changed eligibility requirements for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Enrollment in the Intern Success Practicum (PRAC 95/98/99) does not, by itself, establish CPT eligibility or authorize off-campus employment.
Because federal guidance and UMBC procedures may continue to evolve, F-1 students should review the OISS CPT: Working Off Campus webpage for the most current information regarding CPT eligibility, requirements, and authorization.
The Career Center can help F-1 students explore internships, on-campus employment, and other professional experiences; develop an internship or job-search strategy; strengthen resumes and applications; prepare for interviews; and connect with employers.
Remember:
- The Career Center does not determine CPT or OPT eligibility and cannot provide immigration or employment-authorization advice.
- Do not begin any off-campus employment without the appropriate work authorization.
F-1 students may also have other options for gaining professional experience, including on-campus employment and, for eligible students, Optional Practical Training (OPT). Students should consult OISS regarding their individual eligibility and available employment-authorization options.
Questions about CPT, OPT, or other employment authorization should be directed to OISS. Questions about the Intern Success Practicum, internship and job searches, or Career Center services may be directed to the Career Center at internships@umbc.edu.