The effort to better define the concept of an internship is continuing within the community of internship professionals. A second draft of a proposed definition has now been crafted by Michael True of Messiah College.

DRAFT #2
An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skill development in a professional setting.  Students earn academic credit, or there is some other connection to the curriculum of a degree-granting, educational institution.  This work/learning arrangement is overseen by a faculty or staff member of the student’s educational institution and by a designated employee of the organization.  The work/learning experience is usually the length of a semester, may be part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid.  A learning agenda or learning objectives, which include one or more forms of reflection, is integral to the experience to distinguish it from a volunteer position or job.

Please email your comments, thoughts, and/or suggestions to Michael True at mtrue@messiah.edu.