"MCLA’s location provided me with endless opportunities to gain professional experience in the arts. I had a lot of fun working as a tour guide at MASS MoCA and in the education department at the Berkshire Museum, which allowed me to figure out what kinds of jobs I would like and to meet a lot of interesting arts professionals along the way. MCLA’s small size helped me develop close working relationships with my favorite professors who always took time to advise me on academic and professional concerns. I really felt like they were with me all the way."
Monica Henry ’07 Education Coordinator, Clark Art Institute
Internships
If you are interested in landing an internship for professional experience, review the following basic information:
Internships for academic credit must be approved through the appropriate academic department. Each department should have a set of guidelines and requirements that you must meet i.e., GPA
Evaluate your skills and interests and explore different career fields. You will then have a handle on the types of work settings that will be the best potential internship site for you.
A number of internship sites currently exist; however, it is possible to create new sites and experiences either through your academic department or the Career Services Center. You may want to check out the Career Services Center Internship database to see current internship listings that will include background, and other related requirements.
Work with the Career Services Center if you are interested in internship possibilities or (to gain work experience in general). Our staff will refer you when necessary to your academic department to help you determine course credit. We will prepare you for the opportunity and guide you through the process.
Steps For Securing An Internship
Career Services Center may make the initial contact to develop or confirm the internship site. Internship Application is obtained from the Career Services Center or you may print from our Homepage.
You will schedule an interview with the on-site supervisor to determine goals and objectives which define the internship, have questions answered, and identify expectations.
You are strongly encouraged to possess a professional resume as a summary of your current background and skills. Professional or appropriate wardrobe is essential especially for the initial interview.
You follow up with Career Services so that we know your status.
You negotiate total on-site hours and work schedule with on on-site supervisor. You complete the Internship Application and meet with your faculty sponsor to determine hours, credit, time frame, grading of the internship; required signatures.
NOTE: More than 18 credits is course overload - this requires approval of your academic department and the Academic Dean. You will need to fill out a Course Overload Form and get the required signatures for approval.
Steps For Non-Credit Work Experience
Career Services Center makes the initial contact to develop or confirm a work site.
You interviews with site supervisor to determine the goals and objectives which define the work experience.
You negotiate with work site supervisor for total hours and work schedule.
****Attend Career Services Center seminars for resume building, interviewing preparation, and how-to-dress for success tips.
