CS398/CS498 Academic Internship

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long should an internship last?

   A full semester (14 weeks) of work experience is required.

2. How many credits is it worth?

   Between one and four (with an equivalence of 140 work hours per credit) depending on how many you'd like to earn. Only one is needed as part of the 70 total credit hours required for the Computer Science major.

3. Can I do an internship with my current employer?

   Yes, if it is (or can be) approved. Each employer is required to sign an internship "Master Agreement" and at minimum should provide an onsite supervisor, mentorship, and an office for students to work out of (versus their home or the library, for example). Additional documentation may be required.

4. Who approves an internship?

   The Department Internship Coordinator.

5. Who is the Department Internship Coordinator?

   Rick Neff is the coordinator for Computer Science majors. (Rex Fisher is the coordinator for Computer Engineering majors.)

6. What do I need to do?

   The academic requirements (in other words, how you earn your grade) are specified in the Syllabus.

7. No, I mean what do I need to do to get an internship?

   The procedures are as outlined at the BYU-Idaho Internships site, with which you should become very familiar.

8. Can I get a quick overview of what's there?

   Yes, in the Program Overview.

9. I'm an employer. What do I need to do to participate in this program?

   Please see the Steps to Participation, and note some Quick Facts.

10. Who should I ask for a letter of recommendation?

    Any current or former employers who can supply a first-hand account of your work ethic and caliber.

11. What if I haven't had a job where I can ask for a letter of recommendation?

    Ask your current or former teachers (particularly your Computer Science teachers). That's one reason you should work hard and do well in your courses!

12. How can an internship be required when there's no guarantee I can get one?

    The same way that earning a bachelor's degree will not guarantee you a job, even though most jobs in the computer field require it. You qualify yourself for your opportunities -- no risk, no reward.

    It's important to start your search for an internship well in advance -- at least two semesters before you want to work. There are many resources available to help you in your search. Visit with your department coordinator, check the internship database on the Internship Office website, and network...network...network! It's all about who you know...and who they know.

13. Wait! How can I be sure if an internship really IS required?

    An internship is required for those students graduating under the 2004-2005 catalog (or later). An internship is not required for students graduating under the 2003-2004 catalog (or earlier).

14. I've heard of something called an Internship Expedition. What is it?

    This and related questions are answered on the Internships site.