ASU bridge on the Tempe campus

Internships

College of Global Futures (CGF) students are highly encouraged to complete at least one internship during their academic career. Students who secure qualifying internships can earn three credit hours toward their degree program’s elective requirements.


CGF Internship Program

ASU sustainability internships at Zero Waste

The CGF Career Services team helps students identify internship opportunities, review application materials and facilitate enrollment in the CGF Internship Elective course. 

See below for more information on the CGF internship program and answers to frequently asked questions. Click the buttons below for additional details on the CGF internship program and examples of CGF student internships.

What is an internship?

An internship is more than a part-time job or volunteer position, but rather a short-term, hands-on, supervised work experience with a professional organization. It is designed to increase a student’s knowledge of a professional field through significant learning objectives. Internships are supervised by professionals with expertise directly related to the intern’s responsibilities. Responsibilities are project-based and relate to the student’s area of study, with minimal administrative or clerical tasks.

Why complete an internship?

ASU sustainability internships at Zero Waste

Internships are valuable experiences that enhance student education and professional development. Internships also allow students to:

  • Gain professional experience in their field of study.
  • Apply academic knowledge and skills to a professional environment.
  • Build transferable skills necessary for a successful career, such as communication, teamwork and problem solving.
  • Connect and network with industry professionals.
  • Prepare for the transition from the role of student to the role of professional.

FAQS

CGF students engage in internships at various organizations spanning the public, private and non-profit sectors. Available internships cater to academic fields, industries and interest areas that advance students’ career goals. 

For examples of CGF student internships and host organizations, review our CGF internship examples.

There are many tools and resources to find internships:

For additional support with finding internships, schedule an internship advising appointment or email [email protected]

No. While CGF students are highly encouraged to complete internships, they are not required to graduate from any of our degree programs.

Yes. CGF students in Academic Good Standing who have earned at least 12 ASU credit hours (six for graduate students) can earn credit by enrolling in the CGF Elective Internship course (CGF 484/584). CGF 484/584 is a three-credit elective that encourages critical reflection on the internship experience and tracks important internship milestones through weekly assignments.

Before enrolling in CGF 484/584, your internship must be approved by the CGF Career Services team to ensure it meets course requirements. Students must enroll in CGF 484/584 during the term they are completing their internship. Students cannot earn retroactive credit for internships completed during past academic terms.

For more information on the enrollment process and CGF 484/584 course, see the CGF Internships site.

To qualify for CGF 484/584 enrollment, an internship must: 

  • Provide at least 135 hours of meaningful work experience during the academic term of enrollment.  
  • Offer a learning opportunity for the student that clearly relates to the student’s academic area of study
  • Provide financial compensation if hosted by a for-profit company. 
  • Receive CGF approval at least two weeks prior to each academic term’s session C start date. 

For a detailed list of requirements, see the CGF Internships site. As there may be some degree of flexibility with these requirements, please contact us for further clarification on internship requirements.

Yes, many graduate students complete internships, either for the professional experience, elective credit or both. While many internship opportunities are open to both undergraduate and graduate students, some have restricted eligibility. Carefully review the position description to determine if  graduate students are eligible to apply.