How to Apply
To apply for the RCB Internship Program and receive academic credit, the student must:
- Submit the “Intern Application” listed under Resources.
- Submit a copy of his/her transcript and resume listed under Resources. To find the transcript go to Campus Connect, navigate to transcript, copy and paste transcript to a MS Word document. Save and submit. Must be in DOC file. This form is listed as “Document Submission” under Resources.
- Submit the names of three SAU RCB business faculty who recommend him/her for the program. This form is listed as “Faculty Approval” under Resources.
Purposes of the Program
The Southern Arkansas University Rankin College of Business provides curricula to prepare graduates for successful careers in their chosen fields of study. Business faculty update core curriculum requirements regularly to keep pace with today’s changing business world.
Business internship is one of the programs designed to enhance the traditional curricula of the Rankin College of Business. This program offers a joint opportunity for business executives and the University to augment the academic experiences of students.
Benefits to the Host Business
The internship program offers participating businesses qualified short-term employees. Businesses may also find this a good way to make contact with potential full-time employees. Through participation in this program, host businesses contribute to the academic development and growth of SAU business students.
Student Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the internship program:
- A student must have a minimum of 75 credit hours with an overall grade point average of 2.5 by the end of the semester prior to enrolling for the internship.
It is expected that students in the internship will exhibit good work habits and strong “people skills.”
Evaluation of the Program
Each host business evaluates the student/program by completing two evaluation forms—one at midpoint in the internship and one at the end. Summer internships require only one evaluation. This evaluation form is listed as “Intern Evaluation” under Resources. Each intern submits a weekly progress report and a comprehensive final evaluation report. The report is listed under “Internship Weekly Report” under Resources. Business and student evaluations are used to determine the student’s grade and to assess the success of the program.
Selection of the Interns
A selection committee composed of members of the Rankin College of Business faculty reviews carefully the qualifications of all internship candidates. During the selection process, the committee groups candidates according to areas of study and matches them with participating businesses. The committee provides each host business with information about qualified applicants for the internship, and the host firm makes the final selection of the intern. The firm may employ more than one intern. It is recommended that the host firm select a student who is not already employed by the business.
Responsibilities of the Host Business
Participating businesses employ the intern for a minimum 12-week period. The program requires that students work from 10-15 hours per week during this period, a total of approximately 120 hours. Other schedules may be approved for students as long as a minimum of 120 hours of work is performed during the internship. Host businesses sign an agreement to provide students with a variety of quality experiences in the day-to-day operations and management of the business and to complete evaluation forms.
Since students receive three hours of University credit for this work, additional compensation is presumed.
For additional information contact:
Sheila J. Pearson
Internship Director
Southern Arkansas University
MSC 8656
Magnolia, AR 71754-8656
Telephone 870-235 4299 office
