Career Resource Center - Student
KS Students Achieving Excellence
Post Graduate Information Form
Forms to be completed by the internship supervisor from the work site.
The Katie School of Insurance and Financial Services at Illinois State University is recognized nationally in the education and preparation of future leaders in the insurance and risk management industry. The School works closely with the industry in the continual development of the insurance program to better prepare individuals beginning insurance career positions.
One important aspect of the Katie School educational process is the placement of students in internship experiences. An internship provides work experience relating to the student’s career goals and can be beneficial to the student in obtaining permanent employment upon graduation. The internship can serve to enhance the student’s commitment to a career field; it might, on the other hand, help the intern to identify certain jobs that he or she would not wish to pursue.
An internship provides experiences and contacts with professionals, helping to increase the self-confidence of the student intern. It is helpful to the student in obtaining employment upon graduation because an intern possesses actual business experience. Recruiters take special interest in students who have had internships – in fact, some recruiters will not even interview applicants who have not had an internship.
Students are able to participate in internships during the fall, spring, summer, and over winter break. Whereas most students are limited during fall and spring semesters to the Central Illinois area, during the summer students are able to participate in programs nationwide or abroad. Students are ordinarily compensated for their employment. The student is required to complete a minimum of 135 hours over the term with fall and spring semesters covering a 15-week timetable and summer offering 10-12 weeks student availability. Completion of the 135 hours, written evaluations by the supervisor, and a paper submitted by the student constitute the components of the course requirements. Once all are completed, the student receives 3 hours course credit. There is the possibility of earning 6 hours course credit on certain occasions.
Applications for internships are available in the Katie School office in 432 College of Business building. Criteria for student interns may vary from company to company but most employers are interested in students who do well in the classroom, have a sincere interest in pursuing a career in insurance and risk management, have strong communication skills, have the ability to work well in teams, and have the flexibility to adapt to new ideas and situations.
Visit the Katie Career Resource Center to view the available internship opportunities. A faculty coordinator is available to assist students in internship placements.
