Field Experience: Internships & Co-ops
The UMass Amherst Field Experience Program provides employers with highly motivated and productive employees, a low-cost, effective way to get more done, and a chance to train entry-level talent to step into future full-time openings.
Differences Between Internships and Co-ops
Internships are work experiences that are generally unpaid, though those that offer some form of stipend or payment usually attract more applicants. Interns can earn academic credit for these positions and are sponsored by a faculty member. In many cases, students find internships in non-profit organizations.
Note: We recognize that some firms call paid field experience positions "internships."
Co-ops are paid positions lasting from 3 to 8 months, either for a summer, a semester, or a combination of the two. These are pre-professional experiences that directly relate to the students’ academic studies, and are often in for-profit companies. Students generally do not earn credit for co-op positions.
Five Steps to Hiring a Co-op or Intern
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Contact the Field Experience Office at 413-545-6265 to discuss your short term or project-based needs.
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Submit a position description directly through the UMass Amherst CareerConnect/eRecruiting portal for Employers, or fill out the Post an Internship or Co-op form. Students will view your company’s information and position description on UMass Amherst CareerConnect/eRecruiting and apply directly through the site.
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Contact the students you wish to interview. You may interview students at the Career Services Office, by phone, or arrange for students to come to your organization. Please notify both the student and Field Experience Office of your selection.
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Provide a supervisor for the student, an orientation to your firm and the project, and a formal job description.
- Final Student Evaluation 3 page version.pdf Complete a Final Evaluation form for each student. You may download the Final Evaluation form or request it from our office.
