How to sign up for an internship
Note: You should begin this process at least one month in advance of the quarter! The criminal background check can take 4-6 weeks to complete, and you will not be allowed to enroll in the course without it.
1. Reflect: Think about the types of career options that you would like to explore. Are you interested in social services, teaching, research, law enforcement (the possibilities are endless...)? What age groups do you most enjoy working with? If you need some help with narrowing your options, feel free to contact the internship program coordinator (click here)!
2. Gather Information: Once you have narrowed down your interests, browse through information on the many internship sites described in this website (click here). You are also welcome to explore options that are NOT listed on the website, but you will need to consult with the Internship Program Director.
3. Contact the agencies: E-mail, phone, or write to agencies of interest to see if they are accepting interns next term. If so, ask them about their application procedures. They may ask for a resume, and they will most likely need to do a criminal background check. Please note that agencies are NOT required to accept you as an intern.
4. Complete the Internship Contract: Print off the internship contract from this website (click here). The contract specifies the expectations for you, the agency, and the internship program director. You will need to fill out the information and get the necessary signatures before turning it in to the internship program director. The contract MUST be completed and turned in to the internship program director BEFORE the quarter begins. Please note that submitting your completed paperwork does NOT enroll you in the course. Once we receive your paperwork, we will perform the override that will allow you to register online, but we cannot actually enroll you in HDFS 209 or HDFS 410.
5. Submit evidence of a recent criminal background check to HDFS: To be admitted into the HDFS Internship Program, you must turn in a copy of a recent criminal background check indicating that you have no criminal record in the state of Oregon, or evidence that your internship site is conducting a criminal background check. Check the Oregon State Police Website for instructions on how to get an Oregon record check. Please be aware that there are fees for getting fingerprinted and for the record check itself. We have had a number of questions about this process (why? how? what if...?), and I have answers to the most frequently asked questions posted on the FAQ's Page. The criminal background check MUST be completed BEFORE your internship begins.
6. Enroll: Bring the completed contract (including all required signatures) and your criminal background check to the internship program director. Allow three business days before attempting to register for HDFS 209 or 410 online. We need time to reserve a spot for you in the program. The computer system will not allow you to register for HDFS 209 or 410 until you have turned in your contract and criminal background check to the internship program director. Remember - submitting your completed paperwork does NOT enroll you in the course. Once we receive your paperwork, we will perform the override that will allow you to register online, but we cannot actually enroll you in HDFS 209 or HDFS 410. Note: Make sure that you type in the CRN directly, rather than using the "search" function, or the system will not allow you into the course.
7. Learn through Experience: If you have successfully completed steps 1-6, you are ready to begin your internship. During your first visit with your Internship Site Supervisor, make sure to give him/her a copy of the HDFS 209 or 410 Syllabus (click here for the link to syllabi). Furthermore, make sure to discuss with your supervisor the issues listed here.The internship program director will be in contact with you each week via e-mail, but you are always welcome to visit, phone, or e-mail her whenever you have questions or concerns (click here to contact the internship program director).
