Services

CoBA Internships

An internship is a valuable educational experience that allows students to apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting. Interns work part-time or full-time with an employer to gain practical skills, industry insight, and professional connections.

Eligibility:
Third- and fourth-year students may enroll in the 3-credit internship course to expand their experience, strengthen career goals, and build confidence in their chosen field.
HTEM Internship Approval
HTEM students must complete a 400-hour internship and obtain approval through the HTEM Internship Coordinator before beginning. Students enroll in HTEM 371B after completing the required hours.
Contact: Ravi Karan – ravikaran@siu.edu
ECON Internship Approval
ECON students seeking internship credit must follow the department’s approval process.
Contact: Kevin Sylwester – School Director, Analytics, Finance & Economics - ksylwest@siu.edu
The Business Placement Center supports students with internship search strategy, resume development, employer connections, and interview preparation. Academic credit approval must be completed through the appropriate department.

Requirements to Earn Credit:
The internship must allow students to actively apply skills gained in upper-level coursework rather than performing general or entry-level tasks

1. Secure an internship related to your major (e.g., marketing, accounting, management).
2. Complete 180 work hours for 3 credit hours.
3. Register for the corresponding internship course (ACCT, BSAN, FIN, MGMT, or MKTG 495) during the same semester you intern—credit cannot be given retroactively.
4. Be compensated if interning with a for-profit organization (nonprofits are exempt).
5. Obtain approvals from your Academic Advisor, School Director, and Business Placement Center Director.
6. Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Submit the Internship Application by the deadline.

Deadlines:

• Fall Internship – July 15
• Spring Internship – October 31
• Summer Internship – April 30

For questions, contact the Business Placement Center at placement@siu.edu or 618-453-2603.

SIU Extern Program

For over 40 years, SIU’s Extern Program has connected more than 4,000 students with alumni and professional partners nationwide, providing hands-on career exploration and development opportunities. This one-week, unpaid experience allows students to apply classroom learning in real-world settings, gain industry insight, and build valuable professional networks.

 Open to students who have completed at least three semesters (including transfer, JD, and master’s students), the program offers job shadowing opportunities each spring in a wide range of career fields, often leading to mentorships, internships, and even full-time positions.

2026 Student Externship Program Guide

BPC Job Board

Your next opportunity is waiting!

The BPC Internship & Job Board is your one-stop hub for internships, part-time jobs, and full-time career opportunities designed to help you gain hands-on experience and grow your professional network.

From Fortune 500 companies to local businesses, explore openings that align with your goals, interests, and major. Whether you’re testing career paths or ready to land your dream role — we’re here to help you get there. Search. Apply. Succeed. Every connection you make brings you closer to the career you’ve been preparing for.

Explore thousands of internship and job opportunities tailored to SIU students on Handshake, our official career platform. Connect with top employers and find positions that match your major and career goals.

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