College of Education & Human Services

College Student Personnel Graduate Program

The Internship Search

Welcome to Our Resource Hub for Your Internship Placement Success 

Internships are a vital component of the theory-to-practice experience for our graduate students, providing practical experience, networking opportunities, and a chance to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Although an internship is not required, it is highly recommended. The list below offers a few options to help you find and secure an internship.

  1. The ACUHO-I Housing Internship Program is an initiative by the Association of College and University Housing Officers International (ACUHO-I) designed to provide graduate students with practical experience in the field of residential life and student housing. There is a $45 application fee.  ACUHO-I has offered a limited number of scholarships to assist students with their Housing Internship Program entry fee. Check their website for details.
  2. The NODA Internship Program provides a platform to facilitate the matching of motivated, quality students with challenging, exciting orientation, transition, and retention positions at NODA member institutions across the United States and Canada. You must be a NODA member to participate. Review the frequently asked questions on NODA's site for more details. The internship fee is included with the membership.
  3. The NASPA GAP Program (Graduate Associate Program) is designed to provide graduate students with professional development opportunities in student affairs. It offers internship positions at the NASPA Annual Conference.
  4. Handshake at Western Illinois University provides you with access to internship and job opportunities tailored to your career interests. You can connect with employers, view job postings, participate in virtual career fairs, and manage your applications, all while leveraging resources designed to enhance your professional development.
  5. Many students actively pursue internship opportunities beyond platforms like ACUHO-I and NODA. The CSP program is eager to connect you with our alumni and provide additional support in your internship search. You also have the option to stay in the area, as several community colleges and private institutions are nearby.

Internship Considerations for International Students

International students seeking to participate in a summer internship must adhere to the guidelines for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Please review more about CPT from International Admissions. The information below is just a snapshot.

  • Your internship must be directly related to our CSP curriculum. It should provide practical experience in student affairs, higher education administration, or similar areas that will enhance your academic learning.
  • Typically, you need to have completed at least one academic year in the program. If you do not meet this requiremnt, we can discuss it with our immigration specialist. 
    • Dana Sistko, Immigration Specialist/PDSO
      Sherman Hall 116
      Phone: (309) 298-1806
      Email: DM-Sistko@wiu.edu
  • CPT can be part-time (up to 20 hours a week) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week).
  • You will need to register for CSP 560 as your summer course. 
  • You must maintain legal work authorization throughout the internship; you do not want your CPT authorization period to expire before the end of your internship.

Other things to note:

  • You will need a detailed offer letter from the internship site. It must include job title, detailed description of duties, start and end dates, number of hours per week, salary, and physical location of the internship.
  • After your CPT is approved, your SEVIS record will be updated and you will be issued a new I-20 indicating you've been authorized for CPT. You cannot start your internship until you receive this updated I-20.

Review These Resources While You're Preparing

NASPA Graduate Associate Program

Scott Johansen - CSP Alum

Our very own Scott Johansen '24 was a NASPA GAP in 2023-2024. Scott now works at Northern Illinois University as a Program Assistant for Student Training and Development in Orientation and First Year Programs.

 

October is Careers in Student Affairs Month

NASPA CSAM logo

Every October, NASPA celebrates the student affairs profession with a lineup of virtual events and resources that are complimentary to members and non-members. 

If you are not a member, you can create a free NASPA account to access these resources.

ACPA Logo

ACPA also hosts offerings for Careers in Student Affairs Month (CSAM) such as convention registration discounts and professional development opportunities.

 

Center for Career Preparation and Employer Engagement

Alumni have access to all the same services and resources as current WIU students.

  • Use Big Interview's full curriculum of interview prep materials and interview practice feature that allows you to video record your responses to review and send to others for feedback.
  • Handshake is a career development platform designed to connect you with employers, providing tools for job searching, internships, and networking. Create a profile, upload your resume, and apply for positions.