Internships | Colorado Mesa University

Colorado Mesa University's Alumni and Career Services recognizes the value of developing professional skills through hands-on experience. Students who complete paid internships are 2.4 times more likely to secure a job in their field of study. Internships can often count toward academic credit, and in some programs, they are required for graduation.

Internship Process & Paperwork

Our Career Services team supports the internship process through DocuSign and Handshake. Prior to beginning your internship experience, you will want to complete each of the five steps below:

STEP 1: Meet with Faculty Internship Coordinator

Contact your faculty internship coordinator to discuss options in your field of study. Your internship coordinator will help determine if your internship meets Colorado Mesa University’s standards to receive college credit. Together you can establish the learning outcomes you will work towards during your internship experience.
STEP 2: Complete Digital Paperwork

Double check that the contact information for each party is entered correctly. You will receive an email in 2-3 business days from "Colorado Mesa University via DocuSign" with a link to complete the digital paperwork.
- Click HERE to complete the form and initiate the digital internship paperwork process.
- View an EXAMPLE copy of the document to see what information is required.
STEP 3: Submit Internship Experience in Handshake

Once you have determined where you will complete your internship, you'll need to submit an internship "Experience" in Handshake.
- Log into Handshake, then from the "Career Center", click on "Experiences" and "Submit Experience".
- View Step-by-Step Directions to Submit an Experience in Handshake
- Wonder what it is like to complete an internship? Learn about the student experience
STEP 4: Register for Course

Work with your faculty internship coordinator to register for the course and you can begin your internship.
- Students must pay for the internship as they would in any other class. (i.e. a three-credit hour internship costs the same as a three-credit class; and a nine-credit hour internship is equal to the cost of three, three-credit hour classes).
STEP 5: Begin Your Internship

Work with your faculty internship coordinator to register for the course and you can begin your internship.
- Be sure to check in regularly with your faculty internship coordinator and complete the required coursework.
- Complete your internship evaluations in Handshake by the posted deadline. Departments use these evaluations to ensure students have had the most fulfilling internship experience possible.