FINANCE INTERNSHIPS

In Spring 2004, the Faculty Senate approved a resolution that requires all undergraduate students entering in September 2005 or later to take at least three credits of Discovery-Based or Experiential Learning (e.g., an internship, a service learning course, an independent study, participation in the Undergraduate Research Program or a Study Abroad program) in fulfillment of their degrees.

NOTE:  The DLE requirement is waived for students who entered the University of Delaware in Fall 2005, Winter 2006, Spring 2006, and Summer 2006.

If you are a Finance major and are planning on serving an internship to meet your DLE requirement and /or to earn credit, please be aware that you must have passed FINC311 with a C- or better BEFORE you begin the internship.  In addition, your internship should provide you with the opportunity to employ skills and knowledge you have gained from Finance courses you have taken.  Also you must serve a minimum of 120 hours and you must follow the steps listed below in order to earn academic credit for your internship. 

What is an internship?

An internship is a paid or unpaid work experience that also has academic value in one's program of study.  Under the guidance of experienced practitioners, Finance interns apply the skills and theories learned in the classroom to real-world issues. By providing an opportunity to observe and participate in the practical application of theories, concepts and techniques taught in finance classes, the internship will help prepare the student for his or her chosen profession.

What are some benefits of an internship?

Internship benefits include:

• developing personally and professionally while gaining confidence and real-world experience

• helping prepare the student for his or her chosen profession

• meeting and networking with practitioners in one’s area of interest

• mentoring and performance feedback from the site supervisor

• earning academic credit (NOTE:  In order to obtain academic credit, the internship must consist of a minimum of 120 hours.)

• fulfilling the DLE requirement

What is a successful internship?

Successful internships can be found in diverse settings and involve widely varying projects and assignments. All successful internships, however, share three traits.

1. The host organization receives significant assistance as a result of the intern's contributions.
2. The site supervisor provides feedback about the intern's performance and potential career path.
3. The intern is challenged to develop professional skills, knowledge, and ability.

To earn academic credit for your internship which will fulfill the DLE (Discovery Learning Experience) requirement, you must follow these steps:

1.         Take FINC311 before you begin your internship.  FINC311 is a prerequisite for FINC364.  You must have completed it with a grade of C- or better BEFORE you begin your internship.

2.        Complete the Discovery Learning-Internship Agreement.  Once you have signed it and had your on-site supervisor sign it, take it to 306 Purnell Hall to obtain the required signatures of the supervising Finance faculty member and the Chair of the Finance Department.   Click here for a copy of the Discovery Learning-Internship Agreement form.

3.         Once the form has been completed and all signatures have been obtained, return the form to 306 Purnell Hall and the department will register you for FINC364  Finance in Practice (3 credits).  You will be registered for the course in the semester in which your internship ends.  If your internship is served during the summer, you will be registered for FINC 364 in the following fall semester.