These steps are for students completing an internship with an external employer (not CCA).

All eligible students will be added to the Internship Moodle class. Moodle is where all paperwork and approvals happen and as each step is approved the student paperwork moves to the next step.

Follow the steps below precisely to complete your internship. Note that if you cannot perform the next step (e.g. you submitted your ILA but cannot enter your hours) then something is incomplete; you must wait for approval to continue.

1. The organization has a reputation for good design
2. The organization has at least two interaction designers with 5+ years of experience in the field
3. The organization can identify and name one senior designer who will act as the intern's mentor
4. The internship is for a minimum of 225 total hours
5. The internship pays at least minimum wage or better, but ideally market rate for Junior design talent, ranging from 20 to 30 or more dollars an hour. (may be less outside the U.S.)
6. EXCEPTIONS: In light of the pandemic, and layoffs across the industry, some non-paying internships (not-for-profit organizations, government organizations) might be approved but will have to be reviewed by the Intern Coordinator and the Program Chair first for approval. Internships may be remote but must still include a senior designer as a mentor.

Fall Semester of Junior Year:

• Begin work on your resume and portfolio.
• Attend the internship information sessions with the IxD Internship Coordinator or IXD Chair. It is critical that you attend as important information will be shared.

Winter Break:

• Work on your portfolio and post it live.

Spring Semester of Junior Year:

1. During registration for the coming Fall, register yourself for the Internship Placeholder class, IXDSN 3980 Internship.
2. Attend the portfolio review and preparation sessions in January-February with your IxD Internship Coordinator or Chair - in some cases this work will happen during the Pro Practices class.
3. Finalize your portfolio for public viewing.
4. Attend the CCA Career Expo. Meet more people and share your portfolio.
5. Apply to lots and lots of jobs.
6. If your portfolio is strong you will receive invitations to interview.
7. If your interviews are strong you will receive job offers.

Once you have an offer you're considering accepting, and BEFORE YOU ACCEPT IT:

1. 1. Let other companies you've applied to know that you have another offer, and give them at least 1 week to give you an offer too (or not). Often your first offer will unlock additional interest.
   2. Fill out an Internship Learning Agreement (ILA) form and post it in the Moodle Internship class. You may send your ILA to your employer to complete their portion of the form (section I) or issue you an offer letter that meets the job offer letter requirements (see above).
   3. If you're an International student, once the ILA is approved in Moodle, it will move to ISS to get the approval for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) work authorization from International Student Services (ISS). Working in the USA without approval from CCA could lead to the loss of your F-1 status. To learn more about CPT, click here.
   4. Accept the internship offer. Congratulations! BUT NOTE:
   5. DO NOT accept a position and then change your mind. If you're not 100% certain you want the job, DON'T ACCEPT IT. If you're not sure, talk to your Internship Coordinator for advice on how to proceed or for help on how to negotiate better terms.