How do I prepare for interviews? What should I wear?

Before you interview, please learn as much as you can about the internship sites with whom you will be meeting. These are formal interviews, and you should have some general knowledge about the offices or programs and the positions to which you are applying. We recommend that you wear business casual attire for your interviews (there is no need to wear a suit).

If I plan to work full-time and pursue a master’s degree part-time, do I still need an internship?

If you plan to work full-time in a higher education setting while pursuing your master’s degree, you may be able to waive the internship requirement. Please contact CSHPE in order to discuss this further and request a waiver.

Is the timeline for pursuing an internship different for students in the dual-degree MA/MBA program?

Yes, dual degree MA/MBA students typically spend their first year at U-M taking courses in the Ross School of Business and their second year taking courses in both Ross and CSHPE. Thus you should not pursue an internship in higher education until the start of your second year at U-M when you officially begin taking courses in CSHPE.

Is the timeline for pursuing an internship different for students in the dual-degree MA/MPP program?

The answer depends on how you have chosen to structure your time at U-M. As a dual degree MA/MPP student, you have the option of deciding whether you pursue a two-semester internship during your first or second academic year at U-M.

What if I am an international student and/or will be receiving financial aid from an international (non-US-based) source?

If you are an international student we encourage you to check with U-M’s International Center (http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/) to determine whether you possess the type of visa that will allow you to seek an internship at U-M while pursuing your graduate studies. International students are not eligible to work off campus unless they have prior authorization.

If you expect to receive financial aid from a source outside of the United States (e.g. your home government) please review the documents provided to you in accepting your funding package. Some countries require that those receiving government aid only pursue academic work while attending U-M. Thus, seeking an internship could put your funding package at risk. Please note that it is your responsibility to determine the obligations associated with your funding package.

Will additional internships become available after the April 15 deadline for matriculating?

Yes, it is common for additional internship opportunities to become available both prior to and during the summer months. Some units at U-M do not finalize their budgets until after the academic year ends.

On what date will my master’s internship begin and end?

Internships may begin and end on slightly different dates, depending on your agreement with the individual supervisor or office. Typically internships begin at or just prior to the start of the fall semester (late August or early September) and conclude toward the end of the winter semester (typically in April). Please establish a clear outline of expectations regarding your start date, weekly work schedule, and time off for breaks before committing to an internship opportunity.

When and how often should I expect to receive a paycheck?

How often you are paid will depend on the type of funds being used to support your internship. To be certain of your pay schedule, please ask your individual supervisor. If you are an hourly employee, it is likely that you submit a timesheet every two weeks and receive a paycheck twice a month.

What if I have technical difficulties?

If you need to access the U-M IT help team, please visit the following website: www.its.umich.edu/help or contact the 4-Help line during the hours below.

Phone (734-764-4357):

Monday–Thursday: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Friday: 7 a.m.–6 p.m.

Sunday: 2 p.m.–7 p.m.

Chat:

Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

If you experience technical difficulties while accessing Spark Hire for the optional recorded interviews, please contact Spark Hire's 24-hour assistance help line by emailing support@sparkhire.com (24-hour support) or calling 800-219-0480 (10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. EST Monday-Friday).

What are tips for writing strong cover letters?

Please see the U-M Career Center’s website at http://careercenter.umich.edu/article/cover-letters for suggestions on how to write effective paragraphs of interest that serve as a cover letter. We understand that you have a short period of time to submit your internship application materials, and a few important points to consider are below:

• Be as specific as possible. Be sure to include the specific name of the site to which you are applying.Refer to specific qualifications in each internship description and include how you meet those with prior experiences or skills you have already developed. Do not write the same paragraphs of interest for every position you apply for, even if you change the name of the internship title.

• Be excited. Describe why you are passionate about applying for each position. Perhaps it is because you want to learn about a new area of higher education—be willing to push yourself beyond your current boundaries, but acknowledge why you are applying for a role. Discuss transferrable skills (e.g. if you want to work in career services but have no work experience in that area, perhaps write about your strong interpersonal skills and ways you have benefited from using services provided by the career center on your own campus).

• Be professional. Address your paragraphs of interest using the guidance listed in the internship description. Be professional and proofread each of your letters. Some people find it helpful to have a friend or someone they trust read over them and to provide feedback.

You can read here to learn more about SOE’s Career Services that will be available to you as a student in the School of Education.

What should I do to be considered for other forms of financial assistance?

To be considered for federal financial aid, work-study funding, and/or other forms of federal financial assistance, please complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) via www.fafsa.ed.gov as soon as possible and supply U-M’s School Code, 002325.

All admitted full-time applicants will automatically be considered for CSHPE merit scholarship funding which, if awarded, will be in addition to what you receive through your internship position and your federal aid package. You do not need to take additional steps to be considered for CSHPE merit scholarships. If you are offered funding by CSHPE, you will receive a separate letter with the details of your merit scholarship (e.g. amount and time-frame for distribution).

Important note: A few days to a couple weeks after submitting your FAFSA, U-M’s Office of Financial Aid will send you an “Award Notice” or “Financial Aid Offer.” Please note that this award only details the federal loans that you would qualify for should you choose to accept them. Again, this offer is separate from any CSHPE funding decisions.

For questions or additional information, please contact Dr. Katie Madden, CSHPE Master’s Program Manager, at cshpe.internships@umich.edu.