This course provides Economics majors and minors practical experience applying the knowledge and skills acquired in formal course work. As you would expect, for work experience to count towards Econ 390 credit, it must involve some application of economics.
The focus of Economics 390 is short-term practical experience—the commitment is initially for 1 semester only. If you wish to continue with the same employer or with another employer after the initial internship ends, you can repeat as many as two times. Of course, continuing in the same internship position depends on both faculty and employer approval. If you are more interested in a long-term commitment with more supervision, consider enrolling in Econ 391, the Econ Co-op course.
Finding a Position: While you are welcome to look for an appropriate position on your own, we encourage you to visit the Student Employment and Cooperative Education website to search for internship openings. Econ Internship jobs must involve the application of economics to be approved by the Undergraduate Advisor. You can also visit the Econ department's Intern Position web site where information is posted about job openings.
Enrolling in Econ 390: Students may enroll in Econ 390 for 1-3 credit hours. The number of credits should be chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor. Students need a position, a faculty advisor, and approval from both their faculty advisor and the undergraduate Economics advisor before the beginning of class. Students can enroll in 390 up to the regular add/drop deadline each semester.
Coursework: Two short papers are required: one at the beginning of the semester and another at the end of the semester. The first paper serves as your internship proposal and outlines your goals and objectives for the internship. This proposal is due during the second week of the semester, should be 1-3 pages long, and should describe:
- the position that you are taking,
- the contact information of your supervisor at work,
- the days and hours of work,
- the pay-scale of your position,
- your goals and objectives during your internship,
- and what you hope to learn from the internship.
Your second paper is due the last week of classes, should be 3-5 pages long, and should describe:
- your accomplishments during the internship.
- your progress towards meeting your goals and objectives?
- any lessons you learned during your internship (both positive and negative);
- the relationship between your internship job and the Economics knowledge and skills that you acquired at UH;
In addition, you are expected to keep in contact with your faculty advisor regularly throughout the semester and keep your advisor apprised of your progress.
Professional Appearance/ Courtesy: Econ internships involve interaction with professional's outside the casual campus atmosphere at UH. Student intern's represent both the Economics Department and the University and must conduct themselves professionally. Be prepared to honor all of your commitments during the semester.
We encourage all students to take advantage of the many services available at the Student Employment and Cooperative Education office (2600 Campus Road #113 phone 956-7253). In particular, they can help you prepare a resume, cover letter, and develop interview skills.