Internships, Practicums and Seminars

Weeks 1-3 of the term before

Contact the coordinator

Contact the HDFS Internship Coordinator, Dr. Tasha Galardi.

• Send an email to set up a meeting or drop by during her scheduled student hours.
• Review the suggested site list before the meeting so you have an idea of the internship sites you are considering.
• Join the HDFS Internships and Jobs email list (Must use your ONID email address) to receive info about potential internships and reminders for key due dates.

HDFS Practicum & Internship Sites

Students completing an HDFS practicum or internship are responsible for investigating, selecting, and securing their own placement, similar to an actual job-search process.

The HDFS Internship Coordinator has resources to assist in this process and to help you pick a site that will be a perfect fit.

Suggested site list

The  List of Suggested Practicum & Internship Sites (online .xlsx) ONID required includes sites that have provided great internship experiences for past students, and understand the expectations of our program. Students are strongly encouraged, but not required, to choose a site from this list.

Sites not on the list

If you want to do your internship at a site that is not on this list, you must be even more organized and begin the process earlier to give the Internship Coordinator time to determine whether the site meets the program requirements.

The first step to getting a new site approved is to reach out to that site by phone and find out if they would be willing to work with you as a student. If they are willing, then you should contact the HDFS Internship Coordinator to discuss whether this site is an option. If so, the Internship Coordinator will contact the site supervisor directly to learn more about the services they offer and their ability to effectively support a human services intern.

Weeks 3-5 of the term before

Contact internship sites

Best to contact at least 3 different sites, using the names and email addresses provided on the suggested site list.

• Other sites can be considered, as long as they support individuals and/or families in meeting basic needs or improving developmental outcomes and are willing to support the required internship learning activities.
• It is crucial that you pursue multiple options, and give site supervisors adequate time to respond.
  • It is appropriate to follow up, perhaps by phone, if you have not received a response within one week.

Put the words “HDFS internship” in the subject line, along with the term you plan to complete your internship (for example “HDFS 310 internship for Fall term”)

• Include a resume (created in HDFS 262).
• The text of your email should be written like a cover letter.
  • Say a little bit about yourself, your interests, and your career goals.
  • Explain why you are interested in pursuing an internship with this particular agency (requires some online research to learn about what they do).

Meet with site supervisors from interested sites

You should meet with 2-3 sites so that you can learn more to determine which one will be the best fit.

• You may not be chosen by your top choice, and you need to have an alternative option.

Weeks 5-7 of the term before

Complete Form A

After you have chosen a site, and they have agreed to work with you, meet with your site supervisor to complete Form A: HDFS Internship Placement Agreement

 (If the docx version above doesn't work, use the pdf version Form A: HDFS Internship Placement Agreement.)

At this meeting, you will discuss the specifics of the internship experience including your role, responsibilities, and internship activities.

This paperwork needs to be filled out together, and signed by both you and the site supervisor.

• You are responsible for asking about the information required on the final page of the paperwork, and must agree to all of the conditions of the internship.

Week 8 of the term before

Send Form A to the coordinator

Email the HDFS Internship Coordinator a completed and signed copy of  Form A: HDFS Internship Placement Agreement.

• Must be submitted no later than the Wednesday of Week 8 at 11:59 p.m..
• Once Dr. Galardi receives this paperwork, she will process an override so that you can register for HDFS 310 or 410.
• You will receive an email to your ONID account when your override is complete and you are able to register for the class.

If you are taking HDFS 410, which is a variable credit course, you need to manually adjust the number of credits you are taking.

• Standard option = 12 credits
• Split option = 6 credits