An internship is a short-term, hands-on, supervised work experience with a professional organization. It provides the student with an invaluable opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge acquired in the classroom to real world problems and enables the student to broaden their understanding of their chosen field of study.
*International Students should consult International Student Services for policies and restrictions related to working in Canada while on a study permit.
Is an internship mandatory to obtain the Desautels Bachelor of Commerce?
The Desautels Faculty of Management does not have a required internship program at the undergraduate level (Bachelor of Commerce). However, an internship or internships are recommended as a way to gain experiential, hands-on learning and as a career development tool.
Can I earn credits for my internship?
We have three internships for academic credit:
- BUSA 497 for students in the Major in International Management
- MSUS 497 for students in the Major in Managing for Sustainability
- BUSA 410 for all students, to fulfill the Experiential Learning component.
All other internships are completed for professional training and career development, and are not credited.
Who can help me find an internship?
For help in internship searches, book an appointment with a Career Coach or peer advisor in Career Management, read the Career Management weekly newsletter for opportunities and use myFuture for job postings.
How many hours are they?
For internships for course credit, students usually work in a full time position but the hours for each course varies. A minimum of 150 hours of work over a period of 8 to 12 weeks is common.
Are internships paid?
Students find both paid and unpaid positions but most do try to find paid positions.
When can I do an internship?
Students can do Summer work or can take a leave from studying to do an internship arranged on their own in the Fall and/or Winter terms.
Students who wish to complete an internship in the Fall or Winter term will usually apply for Leave of Absence and extend their degree and graduation date by at least one term. Students who plan to take a leave will be required to submit documentation with their official request. It is recommended that they meet with an academic advisor to review their degree planning.
Can I take courses during my internship?
Typically, students don't study while completing their internship. However, specific circumstances may allow students to study part-time while gaining work experience. Students who would like more information about taking courses while on an internship should meet with an academic advisor to review their degree planning.
I need to have a Convention de Stage. Where can I obtain this?
McGill cannot provide students with the standard French Convention de Stage, but can approve a Déclaration relative à la participation d'un étudiant à une activité étudiante for current students or graduating students within a specific time period. For more information and the deadline for Graduating Student Requests, consult Career Management.
I need a form signed or a letter to support my internship offer. Where can I obtain this?
Please note that Career Management can also provide students with letters of support for internship opportunities where needed, but only under certain circumstances. Career Management cannot complete letters or documentation for students who need proof that the internship is required. Letters of support that confirm internships are encouraged by Desautels Faculty of Management may be requested from Career Management. All letter requests related to employment or internships should be directed to recruit.mgmt [at] mcgill.ca
