College of Education & Human Services

College Student Personnel Graduate Program

Many students in the full-time track participate in a summer internship that builds and expands their skills for student affairs work. Some students use structured internship search resources like those provided by NODA: Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education and ACUHO-I: Association of College and University Housing Officers International, while others explore and secure internships using personal, alumni, and faculty resources.

Summer Internship Experiences

Examples of Summer Internships

  • Housing and Dining Services, Wayne State University
  • Summer Camps and Conferences, Colorado Mesa University
  • Upward Bound Program, Western Kentucky University
  • Office of Student Leadership and Involvement, Suffolk University
  • Pre-College Programs, Rhode Island School of Design
  • Residential Life, Joffrey Academy of Dance
  • Residence Life, California State- Saint Marcos
  • Orientation, East Carolina University
  • Residential Life - Marketing,Texas Tech University
  • Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life, Miami University
  • Residential Life, Oregon State University
  • Orientation, John Jay College of Criminal Justice
  • Summer Bridge Program, University of Maryland Baltimore County
  • Orientation, Rutgers University-New Brunswick

 

Summer 2024 Internship Experience

I had the opportunity to be a Summer Housing and Conferences intern at Portland State University (PSU). My decision to choose PSU was influenced by the institution’s size, its location, and its unique culture. I sought an experience distinctly different from my current one at Western Illinois University (WIU) and was eager to explore how student affairs operated in the Pacific Northwest compared to the Midwest.

During my internship, I was responsible for hiring and supervising 15 student staff members. My duties included training them for the conference season, managing and creating their schedules, approving their timesheets, and resolving conflicts, among other tasks. Additionally, I had the opportunity to work closely with my supervisor, who provided daily guidance and support.

I also had the chance to meet with various members of the student affairs staff, interview the Director of International Student Services, and work with the orientation team. My supervisor offered extensive advice on navigating the job search and recommended several schools that would be ideal for an international graduate like myself.

A significant highlight of my internship was participating in multiple interview panels for Assistant Director positions. I contributed meaningful feedback and posed questions to the candidates, which was a valuable experience.

Overall, this internship was exceptional. I highly recommend that every CSP student pursue an internship. Embrace the opportunity to gain experience that will benefit you in the future. Although I arrived in Portland without knowing anyone, I left with valuable references, wonderful memories, and lasting friendships. The preparation and skills gained from the CSP program were instrumental in making this experience a success.

Written by: Henissa Charles, '25

Regardless of the geographic location, type of institution, or office that hosts their internship, CSP students grow in their understanding of the field, their career path, and their skills through practical experiences that augment their assistantship and practicum during the academic year.

Where CSP Students Are Interning in Summer 2025:

To Be Announced

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