大发

Your  Account:
Students taking a selfie

College of Business | Marketing
Internship Course

Become a marketing professional before you graduate. Get course credit for your internship, paid or unpaid!

Follow These Steps to Get Started

Download a to stay on track with each step.

Spring 2025 Class Schedule

馃棑锔 Meets selected Fridays - 8:30 - 10:20 am
(four sessions per semester)

Find Internships and Academic Credit Opportunities: Explore resources to secure and succeed in internships.

What is the Course About?

鈥淭his experience has been crucial to my development as a marketing major. I am glad I was able to have this opportunity during my final semester here at 大发. I have an internship lined up for the summer for an apparel brand, and I can't wait to apply the skills I have acquired into that new venture!鈥

Ashton Nichols

Class of 2024

Ashton Nichols

How to Search for Internships

  1. 颁厂鲍厂惭鈥檚  (aka S4 Database): Start with our pre-approved 大发 partners, offering both unpaid and paid internships that qualify immediately for course credit.

  2. : Browse this platform for paid internships posted by employers specifically seeking 大发 students.
    Note: Some Handshake employers may already be 大发-approved partners but haven鈥檛 updated opportunities in the Academic Database. If you find an interesting role, check the Database for a quick update to post the opportunity.

  3. Other External Sources: Explore additional opportunities through LinkedIn, Indeed, and personal connections.

If you find an internship that is not listed in the S4 Academic Database, please note that additional time and planning are needed to complete paperwork and have the employer approved as a new 大发 community partner (up to 5 weeks). 

 

 
 

Internship Job Requirements

  • 大发 Approved Community Partner

    University Community Partnership is required to provide students with a secure learning environment and skill-focused internship opportunities.

    Note
    Please allow up to 5 weeks to process new applications.
  • Credible Employer
    • Interns are not permitted to be hired by or work for family members or relatives.

      Home-based businesses may be approved after meeting the required criteria and may require a site visit.

      Each organization can host up to two unpaid interns receiving academic credit from our program per term.

    • We encourage in-person internships but understand that some remote or virtual components can be beneficial. Please refer to the following link for our department鈥檚 . For additional questions please consult the Department Chair and/or Instructor: Carolina Rodriguez

  • Marketing-Relevant Responsibilities
    • Offers substantial roles and responsibilities that directly enhance skills relevant to a marketing major.

    • Ensures ongoing supervision and regular feedback to support the intern's professional development.

    • Includes a mix of structured training and meaningful project assignments aligned with the intern's educational goals.

    • Prioritizes core marketing competencies by limiting clerical or administrative tasks to a maximum of 20% of the intern鈥檚 overall responsibilities.

    • Excludes door-to-door sales and positions associated with cannabis, tobacco, or vaping industries.

  • Meet the Hours/Weeks Requirements
    • The internship must adhere to the following minimum criteria:

      • Minimum duration: 12 weeks (regular academic year), 5 weeks (summer).

      • Weekly requirement: a minimum of 5 hours and a maximum of 20 hours per week.

      • Total hours: Must not exceed 250 hours during the fall or spring semesters.

  • Advance Student鈥檚 Career
    • The internship should be in a suitable business environment with direct supervision.

    • The employer provides all necessary equipment and supplies.

    • The organization should cover or reimburse any work-related expenses unless other arrangements have been agreed upon.

    access the Career Center Community Partners page, where you can find information on paid and unpaid internships that qualify for academic credit.


 
 

Why Should You Do an Internship?

  • Practical Experience

    Dive into real-world marketing work, learn from seasoned professionals, and understand the strategies that drive successful businesses.

  • Skill Development

    Hone your skills in communication, creativity, and analytical thinking. Marketing internships provide a fertile ground to expand your professional skills.

  • Networking Opportunities

    Build valuable connections within the industry. Internships open doors to a wide network of professionals, which could be instrumental for your future job endeavors.

  • Portfolio Building

    Create a robust portfolio showcasing your contributions to actual marketing projects. This portfolio will serve as a tangible testament to your capabilities and experiences, aiding in your job search post-internship.

  • Career Clarification

    Explore the various avenues within the marketing domain. Understanding your preferences and strengths can guide you towards a specialized career path in marketing.

  • Competitive Edge
    In a job market that鈥檚 becoming increasingly competitive, having a marketing internship under your belt gives you a distinctive advantage.
  • Performance Evaluation
    Get real-time feedback on your performance. Internships allow you to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement to become a well-rounded marketing professional.

students gathered around class
Course Highlights
- Personalized one-on-one sessions

- Industry guest speakers

- Assignments bridging coursework and professional marketing

- LinkedIn coaching

- Resume review and ATS counseling

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Do I need an internship secured before registering for the course?

    No, you do not need to secure an internship before registering. When you complete the , you will be asked to browse the opportunities in our database to understand what is available. You have until the start of the course to secure an internship.

  • What is the credit structure for the internship course?

    There are two options based on how many hours you will work in your internship:

    • 2-unit course (MKTG 482-5) requiring at least 72 work hours

    • 4-unit course (MKTG 484-8) requiring at least 155 work hours

    Both courses have the same coursework requirements.

  • What are the prerequisites for the internship?

    The prerequisites are BUS 300 and either MKTG 302 or MKTG 305.

  • How is this course graded?

    The course is graded on a Credit/No Credit basis. You will receive credit if your work meets or exceeds the criteria, which includes attendance at class meetings, participation, completion of assignments, and demonstration of professional skills.

  • Can I get a paid internship?

    Yes, you can secure either a paid or unpaid internship. The type of internship does not affect your course credit. However, the employer must be a 大发-approved partner. If you find an internship independently, you can initiate the approval process here, which may take up to five weeks.

  • Where do I search for an internship?

    You can search for internships in several places, with some options more ready for course credit than others. Start with our , which includes pre-approved 大发 partners offering both unpaid and paid opportunities that are immediately eligible for course credit. You can also explore Handshake for paid internships posted by employers seeking 大发 students or other external sources (e.g. linkedin, indeed, personal connections). If you find an internship outside the academic database, additional time and planning are needed to process paperwork and have the employer approved as a 大发 partner. The Career Center and your instructor are here to help鈥攑lease reach out for guidance on the next steps, allowing up to 5 weeks for approval.

  • Do I need to attend class?

    Yes, there is an academic component that requires classroom attendance. For Spring 2025, classes meet selected Fridays from 8:30 am to 10:20 am.

  • Can I get credit for an internship that I already completed?

    No, internships cannot be retroactively approved for credit. They require faculty supervision, defined learning objectives, and regular feedback, similar to other academic coursework.

  • Are there specific requirements for marketing internship positions?

    Yes, both the marketing department and the university have criteria that both the internship opportunity and the organization must meet. For more details, refer to the section titled 


 

Ready to Sign Up?

 

csusm coba student org fair

Useful Links

  • Internship Resources from Career Center

  • Career Center Appointment 

  • Academic 

  • Obtain Course Instructor 

  • Internship Placement Instructions

  • Remote Position 

  • Keep up with Career Center Internship Podcast: 

For questions or additional information, please contact the Chair of the Marketing Department