Internships and Experiential Learning

Montana Tech Career Services offers assistance in finding internships, co-ops, job shadows, fellowships, and volunteer positions for students while in school. Click on a program to read more.

Internships are an integral part of students’ academic coursework. The Internship Program combines classroom theory with real-world experience. Students work in supervised environments doing degree-related tasks.

  • Students may receive academic credit and are usually paid the normal salary for the position; however, some internships are non-paid/volunteer-based.
  • Students should talk to their advisor to discuss specific academic requirements for receiving credit.
  • Students may participate in an internship at any time during their academic career. Semester registration deadlines apply. Contact Career Services at (406) 496-4140 or careerservices@mtech.edu for help in finding and preparing for internships.
  • Log In to Share your Internship (CAS login using your MTech credentials).

Experiential Learning Checklist

The Co-op program allows students to take a semester to work full-time and obtain degree-related experience as part of their curriculum.

  • Register for the Montana Tech Co-op course for little to no academic penalty.
  • Students maintain full-time enrollment status while working.
  • Many employers now offer long-term (6-8 month) co-ops.
  • Contact Career Services at (406) 496-4140 or careerservices@mtech.edu for help in finding and preparing for co-ops.
  • Log In to Share your Co-op (CAS login using your MTech credentials)

Experiential Learning Checklist 

Students with a degree-related internship, co-op, practicum, or job shadow may qualify for academic credit. Students should discuss credit with their internship advisor and Career Services. Once the experience is approved for credit, students should contact Career Services for registration instructions, beginning with the steps below.

  • Share your internship details
  • Create/Update your DR 2.0 account
  • Receive Internship Registration Instructions via email from Career Services
  • Stop in Career Services URC 109 if you have additional questions
    • Discuss the process of receiving credit
    • Receive the Experiential Learning Brochure
  • Check Montana Tech email frequently for important internship information
  • Registration is done through DocuSign via email and DR 2.0
  • Complete Experiential Learning Checklist

Forms

Career Services requires specific registration, goal setting, and evaluation forms. Internship faculty receives a copy of each form for course records.

  • Internship Registration & Academic Agreement - sent via DocuSign
  • Internship Learning Agreement - sent via email through your DR 2.0 account
  • Student Final Evaluation - link sent via email through your DR 2.0 account
  • Supervisor's Final Evaluation - sent via email through your DR 2.0 account
  • Student Mid-Semester Evaluation - Required for co-ops or long-term internships only (sent via email through your DR 2.0 account)
  • Supervisor Mid-Semester Evaluation - Required for co-ops or long-term internships only (sent via email through your DR 2.0 account)

Deadlines

Career Services will provide specific deadlines with each link sent via email.

  • Registration Forms must be completed, signed and approved by Career Services before the course registration deadline. Students should register for the internship credit before beginning work.
  • Learning Agreements need to be completed within the first two weeks of the internship.
  • Student Evaluations are due on the date specified, which is near the end of the internship.
  • Supervisor Evaluations are due on the date specified, which is near the end of the internship.
  • Check your Montana Tech email frequently to ensure forms are completed on time. Important information is sent to your Montana Tech Email.

Experiential Learning opportunities provide many benefits for students and employers.

Students will:

  • Gain professional experience in the "real" world
  • Sharpen interviewing, communication, and teamwork skills in various work environments
  • Apply knowledge from classes and coursework to real-life situations
  • Develop specific career skills and knowledge
  • Create professional contacts
  • Learn directly from knowledgeable, experienced professionals
  • Gain self-assurance and achieve personal growth
  • Possibly receive academic credit and earn income
  • Clarify career goals

Employers will:

  • Receive assistance with special projects from highly-motivated and enthusiastic students
  • Get a fresh perspective on ongoing projects
  • Have the benefit of developing supervisory skills for current staff
  • Receive access to students with specialized skills and knowledge
  • Have an opportunity to train new professionals in their field
  • Develop a pipeline of potential employees
  • Be able to evaluate interns before possibly hiring full-time
  • Enjoy a lower financial investment than is required for permanent employees
  • Enhance college relations and recruitment efforts

Career Services has a photo contest every year for interns and co-op participants. Watch for an email from Career Services for more information about submitting your photos.

  • Send in photos of you at work or related functions
  • Include a caption for your photo
  • Active(hands-on), company events, or scenery photos will be accepted
  • Send pictures with a description to careerservices@mtech.edu or share with Career Services via Facebook

Share Your Experience

Career Services records and publish all internships, co-ops, volunteer work, summer jobs, and full-time jobs, whether or not the student receives academic credit. This information helps future students decide if they want to attend Montana Tech and keeps employers competitive in hiring students and graduates. 

Please take a moment to fill out a very short form about your experience.

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