Sonoma State University

MS-ECE Internship Process

All MS-ECE students are required to complete one unit of Internship (ECE 591) related to the area of their study. It is the student's responsibility to find an internship position. All internship positions must be approved in advance by the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) and the MS-ECE Program Coordinator.

Internships are short-term work experience that allow you to observe and participate in professional environments. More specifically, internships provide the opportunity to get an inside view of an industry and organization, gain skills, and make professional connections that enhance your network. Internships can clarify your career interests and stand out to employers in your search for a full-time job after graduation. The Engineering at SSU is committed to assisting you in every way possible, so that you can successfully find an internship and employment.

The majority of our students have indicated that their internships have led them to jobs or to the next step in their career path, and it just may be one of the most important classes you take while at Sonoma State.

As you get ready for your internship, please consider the following guidelines. If you have further questions, contact Dr. Nansong Wu.

After Completing the Internship

Following completion of the internship position, the student must do:

  1. Complete and submit the Internship Program Evaluation Form.
  2. Submit the final report presentation based on the ECE Internship Final Report Format.
  3. Schedule a brief presentation with at least two faculty members in the department. Talk to your advisor for scheduling a presentation time.

The final grade for internship (ECE 591) will be submitted by the advisor after the presentation.

Internship Criteria

In order to qualify for an internship, your work needs to not just be supervised, but you need to experience supervised intellectual and skills growth.

To ensure that an internship is educational, and thus eligible to be considered a legitimate internship, the ECE Internship program follows the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) criteria for a quality internship:

  • The experience must be an extension of the classroom: a learning experience that provides for applying the knowledge gained in the classroom. It must not be simply to advance the operations of the employer or be the work that a regular employee would routinely perform. (This means work that is clerical in nature or involves routine maintenance or service responsibilities does not qualify for academic work).
  • The skills or knowledge learned must be transferable to other employment settings.
  • The experience has a defined beginning and end, and a job description with desired qualifications.
  • There are clearly defined learning objectives and goals related to the professional goals of the student’s academic coursework. In other words, the student will experience significant intellectual and skills growth as a result of the internship.
  • There is supervision by a professional with expertise and an educational or professional background in the field of experience.
  • There is routine feedback by the experienced supervisor.
  • There are resources, equipment and facilities provided by the host employer that support the learning objectives and goals.

In addition, internships cannot be:

  • Located in someone's residence (home office or on someone’s home property). However, you might be able to work remotely with someone working in a professional capacity from their home residence due to COVID-19. However, students should never visit the residence of their internship supervisor or other employees.
  • In a family-owned business or in an organization where a family member is supervising you or is in a position of authority over you
  • In an organization where you have previously volunteered, interned, or worked (although exceptions can be made)
  • Service sector positions do not qualify as an internship. However, if you are working in management for the service sector, event planning or communications, then, yes, you may potentially use the experience as an internship.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email Dr. Nansong Wu.