Bridge the Gap
Launch Your Career with Hands-On Marketing Internships š
Students:
Refer to the 'Marketing Internships Checklist' for step-by-step instructions on how to kickstart your internship journey.
Employers:
Refer to the Marketing Internship Job Requirements section below to understand the criteria that need to be met for the internship to qualify as a marketing elective.
Stand Out! Become a Marketing Professional Before You Graduate šš¼
Earn credit for your internship - paid or unpaid!
What is the Marketing Internship Course About?
š¹ Watch the video below to explore what youāll gain and how to kickstart your marketing journey!
Students: Follow These Steps to Get Started
Download a Printable Checklist ā to stay on track with each step.
Summer 2025 Class Schedule
šļø Meets Saturdays - 9:00 - 11:00 am
(Second 5 weeks- July 7 - Aug 7)
Find Internships and Academic Credit Opportunities: Explore resources to secure and succeed in internships.
Ready to sign up?
Submit an interest form to get started and the instructor will reach out with the next steps to obtain a permission number.
How to search for internships
Explore a variety of internship options to kick-start your career journey.
CSUSMās Academic Database (aka S4 Database): Start with our pre-approved CSUSM partners, offering both unpaid and paid internships that qualify immediately for course credit.
Handshake: Browse this platform for paid internships posted by employers specifically seeking CSUSM students.
Note: Some employers on Handshake may already be CSUSM-approved partners but havenāt updated their opportunities in the Academic Database. If you find something of interest on Handshake, check to see if the employer is listed in the Academic Databaseāthis allows for a quick update to post the opportunity.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 CSUSM community partner (up to 5 weeks). The Career Center and your instructor are here to helpāreach out for guidance on the next steps.
Student Testimonials
āļøāļøāļøāļø
āEvery marketing student should be required to take this course!ā
Hear from Ashton Nichols, Class of '24
āLoved the class. Real hands-on valuable real-world experience.ā
Course Highlights
Personalized one-on-one sessions to enhance your internship experience
Group classes featuring industry guest speakers
Assignments designed to bridge the gap between coursework and professional marketing
LinkedIn coaching
Resume review and ATS counseling
Marketing Internship Job Requirements
1) CSUSM Approved Community Partner
University Community Partnership is required to provide students with a secure learning environment and skill-focused internship opportunities.
Students can request new partnerships through this link.
Employers can apply to be Approved Community Partners via this separate link.
Approved Community Partners can list new opportunities using this form.
ā¼ļø Please allow up to 5 weeks to process new applications.
2) 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 departmentās policy on remote internships. For additional questions please consult the Department Chair and/or Instructor: Carolina Rodriguez
3) 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 internās overall responsibilities.
Excludes door-to-door sales and positions associated with cannabis, tobacco, or vaping industries.
4) 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.
5) Advance Studentās 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.
Click below to 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.
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.
Competitive Edge: In a job market thatās becoming increasingly competitive, having a marketing internship under your belt gives you a distinctive advantage.
Embark on a marketing internship journey, and set the cornerstone for a successful and fulfilling marketing career.
šļø Paws & Progress: The Career Center Podcast š¾
Your guide to internships, career tips, and navigating the āreal worldā with confidence! š¼āØ. Listen in Spotify
FAQs
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 interest form, 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 CSUSM-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 academic internship database, which includes pre-approved CSUSM 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 CSUSM 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 CSUSM partner. The Career Center and your instructor are here to helpāplease 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 Summer 2025 class meets Saturdays from 9:00 - 11:00 am on the second Summer Term (July 7 - Aug 7). For Fall 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 Marketing Internship Job Requirements
For questions or additional information, please contact the Chair of the Marketing Department:FAQs
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 interest form, 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 CSUSM-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 academic internship database, which includes pre-approved CSUSM 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 CSUSM 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 CSUSM partner. The Career Center and your instructor are here to helpāplease reach out for guidance on the next steps, allowing up to 5 weeks for approval.
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 Marketing Internship Job Requirements
For questions or additional information, please contact the Chair of the Marketing Department:
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Useful Links:
Internship Resources from Career Center
Registration Interest Form
Career Center Appointment Post Appointment Notification
Academic Database
Obtain Course Instructor Approval
Internship Placement Instructions
Remote Position Statement of Understanding
Keep up with Career Center Internship Podcast: Paws & Progress
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