BCom Internship - FAQ's
My studies
Do I have to do an internship to complete my BCom/BCom(Hons)?
No. Participating in the Internship Programme is voluntary.
Can I do an internship if I am enrolled in honours?
Yes. The honours programme will become five years. You will still be required to complete your internship after your second year of study.
Can only BCom/BCom(Hons) students do an internship?
Yes. You must be enrolled in a BCom or BCom(Hons) to register for an internship.
Can any BCom/BCom(Hons) student take part in the Internship Progamme?
Admission shall be subject to the approval of the Academic Leader, Internship Programme. You have to satisfy the following requirements:
- Have completed two years of a BCom when you begin your Internship
- Normally a B+ average
- Successfully completed the Internship Training Programme
- Show appropriate motivation and attitude
- Have at least one semester remaining of your BCom, including some Major requirements
You are not eligible if you are a:
- Finalist
- International student
- Studying business subjects under another undergraduate degree (eg BA, BSc)
- Studying towards a postgraduate qualification
Am I still enrolled at Otago?
Yes, for one 18-point, one or two semester, distance taught paper – BSNX301.
How much does it cost?
In 2011 the standard paper fee for a full-year, 18-point, 300-level distance learning Commerce paper was $661.80. Distance students are also required to pay an OUSA levy of $30.09.
Can I complete additional university papers while completing my internship?
No, a full-time job and the academic requirements of the BSNX301 paper will be a very demanding workload.
Can I go on student exchange after my internship?
This is certainly possible. You will discuss your plans for the remainder of your study during your interview prior to acceptance onto the Internship Training Programme.
Can I do an Internship later on in my studies?
Any variation from completing an internship directly after your second year of studies will need to be discussed with the Internship Coordinator. If you are accepted onto the programme you must return to Otago after your internship to complete at least one more semester of your business studies, including some major requirements. You will not be admitted if the completion of BSNX 301 coincides with completion of your business degree.
Will doing an internship stop me from doing postgraduate study?
No. You may progress to postgraduate study the same as any other BCom or BCom(Hons) student.
Are international students eligible to do an internship?
Unfortunately, no. Current immigration policy does not allow international students to work full time, as is required by the Internship Programme. There is provision within current immigration policy for international students to undertake some work while they study, but not on a full time basis.
Once international students complete their course, they may then be eligible for a work permit allowing full time employment.
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The internship and employer
What sort of employers may we be placed with?
Currently the Internship Office is working with a range of corporate businesses and organisations through-out NZ to establish internship opportunities.
What kind of work will I be doing?
This will be a productive, challenging and satisfying time for you. Employers will provide real jobs, set clear objectives for interns and provide real opportunities for interns to develop their skills.
Can I choose the location to work for the internship programme? (eg Dunedin, Auckland)
As part of the internship process you will be asked what your location preference is. This information will be used as part of shaping the employment opportunities but ultimately the final locations available to Interns will be based on the positions and locations determined by the employers.
At this stage we are limiting the locations to within NZ. Where employers have branches on the East Coast of Australia and are keen to place students there, we would consider this.
How do interns get matched with the employers?
The Internship Programme is run along the lines of a standard employment situation where the vacancies will be advertised to approved interns who then select the opportunity(ies) they wish to apply for. Applicants will apply directly to the relevant employer who will follow their normal recruitment processes.
Can I find my own internship employer?
Yes, but you’ll need to let us know so we can liaise with the organisation and check their suitability.
What are my responsibilities as an Intern?
If you are selected to take part in the Internship Programme, some responsibilities go with the opportunity:
- You are a student and representative of the University of Otago and your conduct must reflect this.
- You are also an employee of your company, therefore you are required to behave in a professional manner, comply with all company regulations and conditions of employment, and be aware of any issues of confidentiality of the work being undertaken.
- Keep in contact with the Internship Coordinator and your academic supervisor throughout your internship and keep them fully informed of any issues that may arise.
- Complete the assessment required of the Internship Programme.
How long is the internship for?
Most internships are 12 months long, or slightly longer if summer holidays on either side are included. The minimum length is six months - covering one semester plus some time on either side.
If your internship is 12 months, you will be allowed 12 months to complete the academic requirements for BSNX301, but if your internship is only six months long, you will need to complete BSNX301 in six months.
Will I be paid?
Yes, by arrangement between the intern and the employer.
Do I get annual leave?
That is part of the employment agreement you will negotiate with your employer.
How do I know the job offer is fair?
We advise all potential interns to discuss any job offer with a trusted friend or family member. You are also welcome to discuss your job offer with the Internship Coordinator.
What if I cannot complete the internship?
There are a few reasons why an internship may not be completed, for example redundancy, change of supervisor, personality conflicts etc. If your internship was to end for any reason, this does not mean that you automatically fail the paper. If you have concerns at any time during your internship, speak to the Internship Coordinator immediately.
Can I work part-time during my Internship?
No, whether your internship is six months or 12 months long, you will be working full-time during that period.
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Internship Training Programme
Can any BCom student do the Internship Training Programme?
No, only students who intend to apply for the Internship Programme are eligible.
How is the Internship Training Programme different from the internship?
The Internship Training Programme must be completed by all those students considering undertaking an Internship. Students are required to apply and interview for a place on the Training Programme. Following completion of the Training Programme students are interviewed again and advised whether they are approved to apply for Internship positions.
Do I get academic credit for completing the Internship Training Programme?
No, but you will receive a letter from the Dean of the School to add to your CV.
Can I do the Internship Training Programme and then make a decision whether I want to do the programme or not?
Those who have been initially accepted onto the Internship Programme can decide at the end of the Training Programme that they do not want to proceed into a formal internship.
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My life
What do I do about my flat?
We cannot guarantee prospective interns they will be successful in gaining an Internship, and as placements begin and end at different times, you need to consider your flatting arrangements. You could take on a lease for the year, but if you gain an internship placement outside of Dunedin, you may need to find someone to take up your lease. Alternatively you could wait to sign a lease until you know whether you will be studying or on an internship. Other things to consider are that your internship may not begin until second semester, or you may be placed in a Dunedin business or organisation.
I have family and personal commitments in Dunedin, can I complete an Internship here?
Absolutely. You may restrict your opportunities for gaining an internship, but the internship team works closely with local businesses to identify local opportunities and many interns were placed locally in 2009 and 2010.
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Further Questions
If you have any further questions, email the School of Business Internship Coordinator, or visit us in room 2.17A in the Atrium (level 2) of the Commerce Building.
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