The Nonprofit Internship course (previously called Field Experience) is a requirement of the Nonprofit Leadership and Philanthropy Certificate, but can also be taken by any UI student. The following information outlines everything involved in the course.

NOTE: NLP Distance and Online Education students can request a course substitution for this course.

Course Description

Enrollment in the JMC:3700 Nonprofit Internship 3 s.h. course is offered fall, spring and summer semesters. This course requires students to complete a minimum 135 contact hour paid or unpaid internship with a nonprofit organization. The course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to explore career interests while applying knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in a professional work setting. The experience also helps students gain a clearer sense of what they still need to learn and provides an opportunity to build professional networks.

Learning Goals

Each nonprofit internship provides a unique learning experience, but the goal of the internship generally is to provide students the opportunity to:

  • Gain practical experience within the nonprofit environment.
  • Acquire knowledge of nonprofit processes, policies, and best practices.
  • Apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in a work setting.
  • Develop a greater understanding of career options while more clearly defining personal career goals.
  • Experience the activities and functions of nonprofit professionals.
  • Develop and refine oral and written communication skills.
  • Identify areas for future knowledge and skill development.

Please watch this video to learn about the course and corresponding internship from the instructor, Jenifer Vick.

JMC:3700 Field Experience informational video

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following are the resources that are mentioned in the video. Please take time to review them.

Internship Opportunities - This page provides a list of available nonprofit internship opportunities and additional resources for finding an internship.

Resume Examples and Resources - 

Cover Letter Examples and Resources - 

JMC:3700 Field Experience Syllabus Example – Please read the syllabus thoroughly. The dates in the Course Schedule will be updated for the semester you take the course.

Field Experience Course Details – This document walks you through all the key components of the course.

Examples of Work Plans – This document provides you with examples of work plans by former students.

Supervisor Responsibilities – This is the document you can give to a nonprofit professional considering hiring you as an intern.

The following are links to the digital portfolios former students designed during their internship course.

After reviewing all of this information, please contact Jenifer Vick at jenifer-vick@uiowa.edu to set up a time to meet to discuss any questions you have.