Long Island Internships and Service Learning

Applied learning allows students the chance to apply what they learn in the classroom to the real world through an internship.

Students have interned at a variety of organizations, such as:

• Brookhaven National Lab
• Northwell Health
• Disney
• Chanel
• Grant Thornton, L.L.P.
• NASA
• Major League Baseball
• MTV
• U.S. Open
• U.S. Securities and Exchange
• Commission
• Vitamix
• NYPD
• Eastern Suffolk BOCES
• Local school districts
• Catholic Health Services
• National Park Service
• Suffolk County Offices
• YMCA of Long Island
• Brand Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Catering Halls

Elizabeth Knecht ’24
B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation with a Minor in Psychology
Interned at The Bristal Assisted Living

"My internship was such a fantastic experience! During my internship, I collaborated with many professionals to learn not only the skills needed to prepare myself for my career, but also the skills needed to be a strong and successful leader. The hands-on experience allowed me to truly internalize the impact my career has on others, and it provided clarity into the populations I want to work with."

Service learning links academic study to community service through structured opportunities that encourage students to reflect, communicate and grow, allowing them to explore how they identify with all five pillars of St. Joseph's University.

Service-learning opportunities have included:

• local trips to Veteran organizations, such as the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook
• global trips to Nicaragua, where students have helped over the last twelve years by providing support for a preschool, creating a children’s scholarship programs, conducting a women’s writing workshop, and building and repairing homes
• a global trip Romania
• visiting local farms in Riverhead and Brentwood
• going to the Holtsville Ecology Center 
• helping out in the Sisters of St. Joseph community farm in Brentwood 
• volunteering at Island Nursing and Rehab Center, Maryhaven and Little Flower Children

Rebecca Vasquez ’21
Child Study Major
Participated in Alternative Winter Break and Alternative Spring Break in 2019

"I think it is so important for students to be involved in these trips in order for them to gain new experiences that push their limits. During the trips, I grew in my faith and stepped out of my comfort zone in many areas — from construction to even just opening up to others."

What's the difference between experiential and applied learning?

Experiential learning is the overarching area that includes options such as applied learning. Applied learning is a form of experiential learning, but specifically relates to students applying what they have learned in a classroom setting to an appropriate real-world environment. Courses such as internships and student teaching are included in this specific area.

What departments require experiential and applied learning? 

Most of the academic departments at St. Joseph’s University require some form of experiential learning. This can be accomplished through courses that apply to either the experiential learning curricular or service-learning areas, or applied learning, which include internships.

Who determines the amount of time spent at an internship? 

Academic internships are approved courses that reside in their respective departments. Departments will determine minimum hours of engagement, which are based on New York state education requirements, external accrediting agencies and best practices. Many disciplines have very specific guidelines and requirements.

Who creates the schedule for an internship?

Internship schedules are determined by the faculty, agency supervisor and student. 

What kinds of courses require service learning?

Service-learning courses link the theory of the course to some form of service (typically addressing a social issue), which takes place outside of the classroom. A minimum of 15 hours of service outside of the classroom is required. In most cases, projects either include the entire class or are a group effort. To this end, the class will meet in the classroom for about two-thirds of the time, and outside of the classroom at another location one-third of the time. There are some variations to this, especially if the course involves an alternative spring break or study abroad component.

How many hours are required per course for service learning?

A minimum of 15 hours of documented service is required for all service-learning courses.

Are there additional resources that support Internships at the University?

The Office of Career Preparation and Professional Development provides numerous resources that support experiential learning. As a support to academic departments and students, the Office of Career Preparation and Professional Development staff help to prepare students for their internships through résumé writing and approval, creating cover letters, the art of interviewing for a position and professionalism. In addition to academic credit-bearing opportunities, the Office of Career Preparation and Professional Development also provides students with information in regard to quality internships. Although not credit-bearing, these opportunities will enhance a student’s experiential learning and ability to apply what they learn in a classroom setting to a real-world experience. As such, students can engage in multiple experiences through a myriad of quality agencies. The office uses Handshake and has a job board, which includes additional internship sites.

Visit the Long Island Office of Career Preparation and Professional Development page for more information.