Internships for Graduation?

Just wondering, do you guys know if many colleges require an internship for graduation? Trying to plan my future and how I might balance classes and internships.

While many colleges highly encourage internships, they often do not mandate them for graduation across all majors. Ultimately, it depends on your specific degree program and college. For example, some majors, like social work, education, or nursing, may require "practicum" or "field work" experiences which are akin to internships. Similarly, business schools or cooperative programs (like at Northeastern University) may have requirements for corporate internships.

On the other hand, liberal arts disciplines like English, history, or philosophy might not require internships, but faculty and career advisors will likely advise you to seek them out to enhance your job prospects post-graduation and to gain practical experience in the field.

The best course of action would be to review the curriculum for your intended major at the specific colleges you're considering. It's also worth noting that most colleges and universities will have a dedicated career services office that can help you find internships and balance them with your course load.

In terms of balancing classes with internships, many students find internships either part-time during the academic year or full-time during the summer. Some students even choose to take a lighter course load during a semester when they're interning, or they choose to intern after they've completed most of their major/significant coursework. An academic advisor or career counselor at your school can help with planning this balance to ensure it aligns with your graduation timeline.