KPH Internship Program

Internship Program Introduction

Are you planning to take KINE/HLTH 463 - Internship - as your required capstone experience during the Winter, Spring or Summer of 2024? If so, we invite you to attend an upcoming informational session with our dedicated internship coordinators, Dr. Hagobian and Professor Nelson.

• Date and Time: Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023, from 12:30pm – 1:00pm
• Location: Building 43A-150-B

Before attending the meeting, please take a moment to explore our review internship website to familiarize yourself with program details and expectations.

Experience That Transforms

For students enrolled in the Bachelor's degree programs in Kinesiology and Public Health, the internship experience is an invaluable option. It provides students with hands-on, practical experience at approved agencies that offer sport and exercise science, clinical settings in healthcare and PT, as well as health promotion and education programming. This internship serves as a capstone experience, allowing students to actively engage in many facets of their discipline of interest under the direct supervision of an approved on-site coordinator.

Key Objectives of the Internship Program

• Bridge the gap between academic studies and professional development.
• Align the internship experience with your career goals in the field of Public Health and Kinesiology.
• Gain real-world insights and skills in your chosen discipline.

Location Flexibility

We want to emphasize that internships are not restricted to San Luis Obispo County. We encourage students to explore opportunities beyond our region to broaden their experiences, perspectives, and professional growth.

Prerequisites

KINE 463 - Kinesiology Internship

• Junior or Senior standing
• Minimum GPA of 2.0, successful completion of relevant coursework in their major and for the agency where they will complete their internship.

HLTH 463 - Public Health Internship

• Senior standing
• Completion of graduation writing requirement
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• HLTH/KINE 434; and HLTH/KINE 435 (dependent on course offerings)

Internship Guidelines

• Students are highly encouraged to arrange their own internship much like securing future employment in their chosen profession. Also, internships provide agencies with the opportunity to assess potential employees and to be a partner in the preparation of future professionals.
• Students may choose from a list of agencies where previous students have interned as a guide for making decisions about who to contact. Students will still need to contact the agency and on-site supervisor to obtain an internship.
• A student’s current employment may qualify for credit but must be preapproved by their internship coordinator.
• Students can do an internship fall, winter, spring and/or summer quarters. Internships are secured at least one quarter prior to the experience.
• Internships involve 200 hours of practical, career related experience over one or two quarters.

Prior to Internship

Step 1:

• Students meet with coordinators according to the timeframe listed below prior to the internship experience to determine if the prerequisites are met.
• Meet with your internship coordinator no later than:

Fall	Week 8 of Spring Quarter
Winter	Week 8 of Fall Quarter
Spring	Week 8 of Winter Quarter
Summer	Week 8 of Spring Quarter

• Once your internship is approved by your coordinator, begin the process of completing all of the required paperwork listed in step 2.

Step: 2:

• Submit a current resume and cover letter to your Internship Coordinator, via email.
• Verification of CPR/AED (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation & Automated External Defibrillator) certification, if applicable to the internship.
• Completion of an Internship Application and Contract Form confirming location, site supervisor approval, expectations, goals and objectives for the internship.
• Completion of two forms required by Academic Program and Planning – University Release Agreement and Site Self-Assessment and Student Acknowledgement of Risks

Step 3:

• By the 10th week of the quarter prior to the internship, ensure all documents have been completed and uploaded to the OneDrive folder created for you by your Internship Coordinator.
• Once approved, students register for the KINE 463 or HLTH 463. Add codes will be provided. Students can register for 1 to 3 units.

Your Responsibilities Throughout the Internship

Weekly Hours and Progress Logs

• You will submit your weekly hours and progress logs to the KINE/HLTH 463 Canvas course. Logs must include the days/hours you worked and the responsibilities that you completed for each day.

Weekly Discussion Forum

• You'll have the opportunity to engage with your fellow students and gain insightful information and advice from their internship experiences. These discussions are designed to foster a collaborative learning environment and encourage reflection and sharing of your own internship journey. Also, this forum serves as an avenue to celebrate your accomplishments and significant learning experiences with your peers.

Midway and Final Evaluation

• Your on-site supervisor will complete two evaluations of your work to assess your progress toward achieving your internship goals, as well as your contribution to the agency.

Final Portfolio

• You will submit a final portfolio that encompasses all the projects that you completed, as well as a compilation of your professional references and work (i.e., updated resume, letter of recommendations, etc.). This will ensure you will be ready to apply for future employment opportunities. 

Contact Information:

Dr. Nicole Hagobian
Bldg 43A, Room 366
(805)756-2545
nhagobia@calpoly.edu

Prof. Christine Nelson
Bldg 43A, Room 355
(805)756-5367
cinelson@calpoly.edu