ELIGIBILITY
All currently registered UCLA students in good academic standing are welcome to take advantage of our services. Many first-year Bruins have excelled in their Sacramento internships. Spring graduates who plan to intern the summer after their final coursework are also eligible for most services.
WHERE CAN I WORK?
Bruins who use our services can choose the offices where they desire to conduct their internship, however we cannot guarantee your top choice will be secured. The Career Center does not “place” students in assignments, and not all internships may be available every summer. That said, our commitment inspires active support for students seeking unpaid or paid internships with:
* Elected Officials (Governor, State Senate, Congressional Field Offices)
* California State Agencies and Senate or Assembly Committees
* Non-profit organizations, schools, and social service providers
* Private sector employers
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
You may obtain a one-page application by sending an email to program adviser
Chris Howell. The only other requirements are a one-page (double-spaced) essay on your Sacramento internship goals and a copy of your unofficial transcripts or DPR.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
The program deadline is rolling, which means that you apply anytime before week six of spring quarter. However, many internship sponsors prefer that you apply by early April for summer assignments.
EARNING A STIPEND
All students may earn a stipend by working in the Career Center’s Internship & Study Abroad office during the quarters before their internship, regardless of financial need. Interns may work up to 100 hours and earn a stipend based on the number of hours recorded. Depending on your financial aid status, additional funding may be added to your base stipend. Amounts may vary based on available funding, and stipend funds will expire if you change your plans and do not complete a Sacramento internship.
Stipends are available for Bruins who apply for the Career Center’s Sacramento internship services. Funds will be released to your BAR account when you provide employer’s confirmation of your internship start date. The University will deduct any outstanding fees (such as library fines) from the funds you earn. The other main requirement for your stipend is a post-internship evaluation. Stipends may be used for living expenses, transportation, work attire, or any other relevant expense.
THE ALEX WHITE SCHOLARSHIP
Each spring,
UCLA Internship Alumni Network hosts interviews for the Alex White Scholarship. In typical years, one or two students going to Sacramento receive a $500 merit-based award. This scholarship may be used for any relevant expense. The Internship Alumni Network is an officially recognized group of alums who have also completed internships through Career Center programs and services.
OTHER FINANCIAL SUPPORT
The Office of Internship & Study Abroad administers a special loan fund for students who need this support. As with most student loans, payments and interest begin six months after graduation. All Sacramento interns may apply for a $600 loan without a co-signer, or a $1,000 loan with a co-signer.
EARNING ACADEMIC CREDIT FOR INTERNSHIPS
Students seeking academic credit for internships arranged through the Career Center should contact the
UCLA Center for Community Learning (CCL) to learn about the full range academic credit options. In previous years, Bruins have earned four to six units of credit for Sacramento internships through “195” internship courses or independent study/research. The CCL website gives the following info: “Juniors and Seniors from all majors can enroll in a 195 internship course. Sites can include governmental, non-profit, or corporate settings. This is an opportunity for independent study; there is no class to attend. Most internships earn 4 units and require 8-10 hours per week of meaningful work at the off-campus site. Students are required to write weekly journals, meet biweekly with their graduate student coordinator, and write a final research paper.” The separate
UC Center Sacramento (UCCS) programs also allow students to earn credit through coursework during their internships.
WHERE TO STAY?
Most students who pursue Sacramento internships with Career Center support stay with family or friends in Sacramento. This scope of services allows students to arrange flexible start and end dates for their internships. Our team is happy to include your name on a potential intern roommate list and to provide housing search resources or leads for the Sacramento area.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please check the schedule of upcoming Sacramento Internship workshops by logging in to the UCLA Career Center’s
BruinView™ service and then selecting “Events and Workshops”. You may also schedule a personal appointment by writing to
Chris Howell, Local Programs Counselor. We look forward to serving you!