Process of Internship for Sociology Majors

One of the hallmarks of the Sociology Program at Eastern is the requirement that students complete an internship in their junior or senior year. Historically, internships have been conducted in a wide variety of settings all around the Greater Philadelphia region and beyond. There is a fruitful record of internship placements with non-profit organizations, social service agencies, church organizations, advocacy groups, educational services and others.

A sampling of organizations where our sociology students have conducted internships:

  • Aclamo Family Centers, Norristown, PA
  • Child and Youth Services of Delaware County, Chester/Upper Darby, PA
  • Philadelphia Court System, Philadelphia, PA
  • Mexican Cultural Center, Philadelphia, PA
  • Summer Institute on Sustainable Development, Tempe, AZ
  • Merryl Lynch, Philadelphia, PA
  • Lutheran Children and Family Services, Philadelphia, PA
  • City Year, Philadelphia, PA
  • The Women’s Center of Montgomery County, Bryn Mawr, PA
  • Project Transformation, Dallas, TX
  • Clear Air Council, Philadelphia, PA
  • Mayor’s Office, City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
  • Delaware County Women’s Commission, Upper Darby, PA
  • Child Support Enforcement Program, Media Court House, Media, PA
  • Urban Promise, Camden, NJ
  • Volunteers for America, Camden, NJ
  • Broad Street Ministry, Philadelphia, PA
  • Derechos Humanos, Tucson, AZ
  • and many more ...

Internships Through the Center for Career Development at Eastern

The Center for Career Development at Eastern engages Eastern University undergraduate, graduate and alumni students in exploring their God-given talents, developing career knowledge, understanding internship and job search process, and empowering them to set and achieve future professional goals.

The Center offers a variety of resources for undergraduate and graduate students, alumni and employers in the Eastern network. The goal is to help the students and alumni who participate in our multi-faceted programs to identify one or more potential career paths, or next steps, that are well suited to them professionally, personally and spiritually. We assist individuals to deepen their understanding of their personalities, skills, interests, values, practical needs, and goals, as well as how these important considerations might factor into career decisions.  The delivery method is both group and individual in nature, at no cost to the current student.

Some of the services include:

  • Individual Counseling
  • Free access to EU's online job board
  • Resumes and Cover Letter Review
  • Career Events & Networking Opportunities
  • Job and Internship Search Strategy
  • Social Media/Online Branding

Learn more about internship opportunities through the Center for Career Development at Eastern.

Frequently Asked Internship Questions

How many hours must I work?

Academic credit is earned based on the number of hours worked. An internship requires 40 hours of work for every 1 hour of academic credit (spread over the course of a semester). As this is a 3-credit course, 120 hours of work are required to earn the full credits.

Who is responsible for finding me an internship?

In consultation with the sociology program Director, you, as the student, are responsible for initiating and setting up the internship process. To help you in doing this, the sociology program provides a reference list of agencies and internship experiences from former students in recent years. 

What assignments will be required of me in my internship?

In addition to attending scheduled classes and completing your work assignments at your internship site, you are expected to keep a journal in which you will write a brief weekly entry describing and reflecting on your experiences, and expressing any concerns or questions pertaining to your internship. You are required to keep a log of hours you work. Your agency supervisor will be required to complete two evaluation forms: one at mid-semester and the other, the final evaluation form, at the end of your internship.  Upon completion of your internship, you will write a paper (6-8 pages) discussing what you have learned about yourself, your insights gained through the internship experience, and the potential impact of the internship on your future plans.