Careers & Internships
FAQs
General Questions
- How do I make a career coaching appointment?
- Are internships worth it?
- Can you find me a job or internship?
- When is the next Jackson School event?
- Where are you located?
Students
- Can I get academic credit for my internship?
- I’m an international student. What are my employment options?
Alumni
- I want to ask a JSIS faculty member to be a reference. How do I contact them?
- Can I still use JSIS career services after graduation?
Employers
- I have an opportunity that may be of interest to Jackson School students or alumni. How do I get the information to them?
- What is your position on paid vs. unpaid internships?
Internship Scholarships
- I am not a Jackson School student. Can I still apply?
- Can the internship scholarship be used for practicum, thesis, or dissertation field research?
- Can these scholarships be applied to a study abroad program or exploration seminar?
- What is the minimum internship duration?
- Does the internship need to be finalized in order for me to apply for a scholarship?
- Are students graduating in the spring eligible to apply for a summer internship scholarship?
- If I have received an internship scholarship, can I apply again in the future?
General Questions
How do I make a career coaching appointment?
To make a career coaching appointment with Peg Cheng, Assistant Director of Student Services, use our online booking system.
Are internships worth it?
Yes, they are worth it! Internships – paid or unpaid – are an essential part of learning new skills, developing your strengths, building your resume, and making important contacts. Hiring managers consider time spent at an internship towards the years of experience they look for in a new hire. An internship is also an ideal way to try out different career options and see which one feels right.
Can you find me a job or internship?
No, we cannot. Students and alumni are expected to research and apply for their own jobs and internships. You can, however, get help with your search from the UW Career & Internship Center career coaches and Peg Cheng at the Jackson School. Go here to book an appointment with Peg.
If you’re a Jackson School major, you automatically receive the JSIS-JOBS newsletter every Friday that features internships, jobs, and career events. If you’re a Jackson School alum and want to subscribe to JSIS-JOBS, send your full name, email, and student ID # to jsisjobs@uw.edu.
When is the next Jackson School event?
We’re always happy to see our students and alumni at events! For information on workshops, lectures, panels, and more, check out our events calendar and career events page.
Where are you located?
The Jackson School of International Studies is located in Thomson Hall on the University of Washington campus in Seattle. A campus map is available here. Peg Cheng, along with other members of the Office of Academic Services (OAS), can be found in Thomson 111. We look forward to seeing you!
Students
Can I get academic credit for my internship?
Yes, you can. Learn how to get JSIS 497 course credit for an internship here. You will need to plan ahead, fill out the application, and get an add code prior to the quarter in which you start working at your internship.
I’m an international student. What are my employment options?
When it comes to jobs and internships, international students have more steps they need to take to gain employment. Visit International Student Services (ISS) to learn more about CPT (Curricular Practical Training), OPT (Optional Practical Training), and how employment law applies to you. Also check out our International Students Resources page.
Alumni
I want to ask a JSIS faculty member to be a reference. How do I contact them?
JSIS faculty are always thrilled to hear from alumni. Contact details for our faculty are available on the JSIS People page or through the UW directory.
Can I still use JSIS career services after graduation?
Yes, you can. Jackson School alumni can utilize the UW Career & Internship Center for up to three years after graduation, and can have 2-3 career coaching appointments per calendar year with Peg Cheng. To subscribe to the weekly JSIS-JOBS newsletter, send your full name, email, and student ID # to jsisjobs@uw.edu.
Employers
I have an opportunity that may be of interest to Jackson School students or alumni. How do I get the information to them?
We’re happy to post your job and internship opportunities for our students. Create an account on Handshake to connect with the University of Washington and post jobs and internships campus wide. To post opportunities in the JSIS-JOBS newsletter specifically for JSIS students and alumni, please email your job/internship post(s) to jsisjobs@uw.edu.
What is your position on paid vs. unpaid internships?
While we prefer that our students be fairly compensated for the work that they do, we recognize that this is not always possible for organizations that lack the resources to institute a paid internship program. Since unpaid internships can be just as valuable for gaining real-world skills and experiences as paid internships, we do post both kinds of opportunities in our weekly JSIS-JOBS newsletter. Our primary concern will always be the welfare and development of our students; thus, our position is that internships should be a work experience that benefits both the intern and the host organization; that interns receive appropriate supervision and regular, constructive feedback; and that interns not be used to replace regular employees. If you have any questions about creating or promoting an internship that will appeal to JSIS students, email Peg Cheng at jsisjobs@uw.edu or call 206-543-0176.
Internship Scholarships
I am not a Jackson School student. Can I still apply?
Generally, only JSIS students can apply for our internship scholarships. The only exception is the Leslianne Shedd Memorial Fund Scholarship which allows graduate students in the UW Master of Public Health program to apply if they intend to pursue a career in underserved areas overseas. Apply using the online JSIS scholarship application and indicate in your personal statement that you are applying for the Leslianne Shedd Memorial Fund.
Can the internship scholarship be used for practicum, thesis, or dissertation field research?
No, an internship scholarship cannot be used for these purposes. The scholarship must be connected to a professional internship.
Can these scholarships be applied to a study abroad program or exploration seminar?
Generally, no, unless there is a significant internship component to the program.
What is the minimum internship duration?
Internships should be a minimum of 10 weeks, preferably 12 weeks (3 months).
Does the internship need to be finalized in order for me to apply for a scholarship?
Yes, the internship scholarship application requires an internship offer letter.
Are students graduating in the spring eligible to apply for a summer internship scholarship?
No, scholarships are for continuing students only.
If I have received an internship scholarship, can I apply again in the future?
Yes, but the nature and duties of your internship should be substantively different from the internship done in connection with your previous award.