Practicum Information
The UH West Oʻahu Business Administration Division practicum capstone experience is an opportunity for students to gain work experience and apply the business theories and concepts learned in the classroom within an organization.
Students are not “placed” in practicum internships, although those who are unsure where to start may contact the Capstone Coordinator. Based upon stated preferences, interests, and objectives, the Coordinator may make suggestions as to possible internship opportunities.
Note, many organizations do not require students to specifically be part of a Practicum course to be a student intern. Most organizations at least require student interns to be enrolled in a college program.
About the Practicum
The purpose of the Practicum is to afford opportunities to our students to observe and learn professionalism in supportive, “real world” settings. Students will also experience how concepts and theories are applied in actual work situation.
Practicum courses require the completion of both internship hours and 490 coursework.
Practicum Internships
The internship duties and responsibilities must relate to the student’s concentration area of study. We suggest a project or series of task(s) that will allow the student to utilize the concepts and theories learned in the classroom.
Internships should require students to report to an supervisor and have regular interaction with their supervisor and/or department regarding practicum projects, tasks, and responsibilities.
Practicum Guidelines and Forms are shared with students after they are granted a registration override into a Practicum Capstone course.
Students can work in a variety of business and professional organizations. Practicum internship sites are subject to approval by the Practicum Instructor through the Practicum Proposal Process, which is facilitated by the Capstone Coordinator. The Practicum Proposal Form and deadlines are shared with students who are issued an override to a 490 Practicum Course.
Practicum sites must be confirmed with the submission of required forms, due at the beginning of the semester.
Practicum sites may require certain certifications, clearances, etc. of employees, which students will also need to meet to be considered. These are often industry standards; internships and practicums must adhere to the same policies and expectations. Some opportunities may also require students to pass a background check or investigation.
When should I start the process?
The best time to begin the process is early in the semester before the one in which you plan to do your capstone. This is important because finding a great internship takes time and you want to be able to devote the appropriate amount of time to avoid feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Timeline
Students planning for a Fall internship should begin their search and application process in March and April, while preparing for Fall registration.
Students planning for a Spring internship should being their search and application process in October, while preparing for Spring registration.
An internship is not required to make a Capstone Registration Request for a 490 Practicum course.
Forms and Requirements
Proposal
For students issued overrides for BUSA/APSC/CYBR 490, there will be a link to the Practicum Proposal Form in the Registration Override Notification email to complete and submit prior to the start of the semester. This form requires a description of tasks, responsibilities, and projects for the potential practicum site.
Students will receive an email notification of the review. If the Practicum Proposal is approved, students will receive the Affiliation Agreement and Student practicum forms, due by the first day of the semester.
There are multiple proposal deadlines leading to the start of each semester. This helps us to facilitate proposal review. Students only need to submit at least 1 proposal to at least 1 deadline, provided it is approved by the instructor.
Site Affiliation Agreement
A Practicum Site Affiliation Agreement form is completed by the Practicum Site Supervisor. The Supervisor listed on this form will receive student evaluation forms throughout the semester.
Student Agreement
All students must sign and submit a Student Practicum Agreement form to complete a practicum course. This form includes an Assumption of Risk & Release section required by campus policy and a section for students to list the description of their Practicum Duties and Responsibilities.
**Students who do not confirm a practicum site by the first day of the semester and submit all required forms will be moved to Senior Project so that they can continue to complete their capstone requirement.
Practicum Student Expectations
- Submit completed and signed Practicum Site Affiliation Agreement form to Capstone Coordinator
- Submit completed and signed Student Practicum Agreement form to Capstone Coordinator and providing a description or outline of the internship
- Complete required hours at the practicum site (minimum 120 hours)
- Complete required number of meetings with the professor
- Fulfill Capstone Course assignments as prescribed by the professor
- Present their practicum experience to classmates and professor
Practicum Site Responsibilities and Expectations
The Business & Cybersecurity Practicum Guidebook is shared with students and supervisors. A link is included in various email communications.
Each practicum site supervisor accepts certain responsibilities and is expected to:
- Complete and sign a Practicum Site Affiliation Agreement form
- Submit 2 evaluation forms (Mid-term and Final) of the student’s work performance
- Assure that the student has a meaningful learning experience, performing relevant entry-level work
- Provide the student opportunities to work on a variety of projects
- Provide a clean and adequate working environment
- Supervise and critique the student’s performance
- Ensure that the student works in accordance with state labor laws and union contracts
Practicum FAQs
An internship must be at a business or organization where the student is able to perform entry-level work, relevant to his/her concentration area. We recommend students are assigned a project to work on during the internship.
Students do not need to already have a internship to make a capstone registration request for a 490 Practicum course.
Internships can be done at a variety of organizations or businesses. The emphasis lies on the proposed duties for a practicum. Does the position allow the student to experience an entry-level position?
Students who do not submit a practicum proposal by the final deadline before the term will be moved to Senior Project so that they can continue to complete their capstone requirement.
Students must be enrolled in a 490 Practicum course during the same semester an internship is done in order for the internship to be considered as a practicum.
In order to stay in a 490 Practicum course for the semester, students will need to confirm placement into a practicum site by the first day of the term.
No. A minimum of 120 hours of work in the practicum site is required during the semester is enrolled in the course. Over the 15 week semester, that would be an average of 8-10 hours per week. Students can and are welcome to work more hours, which would allow for more experience.
The 120 work hour count can start on the first day of the semester. The student has until the last day of instruction (end of Week 15) for the semester to complete the 120 work hour requirement.
Students have to submit a Practicum Proposal prior to the start of the semester for review.
A copy of the Practicum Proposal Forms are shared with students who are granted registration overrides for a Practicum course.
Students can work in a variety of business and organizations. Internships should be related to the students’ concentration area.
Students are encouraged to create a profile on Handshake which provides access to the network of organizations who have shared opportunities with our campus. For more information, visit the Career Services website.
Practicum placements may be paid or unpaid, as determined by the practicum site.
Students will be evaluated through evaluation a combination of requirements including, but not limited to, written assignments, meetings throughout the semester, evaluations by the site supervisor, and the final report and presentation. The completion of the term of an internship does not guarantee a successful grade or credit. Instructors will provide more, detailed information about assignments, expectations, and course schedule in the class syllabus.
There are a few considerations that need to be made:
1. The 120 hour minimum requirement is related to the three-credits students receive for completing one course
2. Internship duties must be related to the concentration.So, in order for one internship to count towards two capstone requirements, duties must be related and distributed to the two concentrations and a total of 240 work hours must be completed.
The UH West Oʻahu Career Services Office also offers resources and assistance.
Create your Handshake profile to view opportunities, gain access to events, and connect with employers.