Innovation Internships
Internships: Creating Impact
Our program is designed to equip those in health disciplines and health research to create impactful solutions via technology and robust interdisciplinary work. The certificate builds business and interpersonal skills needed to recognize an innovative idea, evaluate and refine it, advocate for it, and work in an interdisciplinary team to move it forward. The certificate is not meant to turn every student into a startup founder; rather, it instills an entrepreneurial mindset so that as scientists, clinicians, and engineers, so they can maximize their impact and contribute to health innovation wherever they are.
The summer internship experience is intended for students to apply concepts they’ve learned, combine them with their professional expertise, and create (or conceptualize) a new product, feature, service, or process.
Students and companies are encouraged to suggest connections or ideas they would enjoy working on!
Guidelines
Timing: The internship experience is designed to occur during the summer, after certificate coursework has been completed. Exact schedules are flexible according to the needs of the student and the mentor.
Start: no earlier than mid-May
End: no later than the last week of July.
Please reach out to the program advisor as early as you can if you require different timing or wish to extend your internship period to accommodate other scheduling.
Location: Internship participation is remote by default.
In-person participation is encouraged if amenable to both the student and the mentor.
Internships may be within a larger organization or within a startup. Students are encouraged to think outside the box, including non-profit, clinical, or academic settings.
Mentor: A mentor is required to oversee student participation and provide guidance on the project topic.
Work with the student before start of internship to establish the internship plan
Provide mentorship to the student throughout the internship, about one hour per week
Track hours worked by the student (this can be through weekly logs, progress check-ins, etc)
Submit final survey to the FSU internship course instructor. This one-page online survey includes hours worked, brief summary of the work completed, and comments on student performance.
Total work hours: 135 hrs of work are required for 3 credit hours of internship. Other coursework by the student may reduce this requirement.
For a 12-week internship, this is 11.25 hrs per week.
Work product: Students will present their final work product to their mentors and other students in the program as a final pitch. This will be utilized for grading (satisfactory/unsatisfactory) alongside the mentor’s evaluation of the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for applying for an internship within the Biomedical Entrepreneurship Graduate Certificate Program?
Each fall, newly accepted students will be introduced to the internship guidelines as a part of orientation. You should keep this in mind as you begin your coursework.
Around the fall mid-term, you will be asked to complete a survey about your interests. This is a good time to suggest companies you’re interested in or connected to. If you need help, the survey will help us match you with an organization and mentor that align with your interest and expertise.
Our goal is to have all internship matches by March prior to a summer internship.
The earlier the better to start working with your mentor on an internship plan! Your plan must be submitted and approved before the start date of your internship.
Do all internships have to be approved by the internship coordinator?
Yes. For internships to count towards your required coursework, students must submit a plan and receive approval prior to the beginning of the internship.
How many credit hours will I receive when I complete the internship?
Three credit hours = 135 hours worked.
If you require fewer credit hours, please contact the internship coordinator for hours required and how to register.
Is credit offered for an internship that I completed in the past?
No. The Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship does not provide retroactive internship credit.
Are all internships structured?
Many of our innovation internships may be arranged outside of traditional structured internship programs due to the unique circumstances of each project.
Your mentor will be expected to ensure you demonstrate the key competencies through your project, and you will present to your colleagues at the end of the project as a final work product.
Can I do my internship in the spring or fall semester?
It is possible to complete an internship during any semester. However, summer is typical for standard certificate progression.
You must complete your general coursework before internship work begins. (This excludes the short summer deep dive courses.) Please see your advisor if you would like to request a waiver.
You must complete your internship no later than 2 years from the date you began the certificate program.
What is the length of a required summer internship?
Typically, the internship is completed within the 12-week Summer C session.
For 3 credit hours, this is a minimum of 135 hours worked. You may split this into full or part time work to determine the exact dates for your internship.
What if I have to work or other obligations during the summer?
You should work with your internship mentor and FSU program advisor to find a solution that works for your particular schedule.
Are internships paid?
Typically, internships are unpaid. However, students are encouraged to apply to internship programs that may offer stipends or paid working hours if they are available via the sponsor organization.
How will I be graded?
Grading is satisfactory/unsatisfactory only.
Your mentor will be asked to submit a short survey about your participation, and your professor will utilize this alongside your final presentation to determine grading.
Are remote internships possible?
Yes! Because the certificate is a distance learning program, internships are remote by default. However, we encourage you to make arrangements with your mentor if it is possible to complete aspects of your internship in person.