Student AffairsThe ArtSci Summer Internship Program provides students with a 4-month full-time internship experience. Internships are paid, professionally supervised, career-related positions that allow students to earn academic credit while gaining practical work experience. Students apply their academic knowledge in a professional setting, build industry connections, and engage in reflective assessment activities that support their academic and career development.
The program is open to domestic and international undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts and Science.
ArtSci Summer Internship Drop-in Advising: Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11AM -12PM EST. To access, please visit the MyCareer Events Calendar.
Have questions? View the ArtSci Summer Internship FAQ below or connect with an internship Coordinator during Internship Drop-in Advising – no appointment necessary!
You are eligible to register in the ArtSci Summer Internship Program if you meet all the following requirements:
- Enrolled in an Honours degree plan in the Faculty of Arts and Science
- Have completed 24.00 units
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 1.90
- Domestic or international student
- Returning to study post-internship
For more details, see "How to Register for the ArtSci Summer Internship Program"
For internship positions to be eligible for the ArtSci Summer Internship Program, they must meet the following criteria:
- 4 months in length
- Full-time (min. 35hrs/week)
- Paid at least local minimum wage
- Start in May
The position must provide meaningful learning and professional development opportunities relevant to the degree to provide significant skills development.
Positions must include tasks and responsibilities that are aligned with the University Council of Academic Vice-Presidents’ Undergraduate Degree Level Expectations. Characteristics of eligible roles include:
- Apply academic knowledge in a workplace setting
- Analyze information and solve problems using critical thinking and judgement
- Develop professional skills such as communication, teamwork, initiative, and accountability
- Communicate ideas, findings, or recommendations to others
- Learn through supervision and feedback from a workplace mentor or supervisor
- Gain exposure to professional practices and workplace environments, including industry, organization, or community contexts.
Positions will generally be considered eligible when they demonstrate multiple characteristics from the list above and provide a meaningful learning experience that supports undergraduate student development.
Positions would be excluded if they consisted primarily of:
- Clerical work
- Routine administrative tasks
- Reception duties
- Basic data entry
- Customer service
- Basic recreational program delivery
- Caregiving
- Testing
- General maintenance or manual labour
- OR if they explicitly target students from other faculties
Positions must provide appropriate supervision through a supervisor who:
- Assigns work
- Provides feedback
- Serves as the primary contact for the program
Positions must comply with employment standards and workplace health and safety requirements in their respective jurisdiction or geographic location.
As of April 1, 2026, IRCC has announced that eligible post-secondary international students no longer need a separate work permit to participate in student work placements required by their program, such as co-op placements and internships. Learn more about the eligibility requirements on the IRCC website at the following link: Work in a student work placement - Canada.ca.
International students participating in the optional ArtSci Summer Internship Program are on a scheduled break, therefore are eligible to work full-time during this period – students must be studying full-time in the semesters directly before and after the summer internship. Please connect with the Queen's University International Centre (QUIC) for any questions pertaining to study permits and IRCC regulations. The International Student Advisors can be reached at isa@queensu.ca.
There are many benefits of a 4-month summer internship, such as
- Explore Career Paths and Build Practical Skills: Apply your academic knowledge in a professional setting, gain hands-on experience, and learn more about potential career options.
- Return to Your Studies with New Perspectives: Bring real-world insights back to the classroom and strengthen your understanding of how academic learning connects to professional work environments.
- Earn an Income and Support Your Educational Goals: Gain valuable work experience while earning a salary that can help offset educational and living expenses.
- Build Your Professional Network: Develop meaningful connections with colleagues, supervisors, and industry professionals who can support your future career development.
- Gain Insight into Today's Workplace: Learn firsthand about employer expectations, workplace culture, and the skills that contribute to professional success.
- Develop Confidence and Professional Experience: Strengthen key workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability through meaningful project work.
- Enhance Your Resume and Future Opportunities: Add relevant industry experience to your resume, helping you stand out when applying for future internships, research positions, or post-graduation employment.
- Test and Refine Your Career Interests: Use the summer to explore an industry, organization, or role, helping you make more informed decisions about future academic and career opportunities.
Attend one of our ArtSci Summer Internship Information Sessions to learn more about the program and have your questions answered by the internship team.
Check back for dates and times.
To see all ArtSci Summer Internship-related events, please visit the MyCareer Events Calendar.
Most employers will hire students for summer internships during the winter semester. However, recruitment activities may begin in the fall, students are encouraged to register and begin applying as soon as possible and monitor the ArtSci Summer Internship job board in MyCareer until they have secured a suitable position. Students may also find their own internships – offers should be submitted to the internship team for approval as soon as they are received.
Registration for the ArtSci Summer Internship Program begins on November 16, 2026 and will remain open until April 30, 2027 (for offers received after April 30, please contact the internship office at WIL@queensu.ca). We recommend registering as early as possible to maximize the time you can spend engaging in the internship job search process.
- Ensure you are eligible to register in the ArtSci Summer Internship program (review criteria under the Eligibility dropdown menu)
- Log in to MyCareer and click on "ArtSci Summer Internship Registration & Records". From the top of the right of the screen, select ‘Apply’.
- Read all the information and complete the form. Contact us at WIL@queensu.ca if you have any questions
- You will receive an email indicating that the internship office is reviewing your registration.
- Once approved, you will receive instructions for how to pay the one-time, non-refundable $75 ArtSci Summer Internship registration fee. Only VISA, Mastercard and AMEX credit cards are accepted (no debit cards or cash). If the registration fee is an exceptional barrier to your participation in the program, please contact WIL@queensu.ca. *If you have previously paid the registration fee for the Queen’s Undergraduate Internship Program (QUIP), your $75 ArtSci Summer Internship registration fee will be waived.
- After paying the ArtSci Summer Internship Registration Fee you will be enrolled in the onQ course “ArtSci Summer Internship 2027”. Please complete the 4 mandatory Internship Prep modules (Internship Search Strategy, Cover Letter, Resume and Interview) in onQ in any order. Log into onQ, go to “Content”, select and complete the “Course & Quiz” and the “Assignment” for each one. These modules are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in your internship search. *If you have previously completed the modules as part of QUIP, you do not need to complete them again.
- After completing the 4 mandatory Internship Prep modules you will receive a "Welcome to the ArtSci Summer Internship Program" email you will be granted access to the ArtSci Summer Internship Job Board within 1-2 business days.
The ArtSci Summer Internship Program provides comprehensive support for your internship job search, including:
- Job Search Preparation Modules: Every registrant completes modules on Internship Search, Resume Writing, Cover Letters, and Interview Techniques to ensure you’re thoroughly prepared.
- Job search strategy workshops: ArtSci Summer Internship registrants are encouraged to attend Career Services workshops on topics such as resumes, cover letters, interviews, networking, LinkedIn and preparing for career fairs. Visit the MyCareer Events Calendar for the latest workshop offerings.
- One-on-one coaching: Meet with an Internship Coordinator to refine your internship search approach. You can also schedule sessions with a Career Educator and Coach or a Resume Coach for personalized guidance.
- Active Job Posting Board: Our online job board is regularly updated with new internship opportunities as we collaborate closely with employers to post positions.
- Targeted Employer Outreach: If you don't find the right opportunity on our job board, reach out to an Internship Coordinator. We are excited to learn about your career interests and support you in finding an opportunity that is right for you.
- Networking with Employers: Take advantage of career fairs and information sessions to connect with potential employers. Career Services hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including career fairs and employer information sessions. Check the MyCareer Events Calendar for details on upcoming events.
Once you secure an internship, we’ll help ensure you leave prepared with an interactive pre-departure session.
Finding an internship takes effort, but we’re here to help you succeed. Feel free to reach out to the Internship team anytime for support. For additional tips on a successful internship search, check out Frequently Asked Questions.
Looking for an international internship? Check out the Finding an International Internship Student Checklist (PDF, 310.7 KB)
Students participating in the ArtSci Summer Internship will be enrolled in INTN 315/3.0. The 3.0 units of INTN can count towards the 120.0 total units required for an Honours degree. Requirements of the course include completion of:
- A paid 4-month, full-time internship
- Mid-point reflection questions
- One supervisor performance evaluation
- Final assignment
Students can choose to repeat summer internships, and may register for up to 9.00 units in total. The first 6.00 units of INTN courses can count toward the 120.00 total units required for an Honours degree.
As part of your participation in the ArtSci Summer Internship Program, your performance will be evaluated by your employer at the end of the term. You will receive further notice via email when a performance evaluation is required for your position. Remember that your performance evaluation is intended to help you grow both personally and professionally, so be prepared to take an active part in it.
Looking for more information about the ArtSci Summer Internship Program? View our FAQ guide