ArtSci 4 Month Summer Internships FAQs

Registration for the ArtSci Summer Internship opens on November 16, 2026, and will remain open until April 30, 2027. We recommend registering as early as possible to maximize the time you can spend engaging in the internship job search process.

1. Ensure you are eligible to register in the ArtSci Summer Internship (see below)
2. Log in to MyCareer and click on "ArtSci Summer Internship Registration & Records". From the top right of the screen, click "Apply"
3. Read all the information and contact us at WIL@queensu.ca if you have any questions
4. Complete all the information and click "Submit Application"
5. You will receive an email indicating that your registration is in process. Our team will check your eligibility and once confirmed, will send you a second email with the instructions to pay the one-time, non-refundable $75 ArtSci Summer Internship registration fee (if you have already paid to register in QUIP, you will not be required to pay a second 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 
6. After paying the registration fee:
   • You will be enrolled in the onQ course “ArtSci Summer Internship 2027”. Please complete the 4 mandatory internship modules (Internship Search Strategy, Cover Letter, Resume and Interview) in onQ in any order (if you are currently registered in QUIP, you do not have to complete the modules a second time). 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
7. After completing all the 4 mandatory internship modules you will receive a "Welcome to the ArtSci Summer Internship Program" email and you will be granted access to the ArtSci Summer Internship Job Board within 1-2 business days

Your registration fee helps fund services that support students throughout the internship process, including: 

• One-on-one advising with internship coordinators

• Internship preparation resources and job search support

• Employer outreach and relationship development

• The administration of the ArtSci Summer Internship job board and recruitment systems

• Student and employer support throughout internship placements

• Program development, communications and employer engagement activities

• Ongoing assessment and enhancement of the ArtSci Summer Internship experience

If the registration fee is an exceptional barrier to your participation in the program, please contact WIL@queensu.ca 

You are eligible to register in the ArtSci Summer Internship Program if you meet all the following requirements:

• Be 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; eligible to work in Canada (or meet any requirements associated with the position location)  
• Returning to study post-internship (min 9.0 credits)  

Please follow the steps above to register in the ArtSci Summer Internship Program and provide the requested information regarding your offer (“Internship Job Offers” section).

Once you have accepted an internship that meets the program requirements you will move straight to being processed as an intern and the modules will no longer be necessary. 

If you are unsure of where to begin, we suggest the following steps: first, complete the four mandatory internship modules and attend optional workshops as soon as possible. Next, review the ArtSci Summer Internship Job Board regularly and bring any questions to an Internship Coordinator during internship drop-in sessions or one-on one advising appointments. Apply for positions on the ArtSci Summer Internship Job Board in MyCareer. Look for internships outside the job board, through connections or niche areas of interest – revisit the Internship Search Strategy Workshop module. If you have broader questions about career options and direction, consider also meeting with a Career Educator & Coach.

We’ve found that students who start their internship search early are typically more successful. To increase your chances, use strategies from the modules to enhance your application documents, keep a close eye on the ArtSci Summer Internship job board, apply to a variety of positions, and seek support for your resume, cover letters, and interview preparation during advising. Additionally, being flexible regarding internship type, organization, and location can also improve your success rate. 

Career Services offers several employers fairs and information sessions throughout the year. Fairs are a great opportunity to connect with employers and speak to them about their internship opportunities and hiring needs. Find out more about dates and locations of the fairs on the Career Services website.

Please complete the four mandatory internship modules (Internship Search Strategy, Cover Letter, Resume, and Interview) in onQ in any order. Log into onQ “ArtSci Summer Internship Program 2027”, go to “Content”, select and complete the “Course & Quiz” for each one. These modules are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in your internship search.

After completing all the 4 mandatory internship modules you will receive a "Welcome to ArtSci Summer Internship" email, and you will be granted access to the ArtSci Summer Internship Job Board within 1-2 business days.

Registrants are encouraged to attend Career Services workshops on topics such as resumes, cover letters, interviews, networking, LinkedIn and preparing for career fairs. 

Please register for workshops in the Events/Workshops Calendar in MyCareer.

All current Queen's undergraduate students in Arts and Science can book appointments with internship coordinators year-round. If you are currently on an internship, you can book an internship appointment during working hours, informing your supervisor. By hiring students though the ArtSci Summer Internship Program, employers have agreed to this.

• Log in to MyCareer
• Select “Appointments (Career Education and Internship Programs)”/ “Book an Appointment”/ “Book by Appointment Type”
• Scroll down to “ARTSCI SUMMER INTERNSHIP APPOINTMENT” and click “Book”
• Click on a date, click on a time with an internship coordinator and click “Book Appointment”
• In “Appointment Mode”, select “In Person” or “Microsoft Teams”
• In “Reason for the Appointment”, check the appropriate box
• Click “Book Appointment”
• You will receive an ArtSci Summer Internship appointment confirmation email and an Outlook calendar/Microsoft Teams invite from the internship Coordinator.

As an internship program registrant there is no set limit on the number of appointments you can book with an internship coordinator. Appointment availability may vary during peak times. For time-sensitive inquiries, include any relevant deadlines when requesting an appointment.

Internship coordinators provide supports that are not limited to:

• Internship search strategies 
• Cover letter and resume writing
• Interview preparation
• Decision making on job offers

We are also available to provide support while you complete your internship. In hiring through the ArtSci Summer Internship Program, Employers have agreed to allow interns to meet with internship coordinators during working hours.

Brief questions are best asked during drop-in advising, which runs every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11:00am – 12:00pm EST year-round. There is no appointment necessary, and an internship coordinator will be available to answer your questions. You can access the link to virtual drop-in advising in the Events Calendar on MyCareer or visit us in Career Services on the 3rd floor of Gordon Hall. If you need a timelier response, you are encouraged to email WIL@queensu.ca.

We understand that plans may change. If you are not able to attend the appointment, please access the appointment through MyCareer and click the "Cancel appointment" button.

Detailed application instructions are listed at the bottom of each position on the ArtSci Summer Internship Job Board listed under “Application Instructions.” Please read this section carefully for each posting. Applications must always be submitted through MyCareer, but some postings require multiple methods of application (i.e., employer website or e-mail). Always preview your application before uploading to ensure that you are including the correct information.

Yes. The ArtSci Summer Internship Job Board welcomes job postings from international companies. That said, employers often prefer to hire locally due to constraints such as visa processes, differences in employment laws, and limited resources for recruiting from abroad. Students interested in international internships should work with an internship coordinator to address the added considerations related to international internships.

Positions are posted throughout the year and there are no set deadlines for employers to post. In general, employers tend to recruit in January and February for summer positions starting in May.

For every job posting, you are required to apply through the ArtSci Summer Internship Job Board on MyCareer and any other method outlined in the posting. The applications on MyCareer are sent directly to employers and acts as confirmation of your registration in the program.

Some employers may require proof of registration in a co-op program. The internship office can provide you with documentation confirming that the ArtSci Summer Internship Program is an accredited internship program equivalent to co-op.

Please contact WIL@queensu.ca to request a “Confirmation of Registration” letter and we will send it to you by email. The letter indicates that:

• You are seeking a 4-month, full-time, paid internship in a degree-related field of employment and that you are eligible to work starting in May.
• You are recognized by the university as proceeding full time in your degree program while on internship and for its whole duration.
• The internship is counting towards elective credits in your degree plan.

Yes. In addition to reviewing and applying to internships posted on the ArtSci Summer Internship Job Board on MyCareer, registrants are encouraged to look for internships through outreach or niche areas of interest. A great place to start your search is the “ArtSci Summer Internship Search Strategy” workshop.

The internship office will need to approve any position that is not posted on the ArtSci Summer Internship Job Board.

To qualify for the ArtSci Summer Internship Program, the position must be:

• 4 months in length
• Full time (min 35 hrs\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/geographic location.

Please save a copy of the original job posting with the job description of the position you are interested in applying or the position that you have been offered (preferably as a pdf) and send it to WIL@queensu.ca for approval.

There can be additional considerations when reviewing international internships, so it is important that you contact us as soon as possible.

All positions will require a resume, and including a cover letter with your application, even if it's not explicitly requested, is good practice and can enhance your chances of advancing in the recruitment process. Some employers will indicate if they are only accepting resumes. Uploading a transcript is not necessary unless specifically requested by the employer under “Application Instructions” or “Application Material Required.”

You may be contacted for an interview directly by the employer or by our office. Each company chooses how to move forward with the interview process and our office may reach out to you on an employer’s behalf to set up an interview time. Most employers will be looking to host interviews during regular business hours.

Should a company contact you directly to set up an interview, please email WIL@queensu.ca to let us know so we can offer interview preparation support or answer any questions you may have. Please include the date of your interview so we can respond in a timely fashion.

Interview methods are chosen by the employer. Interviews can be conducted in a variety of ways, including:

• In person at Career Services
• In person at the employer’s work location
• Via phone
• Virtually via Teams, Zoom or an alternative platform (most common)

We highly recommend that employers give students at least 2 business days' notice prior to the interview to allow students sufficient time to prepare.

We are happy to support your request for a different interview arrangement. However, the final decision on the interview method, date, and time is at the employer's discretion, and changes cannot be guaranteed. While many employers can accommodate alternative arrangements, please ensure you provide ample notice for requests to modify the interview

Each company has different processes for reviewing applications and interviewing candidates and some employers must coordinate interviews with multiple departments. As such, there is no general timeline between when you apply and when you may receive an interview request.

Sending a brief thank you note by email is an excellent way to reiterate your interest in a position and to thank the interviewer. This is also an opportunity to detail why you are a good candidate and to discuss anything you may have forgotten to mention. It is advisable to send a thank you note within 24 – 48 hours after you meet with the employer. If you do not have the interviewer’s contact details (i.e.. the internship team set up the interview for you), please contact us at WIL@queensu.ca and we would be happy to forward your thank you note to the employer.

The type of questions you will be asked will depend on the employer and the job you applied for. You may be asked several types of questions in each interview to assess your skill set; these may include behavioral, challenging and/or technical questions.

A great place to start preparing for your interview is to review the mandatory ‘Interview’ module and attend a Career Services “Interview Strategies” workshop (sign up in MyCareer). Various resources can also be found on the ArtSci Summer Internship OnQ page, and you can also email WIL@queensu.ca to book a one-on-one advising appointment with an internship coordinator.

Generally, decision making about a position is made within a two-week period following an interview. However, this process can take longer as there are many factors that employers are taking into consideration when deciding who to hire. Employers are not obligated to contact you if you are not the successful candidate.

Please email us at WIL@queensu.ca to set up an appointment with an Internship Coordinator. We will be able to meet with you to review your current resume/cover letter writing and internship search strategies to assist you further.

Please follow the directions outlined in the email offer sent from our office, which includes a deadline for response. If employers indicate a deadline less than two business days, the internship team ensures that students are provided at least two business days to accept or decline. This allows you time to consider the offer and to reach out to an internship coordinator at WIL@queensu.ca if you need any support in making your decision or if you have any questions. You can also attend drop-in advising for support.

Please provide us with the following items, so we can walk you through the next steps:

• Job ID number from the ArtSci Summer Internship Job Board
• Job description including tasks, responsibilities, qualifications etc. (if the position was not posted in the ArtSci Summer Internship Job Board or if you are not sure if it was) - forward us an email from the employer with the information if it is not in the offer • Company contact information - full name and email of the person you have been in contact with, not a generic email address.
• Offer - forward us the email you received from the employer with the offer and the deadline to respond. The offer should include the following minimum information: Job Title, Start Date, Duration or end date, Location, Salary, and Number of hours of work per week. If the offer does not contain all that information, please contact the employer to request it and forward the email to us.

You can contact an internship coordinator at WIL@queensu.ca if you need any support in making your decision or if you have any questions. You can also attend drop-in advising for support.

If you accept a position either verbally or in writing, you are bound by this agreement. If for any reason you decide to renege on this acceptance, you will be removed from the internship program for the current year and will not be permitted to participate in future years. For this reason, we encourage you to take the time provided by the employer to thoughtfully consider your offer before sharing your decision. We recommend coming to drop-in advising or meeting with an internship coordinator if you have questions about your offer or need support in your decision making.

Offer deadlines are determined by the employer. If employers indicate less than two business days, the internship team ensures that students are provided at least two business days to accept or decline. If you require more time to provide your decision, it is possible to ask for an extension of one to two business days, and it is up to the employer if they will agree to it. You can request this directly from the employer or we can ask on your behalf. There are additional considerations related to asking for an extension (i.e. employer relationship) that can be discussed with an internship coordinator at drop-in or during an appointment.

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 if their study permit lists the condition that they are eligible to work off campus. International 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.

Canadian employers value transferable skills as much as the technical skills typically acquired through academic studies. Transferable skills enable you to complete your job tasks successfully and include communication, leadership, time-management, team work etc. Canadian employers often expect that students engage in experiences outside of the classroom, such as volunteering, student clubs, sports, community engagement, research and lab work, competitions, conferences, personal projects, and part-time jobs. The Major Maps are an immensely helpful tool for identifying extracurricular activities related to your degree.

However, it is not enough to simply engage in those activities. What will make you successful in the job search process is being able to articulate what skills you have gained as a result and connect them to the requirements of the job that you are applying to – this process is known as tailoring your application. Using the Queen’s Skills Cards can help you identify and talk about your skills. See 'Registration' for more strategies to prepare you for your Canadian internship search.

Students who are English Language learners can make appointments with the EAL Program Coordinator through Student Academic Success Services. They can work with you on academic writing and language support and can be reached at eal.sass@queensu.ca.

For services and support with work permits, visas, and health insurance (UHIP), international students can contact the Queen's University International Centre (QUIC).

Congratulations! Our office will be in touch to provide you with information to prepare you for your upcoming internship. There are a few steps you will need to complete before starting; once you have reviewed the Pre-Departure information from the internship office, please contact WIL@queensu.ca if you have any questions

Please contact WIL@queensu.ca to request a “Confirmation of Enrollment” letter and we will send it to you by email. The letter will indicate that:

• You are registered in the ArtSci Summer Internship Program
• You will be working as a full-time, paid intern at (company name) from (start date) to (end date)
• You are recognized by the university as proceeding full time in your degree program while on internship and for its whole duration.
• The internship is counting towards elective credits in your degree plan
• Upon completion of the internship, you are expected to return to campus to complete your degree requirements.

Yes, all positions through the ArtSci Summer Internship Program must be 4 months (approx 16 weeks) in length and with the same employer, as this maximizes the professional experience. For roles less than 16 weeks, or start/end dates outside of May 1 to August 31, please email WIL@queensu.ca to discuss with an internship coordinator. 

The ArtSci Summer Internship Program is an optional program and there will be different levels of time and effort that students are willing or able to put into their internship search. Additionally, summer internship opportunities tend to follow what is typical of the current labour market. We have seen that almost all students who are committed to their internship search access the services available to them are successful in securing an internship. Our Employer Engagement team is always working with new and established employers to post positions each year. For more suggestions regarding a successful internship see the “Registration” section.

We are here to assist you at any point of the internship process. As each student’s needs are unique, we ask that you email WIL@queensu.ca to speak with an internship coordinator about your request. Each situation is assessed on a case-by-case basis and may include support from the internship team, your employer, Student Wellness Services and/or Student Accessibility Services, depending on the nature of the request.