{"id":201,"date":"2019-07-16T12:00:25","date_gmt":"2019-07-16T19:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/vcea.wsu.edu\/student-success\/?page_id=201"},"modified":"2026-03-13T11:59:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T18:59:39","slug":"propel","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/vcea.wsu.edu\/student-success\/internships-careers\/propel\/","title":{"rendered":"Professional Practice and Experiential Learning (ProPEL) Internship Program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The ProPEL internship program gives students the opportunity to work in their field while earning academic credit at the same time. It helps them fine tune their career goals and objectives. The relevant work experience also increases their job readiness and marketability after graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Students working full time at an internship or co-op are able to maintain their full-time student status at WSU while registered in the two-credit ProPEL internship program. Enrollment in other WSU courses is not required.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-max-width--xlarge\" >\r\n    \n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class='embed-youtube' style='text-align:center; display: block;'><iframe class='youtube-player' type='text\/html' width='640' height='390' src='https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9L8jqxVu1C0?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;fs=1&#038;autohide=2&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;wmode=transparent' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen='true'><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading wsu-spacing-before--xxmedium\">Co-op and Internship Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Co-op and internship work is usually full time (more than 30 hours per week), but sometimes part time (less than 30 hours per week). Jobs typically start at the beginning of the term or semester \u2013 summer, fall, or spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Employers hire Voiland College students for a minimum of 12 weeks (one term or semester including summer) up to a maximum of 12 months (three terms or semesters including summer). Many employers prefer an experience that is six months or longer (for example, June through December).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Credit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The ProPEL internship program comprises a two-part linked course registration. While working on the job, students are registered for ENGR 488 (or cross-listed course in their major, e.g., ME 488), a one or two-credit course. The semester following the work period, students are registered for ENGR 489, a one-credit course. If the student is graduating at the completion of their co-op\/internship, they are registered in ENGR 488 and ENGR 489 concurrently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Credits earned depends on the number of hours worked. Full-time work earns two credits of ENGR 488; part-time work earns one credit of ENGR 488. Often, the credits can be applied to requirements in their major field of study; this varies by department.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-max-width--xlarge wsu-spacing-before--xxmedium wsu-spacing-after--xxmedium\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator wsu-decorator--style-block-crimson-light wsu-zindex--level-0\" style=\"left:8px;height:200px;width:200px\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:6px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<section  class=\"wsu-section wsu-spacing-top--medium wsu-spacing-bottom--medium wsu-spacing-after--xxmedium wsu-spacing-before--xmedium\"  >\r\n        \n<div class=\"wsu-container\" >\r\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ProPEL Advantages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wsu-list--columns-2\">\n<li>All co-op and internship jobs sanctioned by ProPEL are paid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gain work experience and transferable skills by applying methods and theories learned in class.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Benefit from a competitive edge in the job market.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get a foot in the door at a company.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Network with professionals in the field, for references, and future job opportunities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Develop new skills and refine others.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gain confidence in your abilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Students on full-time co-op\/internship jobs may be eligible for financial aid, student housing, student insurance, etc., through ProPEL.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Co-op\/Internship income earned while enrolled in the ProPEL program is <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">not<\/span> counted toward your FAFSA Expected Family Contribution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-block-gray-dark wsu-position--relative\" style=\"top:-38px;height:14px;width:100%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting Started<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s always a good idea to meet with your academic advisor to determine how a co-op\/internship will affect your time-to-degree, and to meet with the Internships and Career Services office to discuss ProPEL program requirements to get started with the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you decide to earn credit for your experience, you can fulfill a technical\/free elective requirement in your major once you satisfy the following conditions:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-max-width--xlarge wsu-spacing-after--large\" >\r\n    \n\n<ol class=\"wsu-list--columns-2\">\n<li>The internship\/co-op experience is at least 420 hours (10.5 weeks @ 40 hours per week; 12 weeks at 35 hours per week, 14 weeks at 30 hours per week, etc.), but your full-time internship can last up to 12-months while maintaining your full-time student status.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The internship experience is full-time (minimum of 30+ hours per week) for the duration of the internship. Note: There is an option for part-time work as well, where you can complete the 420-hour requirement over multiple terms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The internship is completed on-site (online\/virtual internship work is allowed on a case-by-case basis).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At least 50 percent of the experience is directly related to the student\u2019s major.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The student is assigned a specific mentor\/supervisor at the worksite for the duration of the work-term.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The experience is paid (hourly wage, stipend, or fellowship payment are examples of acceptable forms of payment).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The student applies for the Voiland College ProPEL Internship Program and, if approved, is enroll in the ProPEL 488 in the student\u2019s major (2 credits) at the same time as the work experience.  Like any college course, tuition is required. The student is enrolled in one credit of the appropriate 488 class if working part-time.  To meet a tech\/free elective requirement, the student must take an additional one credit of 488 at a later date.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The student will be enrolled in ENGR 489 (1 credit) the semester after they complete 420 internship hours. NOTE: In certain circumstances, ENGR 489 can be completed concurrently with 488.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Both 488 (2 cr.) and 489 (1 cr.) are required to earn the technical\/free elective credit in the major. Interested students should apply for the ProPEL Internship Program by completing the <a href=\"https:\/\/wsu.co1.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_bQsYvv92hiP9Bxs\">online ProPEL application<\/a> as soon as they have secured an internship. The student will request the internship employer complete the <a href=\"https:\/\/wsu.co1.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_0ibm16Vtjuxd8lU\">online ProPEL employer form.<\/a> Both completed forms are required for admission to the ProPEL program.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Self-help Guides<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-card-wrapper wsu-spacing-after--large wsu-card-wrapper--per-row-2\" >\r\n    \n<article class=\"wsu-card  wsu-color-background--gray-5 wsu-border-top--color-pacificsky\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-card__content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wsu-card__content-custom\">\r\n\t\t\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Networking Tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebalance.com\/how-to-use-networking-to-find-a-job-2058686\">networking while looking for a job<\/a> on The Balance Careers website.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n\n<article class=\"wsu-card  wsu-color-background--gray-5 wsu-border-top--color-pacificsky\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-card__content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wsu-card__content-custom\">\r\n\t\t\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Social Media Guide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/mashable.com\/2012\/05\/23\/linkedin-beginners\/\">The Beginner&#8217;s Guide to LinkedIn<\/a> on Mashable will help you leverage the platform to network with professionals or research your industry.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n\n<article class=\"wsu-card  wsu-color-background--gray-5 wsu-border-top--color-pacificsky\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-card__content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wsu-card__content-custom\">\r\n\t\t\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">VCEA Internships &amp; Career Services<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The VCEA Internships &amp; Career Services office has <a href=\"https:\/\/vcea.wsu.edu\/student-success\/internships-careers\/resources\/\">resources and information packets<\/a> to assist you with each step of your job search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn how to create polished resumes and cover letters and prepare for interviews to make a great impression or prospective employers.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-cta \">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/vcea.wsu.edu\/student-success\/internships-careers\/resources\/\" class=\"wsu-button  wsu-button--style-action\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\tCheck out Career Services Resources\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n\n<article class=\"wsu-card  wsu-color-background--gray-5 wsu-border-top--color-pacificsky\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-card__content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wsu-card__content-custom\">\r\n\t\t\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Looking for More Experience?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/\">The Forage<\/a> is a free, online job simulation that enables you to work on real-world projects for companies. Job simulations replicate work at top companies, and connect students to the companies themselves. In only 5-6 hours, learn relevant tools and skills necessary to complete tasks that replicate an employee\u2019s work day. Tasks completed can also become excellent ways to boost your resume through projects and relevant work experience.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-cta \">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/\" class=\"wsu-button  wsu-button--style-action\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\tGet started with The Forage\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n\n<article class=\"wsu-card  wsu-color-background--gray-5 wsu-border-top--color-pacificsky\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-card__content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wsu-card__content-custom\">\r\n\t\t\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Parker Dewey Micro-Internships<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore your career options and gain valuable experience with Parker Dewey Micro-Internships!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Micro-internships are paid short-term projects posted by employers across a wide range of industries. Often, these projects require 20-40 hours of total work across 2-4 weeks and can be completed remotely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Available year-round, Micro-Internships are offered by companies nationwide, from Fortune 100 firms to startups.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-cta \">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/info.parkerdewey.com\/vcea.wsu\/students\" class=\"wsu-button  wsu-button--style-action\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\tConnect to the Parker Dewey Platform\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n<\/div>\n\n<section  class=\"wsu-section wsu-color-background--white wsu-width--full wsu-spacing-after--none wsu-spacing-bottom--none wsu-spacing-before--xxmedium\"  >\r\n    <div class=\"wsu-section__inner wsu-width--content\">    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-block-gray-wsu\" style=\"top:0;bottom:0;left:0;height:215px;width:100%\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-color-background--white wsu-position--relative wsu-zindex--level-4 wsu-border--add-top wsu-spacing-padding-left--xxmedium wsu-spacing-padding-right--xxmedium wsu-spacing-top--xmedium wsu-spacing-after--none wsu-spacing-bottom--none wsu-border--color-crimson\" >\r\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"contact\">Contact the Internships and Career Services Office<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-spacing-after--xxsmall wsu-row--halves\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<ul class=\"wsu-spacing-before--sxxsmall\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong>&nbsp;Dana Hall 140, 305 NE Spokane St.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Phone:<\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"tel:5093358726\">509-335-8726<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>E-mail:<\/strong> <a href=\"mailto:vcea.internships@wsu.edu\">vcea.internships@wsu.edu<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Career Coaching <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>By Appointment<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Director: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/outlook.office.com\/book\/VoilandCollegeCareerServices@email.wsu.edu\/s\/z8HObUnNHUCdM4K38rPyAQ2\">Lisa Hathaway<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Interns:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/outlook.office365.com\/book\/VoilandCollegeCareerServices@email.wsu.edu\/?ismsaljsauthenabled=true\">Anna Nielsen<\/a> (MIS), <a href=\"https:\/\/outlook.office365.com\/book\/VoilandCollegeCareerServices@email.wsu.edu\/?ismsaljsauthenabled=true\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/outlook.office365.com\/book\/VoilandCollegeCareerServices@email.wsu.edu\/?ismsaljsauthenabled=true\">Ariana Avina<\/a> (ME), <a href=\"https:\/\/outlook.office365.com\/book\/VoilandCollegeCareerServices@email.wsu.edu\/?ismsaljsauthenabled=true\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/outlook.office365.com\/book\/VoilandCollegeCareerServices@email.wsu.edu\/?ismsaljsauthenabled=true\">Troy Buchanan<\/a> (ME), <a href=\"https:\/\/outlook.office365.com\/book\/VoilandCollegeCareerServices@email.wsu.edu\/?ismsaljsauthenabled=true\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/outlook.office365.com\/book\/VoilandCollegeCareerServices@email.wsu.edu\/?ismsaljsauthenabled=true\">Chance Shungu<\/a> (CS), and <a href=\"https:\/\/outlook.office365.com\/book\/VoilandCollegeCareerServices@email.wsu.edu\/?ismsaljsauthenabled=true\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/outlook.office365.com\/book\/VoilandCollegeCareerServices@email.wsu.edu\/?ismsaljsauthenabled=true\">Samantha Klein <\/a>(CS)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drop-in<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Interns: <\/strong>3-4 pm, Monday through Friday<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading wsu-spacing-after--none\">Social Media<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wsu-social-icons vcss-custom-social\"><li class=\"wsu-social-icons__twitter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/WSUVoilandPPEL\"><span class=\"screen-reader-only\">Go to wsu twitter<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wsu-social-icons__facebook\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/WSUVoilandSS\"><span class=\"screen-reader-only\">Go to wsu facebook<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wsu-social-icons__instagram\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/BAaVQIMM6mw\/\"><span class=\"screen-reader-only\">Go to wsu instagram<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wsu-social-icons__linkedin\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/groups\/14355576\/\"><span class=\"screen-reader-only\">Go to wsu linkedin<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading wsu-spacing-before--small\">Mailing Address<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Voiland College Internships and Career Services<br>Washington State University<br>PO Box 642718<br>Pullman, WA 99164-2718<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wsu-spacing-after--none\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"576\" height=\"126\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-vcea\/uploads\/sites\/3466\/2019\/07\/wsu_2021_vcea_coll_career_svcs_web_logo_full_color_rgb_4in@144ppi_adobe_express.jpeg\" alt=\"WSU Cougar logo that reads Washington State University, Voiland College Career Services.\" class=\"wp-image-5695\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-vcea\/uploads\/sites\/3466\/2019\/07\/wsu_2021_vcea_coll_career_svcs_web_logo_full_color_rgb_4in@144ppi_adobe_express.jpeg 576w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-vcea\/uploads\/sites\/3466\/2019\/07\/wsu_2021_vcea_coll_career_svcs_web_logo_full_color_rgb_4in@144ppi_adobe_express-396x87.jpeg 396w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div><\/section>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The ProPEL program gives students the opportunity to work in their field while earning credit at the same time. It helps them fine tune their career goals and objectives. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":63,"featured_media":0,"parent":55,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"categories":[],"tags":[],"wsuwp_university_location":[],"wsuwp_university_org":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vcea.wsu.edu\/student-success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/201"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vcea.wsu.edu\/student-success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vcea.wsu.edu\/student-success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vcea.wsu.edu\/student-success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/63"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vcea.wsu.edu\/student-success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=201"}],"version-history":[{"count":54,"href":"https:\/\/vcea.wsu.edu\/student-success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/201\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9978,"href":"https:\/\/vcea.wsu.edu\/student-success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/201\/revisions\/9978"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vcea.wsu.edu\/student-success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/55"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vcea.wsu.edu\/student-success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=201"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vcea.wsu.edu\/student-success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=201"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vcea.wsu.edu\/student-success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=201"},{"taxonomy":"wsuwp_university_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vcea.wsu.edu\/student-success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wsuwp_university_location?post=201"},{"taxonomy":"wsuwp_university_org","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vcea.wsu.edu\/student-success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wsuwp_university_org?post=201"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}