What is the internship
An internship represents a key entry point into the labor market, offering the opportunity to put theoretical knowledge into practice and to test one’s genuine motivation with respect to a given professional role. It constitutes both a professional and personal growth opportunity, aimed at complementing and enriching the academic curriculum, by integrating classroom-based and individual learning with hands-on experience. In this sense, the internship can be understood as a period of experimentation through which students may verify the connection between university-acquired knowledge and its application within specific organizational contexts.
- Minimum duration: Internships last between two and three months (160 to 320 hours).
- ECTS credits awarded: 3 ECTS. For internships lasting at least twice the minimum period required, it is possible to request an additional 3 ECTS, which may be used toward the elective courses in the third year.
- Recognition and deadlines: in order to obtain ECTS recognition, within one month of the internship’s conclusion students must submit by email to their university tutor both the final report and the evaluation form completed by the company tutor (see Section 5).
- Mandatory or optional: Within the Bachelor’s program in Sociology, internships are optional. Students may apply for recognition of an internship lasting two to three months (160–320 hours), which entitles them to 3 ECTS to be allocated to the elective area (12 ECTS). The proposed internship must include tasks relevant to the student’s academic trajectory. A preliminary assessment of eligibility is provided by the university tutor. In case of doubt, the tutor informs the program coordinator, who delivers the final judgment. Internships cannot be carried out under the authority of a parent or close relative.
Before starting the internship, students must present to their tutor a detailed plan covering its timeline, structure, contents, and tasks. Once approval is obtained, the activation procedure may begin.
To activate a curricular internship with ECTS, students must access the ST&P portal: Procedure for activating a credit-bearing internship
The primary reference document at the activation stage is the University’s ST&P Portal Guide. This manual outlines, in schematic form, all digital and administrative steps necessary to complete the application and formalize the internship: [link].
At the conclusion of the internship, students must submit to their university tutor both the final report and the evaluation form prepared by the company tutor. Once received, reviewed, and validated, these documents are forwarded by the university tutor to the relevant office for the formal recognition of ECTS credits based on the internship duration.
Do “Stage” and “Internship” designate the same type of experience?
Within our Faculty, the term Stage is used as a synonym for Internship. Although in corporate contexts the two may carry slightly different connotations, they are employed interchangeably in our academic framework.
How many documents must be submitted at the end of the internship?
At the end of the internship, three documents must be produced:
1. An online form, completed by the host organization on the ST&P portal, evaluating the internship experience.
2. The evaluation form prepared by the company tutor, assessing the student’s performance.
3. The final report prepared by the intern.
Is it possible to complete an internship abroad?
Yes. The administrative management of internships abroad is overseen by the International Development Office (wea@unicatt.it), while the university tutor remains responsible for credit recognition.
Is financial compensation provided for curricular internships?
Compensation is at the discretion of the host organization (see applicable regulations).
What should I do if issues arise during the internship?
At any point, students may contact their university tutor, who will evaluate the situation and, if necessary, involve the University’s Internship & Placement Office.
Can the internship duration be modified (or interrupted)?
Yes. Students may request a change in the number of internship hours by submitting a reasoned request via email to the university tutor. They may also request an early termination of the internship through the ST&P portal, after promptly notifying their tutor.
What happens if the elective course area (12 ECTS) is completed through other activities while the internship is still ongoing?
In such cases, the internship credits will still be recognized and counted as “additional” with respect to the study plan. These surplus credits are considered a positive element in the final evaluation of the student’s academic career during the bachelor’s degree defense.
Can an internship be carried out within the Faculty itself?
Yes, subject to prior authorization by both the Program Coordination Committee and the Internship & Placement Office.
Dr. Augusto Cocorullo
E-mail: augusto.cocorullo@unicatt.it
Telephone: 0272343820
Mobile: 3391909277
Office hours: [in person] Wednesday, 9:00–11:00, Department of Sociology [Franciscanum Building – 3rd floor – Room 313]; [online] via Microsoft Teams [by appointment].
The Tutor replies within one working day.