What is the Internships and Experiential Learning Class (GSICE)?
The Internships and Experiential Learning class is a program of self-paced material from UCSF's Office of Career and Professional Development. It was formerly taught as a formal class and known as Graduate Student Internships for Career Exploration Program (GSICE). The program supports graduate students and postdocs in pursuing internships and experiential learning outside of academic research. The goal of the program is to help students and postdocs complete hands-on experience in appropriate career environments in order to help them make informed decisions about which of the many career paths to pursue post graduation. The program does not provide placements; rather, we give students and postdocs the tools necessary to find and apply for opportunities themselves. We also support students and postdocs pursuing internships and experiential learning in navigating the relevant university policies and procedures.
Does the internship site or the program choose who goes on what internship?
The role of our material is to identify and train talented and enthusiastic students and postdocs, and appropriately direct them to exciting internship opportunities. The internship sites themselves make all staffing decisions. This includes deciding which interns they wish to take on (or whether they wish to take any interns at that time); and interviewing students and postdocs themselves to determine who would be the best fit for the internship.
What if I want to do an internship and my Thesis Advisor says no (or I think they will say no)?
We understand that discussing the possibility of doing an internship with your Thesis Advisor can be very difficult and might not be received positively. CPD career consultants are available to work through strategies to prepare you for this conversation and potential questions and concerns that might arise. However, it is up to the ultimate discretion of your Thesis Advisor and Graduate Program Director to allow you to participate in an internship.
Is a Thesis Advisor required to let a student do an internship?
No. It is up to the ultimate discretion of a student's Thesis Advisor and Graduate Program Director to allow the student to go on an internship. They are not required to let a student do an internship.
Will a student have a stipend and/or health insurance while they are on an internship?
Yes. The university requires that students maintain health insurance during their internship. Current students can learn more about their options for continuing their student health insurance while on leave by reviewing the UCSF Student Health ‘Leave of Absence’ policy. Graduated students may extend their student health insurance for one quarter after they graduate by purchasing a UC SHIP Continuation Plan. In some cases, students negotiated successfully for the internship employer to cover the cost of insurance. More specific information regarding student health insurance is described in the 2020 Internship Guidebook. Class participants may book an appointment with a staff member to discuss their options.
Will participating in an internship cost the student's Thesis Advisor (or the student's graduate program) any money?
No. While the student is on an internship, the costs associated with the student's stipend and health insurance should be covered by the internship organization. More specific information regarding student health insurance is described in the 2020 Internship Guidebook.
Can a student do an internship if he/she is on a fellowship?
Typically, the student paid from extramural fellowships will temporarily stop their fellowship tenure and stipend for the duration of a full-time internship, and resume it once they return from their leave of absence. However, each situation is different, and should be investigated individually. Students should contact their program administrator and can book an appointment with OCPD to discuss the specific funding situation as it relates to the proposed internship.
Can a student do an internship after graduation (or while on filing fee)?
Yes, it is possible to do an internship after graduation. However, a student cannot do an internship during the quarter that they are on filing fee. During the quarter they are on filing fee, the student would be enrolled as a student, and as such would be expected and required to fulfill their duties as a student (i.e., write the graduate thesis).
Where can students do internships?
The list of sites that have open internships is constantly evolving. Currently, students have done or are planning to do internships in the following areas: research in biotech/pharma, science education, science policy, science communication, business relating to science, and law. Students investigate and set up their own placements with the support of class instructors.