Safety Management

Start early. You should begin the internship planning process one semester before your intended internship term. This allows sufficient time to identify potential sites, complete required paperwork, and obtain necessary approvals.

You are responsible for identifying and securing your own internship site.

When selecting a site, consider organizations that provide meaningful experience in safety management, such as those focused on occupational safety, risk management, compliance, training, or safety program administration. Your internship activities should support both your professional growth and the needs of the organization.

As you search, think about:

• Type of organization and industry
• Opportunities for hands-on safety management work
• Alignment with your career goals
• Location, transportation, and scheduling needs
• Supervisor expertise and mentoring potential

• Internship Course: SPH‑S 496 – Field Experience in Occupational Safety
• Credits/Hours: 6 credits / 300-hour minimum
• Grading: Satisfactory / Fail (S/F)
• Students must be in good academic standing
• Internship approval is based on completed safety coursework and prior experience

Any misrepresentation or falsification of internship-related documents or requirements will result in an unsatisfactory grade and may be subject to the IU Student Code of Conduct.

You should work closely with your supervisor to develop internship activities that align with program goals and organizational needs.

Your site supervisor should:

• Have professional experience in safety management or a related field
• Be willing and able to mentor and guide you
• Provide opportunities to engage in meaningful safety-related work
• Support your learning and professional development

Before registering, all internship requirements and paperwork must be completed and approved. You may not count internship hours until you are officially registered for the course.

General steps include:

• Meet with the faculty internship coordinator to review internship requirements
• Identify an internship site and supervisor
• Complete required internship forms and agreements
• Submit documentation for review and approval
• Receive authorization to register
• Register for SPH‑S 496
• Begin internship only after registration is complete

While at your internship site, you must:

• Complete all required internship hours
• Perform duties outlined by your supervisor and internship agreement
• Maintain professional conduct and appropriate attire
• Follow all organizational policies and procedures
• Complete weekly journal entries as required
• Participate in midterm and final evaluations with your supervisor
• Complete a final report and any required presentations

Internship sites may dismiss students for failure to meet expectations or follow policies.

You must:

• Maintain communication with the faculty internship coordinator
• Submit required journal entries and evaluations on time
• Complete midterm and final evaluations
• Submit all required reports and assignments
• Participate in any required presentations or meetings
• Complete final evaluations of the internship experience