On this page, you will find the information you need to enroll in and successfully complete a practicum at CWRU. The Practicum Program adds academic structure to your internship experience, helping you build valuable skills and advance your career goals. Explore resources and instructions below to learn more and get started.
Why Participate In Practicum?
There are may reasons to consider making your internship experience a practicum, including:
- Apply classroom knowledge and theory in professional setting
- Develop and hone valuable, transferable skills
- Build a professional network and establish mentoring relationships
- Clarify your career goals
- Academic course enrollment required for CPT (international students)
What Is Required?
To complete a practicum, you must:
- Secure an internship or formal entrepreneurial opportunity.
- Complete the “Enrollment Checklist” outlined below
- Create learning objectives with your faculty advisor and supervisor.
- Reflect on and evaluate your performance through mid-term and final self-evaluation surveys.
- Submit a final reflection paper and updated resume at the end of your practicum, highlighting your growth and achievements.
Identifying an Opportunity
The very first step to planning your practicum is to identify and obtain an internship or entrepreneurial opportunity for your experience. Schedule an appointment with a career consultant in MyJourney to review ways to find opportunities and review guidelines for practicum experiences. An overview of resources for locating internship opportunities can also be found here.
Enrollment Checklist
At least 3 weeks prior to your start date, begin the checklist below. A downloadable copy is available here.
| Timing | Step |
|---|---|
| 3+ weeks before start date | Meet with a practicum specialist in the Center for Career Success to review program requirements and ensure eligibility. |
| 3+ weeks before start date | Discuss logistics with your academic advisor, Financial Aid, and Housing as needed. |
| 3+ weeks before start date | Submit your official offer letter on company letterhead to your practicum coordinator. Offer letters MUST include:
|
| 2-3 weeks before start date | Identify and connect with a faculty advisor you would like to work with for this experience. Send them the “For Faculty” information, and forward their emailed agreement to serve as your faculty advisor to the practicum coordinator. |
| 2-3 weeks before start date | Create your SMART learning objectives using these guidelines. Get them approved by your faculty advisor and internship supervisor. |
| 2-3 weeks before start date | International Students Only: Complete the VISA office's CPT workshop and pass the quiz in Terra Dotta. |
| 1-2 weeks before start date | Send learning objectives to your practicum coordinator for approval. Forward your faculty advisor’s approval via email. |
| 1-2 weeks before start date | After your learning objectives have been approved and after your employer has updated your offer letter(s), the practicum coordinate will inform you to complete a practicum application on Handshake. |
| 1-2 weeks before start date |
Enroll in practicum course in SIS. |
| 1-2 weeks before start date | International Students Only: Submit CPT forms through Terra Dotta. |
| First week of practicum |
Log into Canvas to review syllabus and course requirements. |
Need Help?
For more information about the Practicum Program, please reach out.
Emily Weaver
International Student Career Specialist
216.368.4446
exw336@case.edu
Kailene Dolan
Assistant Director for Experiential Learning
216-368-2004
kxd474@case.edu
You may also consult our Practicum FAQs page.