Internships with CLEP credits?

[Blarburg]

Hey guys! I was just wondering, is it possible to claim you are a college student and get an internship when you are working on CBE credits? Has anybody gotten an internship without actually being enrolled at a 4 year university, using CLEP as justification? How would you go about doing this, if even possible? Thanks!

[cookderosa]

Hey guys! I was just wondering, is it possible to claim you are a college student and get an internship when you are working on CBE credits? Has anybody gotten an internship without actually being enrolled at a 4 year university, using CLEP as justification? How would you go about doing this, if even possible? Thanks!

No, CLEP doesn't test things you'd learn in an internship, but I do think you could create an internship that coordinates with a well planned prior learning assessment. Interesting idea!

[Blarburg]

I'm not sure if you understood the question, or maybe I just don't understand the answer? Sorry But what I was asking was would it be possible for me to get an internship with a company that offers them to university students, such as a video game company (Blizzard specifically). Would I have to be enrolled in a B&M to get my application taken seriously?

[cookderosa]

I'm not sure if you understood the question, or maybe I just don't understand the answer? Sorry But what I was asking was would it be possible for me to get an internship with a company that offers them to university students, such as a video game company (Blizzard specifically). Would I have to be enrolled in a B&M to get my application taken seriously?

Well if you're not a student why would you be accepted?
In other words, if the application is worded in a way that says anyone with X credit can apply, then you're good. If it says you need to be enrolled somewhere, then you need to be enrolled.
P.S. You're right, I misunderstood your question. But I get it now.

[Jonathan Whatley]

If you don't identify and the internship provider doesn't ask you where you're attending college, your application isn't going get very far. For Blizzard Entertainment, from their Internship FAQ,

What level of student do you typically hire into internships?

Most internships are awarded to students who are about a year away from graduation, but we do accept talented freshmen and sophomores into the program from time to time. We look to hire the best and brightest students in their particular area of interest.

CLEPs specifically apply entirely or mostly (this varies by school) toward lower-level, freshman or sophomore, credit. And it looks like Blizzard internships are exceptionally competitive, "likely to be one of the most highly sought-after internships in the country, if not the world" says a poster on a coding forum. By the way, some cautions about the job market in game software on a thread from "the other board:" Bachelors in Game design/development: A good move?

Edited to add: Also, see ryoder's post at the top of the link here: Would you hire someone who spent $125K on an umimpressive bachelor's degree?. Of course, you might be interested in business operations or another aspect of the industry than design and development.

[rebel100]

I may not be 100% clear on what your trying to do. If your trying to say your officially in school because your taking clep then...umm...no.

If your trying to find some volunteer/internships then I think that's clearly a possibility. We make our kids call around and set up their own job shadow and internships as part of homeschool. there is no reason why you couldn't target some businesses, make some phone calls, and set up some opportunities for yourself...but this has little to do with any school affiliation.

Why not sign up for a single course att eh local CC or NMJC. Voila your officially a "college student" with an ID to prove it. Cost you around $300 and you get 3 credits at the end to boot.

[cookderosa]

I may not be 100% clear on what your trying to do. If your trying to say your officially in school because your taking clep then...umm...no.

If your trying to find some volunteer/internships then I think that's clearly a possibility. We make our kids call around and set up their own job shadow and internships as part of homeschool. there is no reason why you couldn't target some businesses, make some phone calls, and set up some opportunities for yourself...but this has little to do with any school affiliation.

Why not sign up for a single course att eh local CC or NMJC. Voila your officially a "college student" with an ID to prove it. Cost you around $300 and you get 3 credits at the end to boot.

I think that's the best suggestion. You can send your CLEPs over there if you need to show more credit on your transcript, but a well planned internship still could be turned into a PLA. I wouldn't waste my time doing it for a 100/200 level credit, but if you can snag UL then why not?!

[UptonSinclair]

It is better to ask and get denied than to never ask. If you believe you have the background knowledge necessary to enter their internship: sell it. Convince them that you are the best candidate for the position. Stress the fact that you are self-motivated. If you are applying for Blizzard, I assume you have some experience in programming or 3d art. Build yourself a website illustrating your skills and link to it in your application. The key here is not to sell yourself short. If nothing, the application process is going to give you experience is applying for jobs. With a non-traditional education, you are going to have to become your own cheerleader.