The Professional Internship Program (PIP)

What is PIP?

The Arizona Student Unions' Professional Internship Program (PIP) is the perfect opportunity for motivated students to learn more about leadership, business theory, and project management. Curriculum presented in our Fall Workshop Series and Spring course (EDL 297A) prepares qualified students with training in management theory and leadership skills. Work on various student affairs projects and opportunities for advanced positions in various business units across campus provide guided application of the classroom theory. Best of all, PIP students have the opportunity to accomplish great changes that benefit the campus community.

In the past, PIP was only open to current student-employees. After completing PIP, student-employees were encouraged to assume the roles and responsibilities of managers as positions became available. This promoted fiscal responsibility by integrating one or more student-employees into appropriate positions left vacant by more expensive full-time staff. This saved the Unions an average of $58,000 each year!

Beginning Fall 2012, PIP is open to ALL students. Since PIP successfully helps shape students into professionals, participants become more desirable job applicants by showing personal commitment to professional growth. Participants are also better prepared to take initiative and assume leadership roles at work, in class, or in extracurricular activities.

PIP - Professional Internship Program Video from Arizona Student Unions.

PIP combines a university-level course with on-the-job professional training, allowing students to learn and apply business theories and methodologies.

One major aspect of the PIP curriculum is Project Development and Project Management. During the semester-long course component, students work in groups to develop a major project that enhances student life at the University of Arizona or provides a solution to a current issue in student affairs. At semester's end, students present their completed project proposal to Senior Management and Administrators. Dependent on funding and feasibility, students may be able to see their projects implemented!

This is what makes PIP an award-winning program! PIP has received The Association of College Unions International (ACUI) 2007 "Excellence in Student Training Program" Award and The 2008 National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS) Innovative Achievement Award.

Why Join?

Students that join the Professional Internship Program:

Learn business and leadership theories directly applicable to their academic and professional work.
Present, and often implement, solutions to real issues affecting Student Life.
Earn academic credit for the PIP Course component.
May receive increased responsibilities within their work units.
Receive ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance their leadership skills.
Network and connect with Managers, Supervisors, Administrators, and other student leaders!
May be selected to travel to and participate in professional conferences.
May receive a wage increase. (Please see PIP Coordinator or Supervisor for details.)

For more information on the PIP program, please contact:

Jennifer Fox
Graduate Coordinator
Professional Internship Program

SUMC Room 333A
Phone: (520) 626-9205
jenniferfox@email.arizona.edu

How to Apply:

To be eligible for admittance into the PIP Course, you must have successfully completed the Fall Workshop Series. Please check back in early September for instructions on applying for the PIP Course.

Next Class:
Spring 2012 - Wednesdays, 3:00pm-4:50am

PIP Accomplishments

Read about the progress, projects, and accomplishments of past and current PIP students.

Supervisors: More Information on PIP
Visit the PIP Info page on Intra for information on how to nominate a PIP student, open a PIP position, or download information on the program to provide to interested students.

Read the featured article about the Professional Internship Program in NACAS' College Services magazine! "Raising Up Student Leaders"

"I was a 19-year-old, sophomore in college, managing a restaurant! It's awesome to see your ideas kind of come to life,"
~ Allison Bishop