FAQ

Q: What is the difference between a summer job and an internship?

A: An internship is a structured and defined program with specific learning objectives. The internship is set in a learning environment for academic credit and reserved for students. In contrast, a summer job is primarily pursued to earn money. It may, however, be related to your career interests; a “summer job” for one student could very well be an “internship” for another. Both a summer job and an internship can help you develop a new set of skills that can serve as building blocks for future internship, college, or career opportunities.  Top Notch Internships’ focus is experiential learning and we do not provide summer jobs as part of our program inclusions.  If you are seeking a summer job, our services are likely not the right fit for you.

 

Q: When is the best time in my college career to have an internship?

A: In today’s tough job market, employers and graduate schools are more likely to consider you if you have had one or more internships, especially if the internship was in a related field. Also, you are more likely to know if your chosen career or graduate school path is right for you by experiencing that type of work environment firsthand. Therefore, the best time for an internship is as soon as possible during your college career

Q: Does my internship have to be related to my major?

A: No. Internships offer students an opportunity to explore a possible career field or gain experience in a career field of interest while applying knowledge gained in the classroom to the world of work. The career you choose to explore or pursue may or may not be related to your major, therefore an internship does not have to be related to your major. Because we offer such a wide variety of internships, there isn't one particular skill set on which we focus. We're more interested in finding the best fit for talented, creative and driven students interested in having a positive summer experience. Each of our internship placements are customized after an initial interview and consultation.

Q: What if I don't know what I am interested in?

A: You are not alone. Many students are uncertain of their career interests. If you are unsure of the kind of internship you want, think about your favorite courses, the kind of work environment you’d like and the kind of tasks in which you excel.  Vocational discernment is part of our training process and we are there to help guide you in this endeavor. 

Q: Can’t I use my Career Services department to find an internship?

A: We consider Career Services departments our partners in workforce education and development. We encourage you to utilize your career services department, as well as all tools and resources at hand to better your career management and fulfillment.

Q: Why is this program different from other internship opportunities?

A: Top Notch Internships was conceived in an effort to provide an internship opportunity that is accessible to everyone. 

We offer multiple levels of services to fit the needs of students that may come from diverse economic backgrounds.  Top Notch handles each applicant with respect and honesty in a consistent and transparent manner.  We recognize that the long-term success of our services is founded on our relationship with the students and the positive outcome of their TNI experience.  Please read more about our history and services in the “About Us” section.

Q: Are your internships paid?

A: Internship pay is at the discretion of the host organization, and the inclusion of pay is not part of our performance guarantee or refund policy.  

Q: What do you mean by "guaranteed"?  Please explain your performance guarantee.

A: In general, for Intern ABROAD programs, if we cannot locate an internship within your desired industry and geography, we refund your deposit.  For Intern USA services, we guarantee you will receive at least one internship offer or we refund your program payment in full.  Please review the applicable terms and conditions for details of our refund policy.  You are responsible for upholding your end of the process as well in order to qualify for a refund.  Starting in 2012, we require proof of completion of the process on your end in order to process a refund.

Q: What is the length/dates of the program?

A: Internship dates are fully customizable to your needs.  Typically, we need to receive your order several weeks before the internship start date, and possibly longer for international internships.  Please review application deadlines for your particular program of interest.

Q: Is the program open to international students?

A: Absolutely. We encourage international students to apply. International students will need to provide evidence of an appropriate visa.

Q: Can I see a list of employers?

A: Through our network and partner relationships, we have access to hundreds of educational internship opportunities.  Please see our sample internships page as a representative sample of the opportunities available.  Opportunities vary by location, participant skill set, and current host demand. We work with each participant to create a custom opportunity based on your interests as well and organizational needs.

Q: What is TopNotch’s approach to diversity and inclusion?

A: Top Notch is a global company with a strong belief in the value of, and commitment to the benefits of diversity and inclusion. 

Q: What is the cost of the program?

A: Service pricing for Intern USA is $299.  Pricing for Intern ABROAD programs is $2,499 for any program.  Candidates are responsible for housing, travel and personal expenses, health insurance, and applicable visa costs.    We pride ourselves on delivering value to candidates, and encourage you to compare our services and pricing with competing programs. 

 

Q: Do you provide financial assistance?

A: We strive to provide progams helping make internships accessible to every student.  The majority of program participants are eligible for financing through the following avenues:

• Private loans are often available to help finance the tuition cost. 
• Your home University’s financial aid office may be able to help you secure financing if the credit you receive through our program will transfer. 
• Sponsorship by friends and family is another avenue available to students which can be very successful.
• Many students find jobs for the remainder of the summer to finance their expenses. 
• Finally, we do offer merit based scholarships and discount codes from time to time, please inquire for details.

Q: When is payment due?

A: Your refundable program payment/deposit of $299 is due at the time of application.  For Intern ABROAD programs, once we find an internship meeting your custom criteria, full payment is due within 30 days, or at least 30 days prior to the start of the program, whichever is sooner.  Please review our terms and conditions for detailed payment policies.

Q: How do I pay?

A: We accept checks, credit cards, and Paypal. The majority of our applicants pay by credit card.

Q: Is there a deadline for applying for an internship?

A: You can apply online from November 26th – April 15th each year.  International deadlines are sooner.  To make sure you have the best chance of being successful we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We review each application on receipt.

Q: What materials are required when applying to an Intern USA or Intern ABROAD service?

A: We try to make the application process as simple as possible.  You will need to fill out our online application form and submit a resume.  International programs and Visas may require additional materials.  Please review each individual page for details.

Q: Do I have to be currently enrolled as a student to be eligible for an internship?

A: Our Programs are typically geared toward full time and current students, both undergraduate and graduate.

Q: I am graduating in May. Can I still apply for an internship?

A: Whether you are graduating in May or December, as long as you are a current student at time of application, you may apply for an internship that immediately follows your graduation date.

Q: Do you have a minimum GPA requirement?

A: All TopNotch interns must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Q: I don't have any work experience. Will this affect my application?

A: No, we don't look at how much experience you have. We recruit on the basis of your talents and skills which you may have gained through other life experiences such as travel, study, research or community activities.

Q: Can I make changes to my online application after I submit it?

A: No. Once the online application is submitted, it cannot be retrieved for updates.  However, you can e-mail a note to:  info@topnotchinternships.com to amend your application.

Q: Can you provide an overview of the application and selection process?

A: Our application process is very simple.  Ensure that you meet the minimum requirements, and fill out our online form in full.  Submit the form together with the refundable deposit/fee to secure your place in a program of your choice. 

 

Q: How many hours will I work, and will I be able to take time off?

A: The typical work week varies by location and is at the discretion of the host organization.  We encourage you to discuss this matter with the host organization when you speak with them. 

Q: Do I need a car?

A: All Candidates are responsible for their own transportation.  Transportation infrastructure varies by location, please review each specific program page for details.

Q: Do I need a laptop?

A: If you would like the use of a personal computer, we strongly recommend you bring your own computer since access to another personal computer during your internship could be very difficult.

Q: What type of clothing should I bring for my internship?

A: Most companies will expect you to wear corporate attire or corporate casual attire. There are some exceptions but you will be expected to represent your institution and the internship program in a professional manner. In addition, you will need to respect the customs and culture of the Company with regards to workplace attire, hairstyles, make-up, etc. Clothing should be professional, clean and neat.

Q: Will I receive a permanent offer from the internship?

A: There is no guarantee that you will be hired as it depends on the needs of the company at the current time as well as your overall performance. 

 

Q: What would be considered a successful outcome for an internship?

A: At the end of an internship, you may have various outcomes. You may find out that the type of work or environment at the sponsoring organization is not what you want to spend your life doing. You may have a meaningful experience and learn significant things about a career. You may have done fabulously and find that your sponsor is eager to serve as a reference. Or you may have discovered something about yourself from the total experience. Any of the above outcomes would be a significant learning experience, and well worth your time.