Exploring Internship Options at Maastricht University: TIP vs. Extracurricular Internships

November 2023 — Héléna Andreux

Greetings, everyone!

In this blog post, I aim to provide insight into the various internship opportunities available at Maastricht University’s School of Business and Economics (SBE), with a special focus on the TIP (Thesis Internship Programme) and how it differs from extracurricular internships. SBE places great emphasis on students gaining practical experience to achieve a smooth transition into the job market upon graduation. Maastricht University offers two primary options for internships: the Thesis Internship Programme and Extracurricular Internships.

TIP (Thesis Internship Programme)

The TIP is designed to integrate your internship with your thesis, allowing you to acquire valuable work experience while simultaneously conducting research within a real-world company. This unique combination of professional experience and academic knowledge can provide a competitive edge in your future career. You can select any company, whether large or small, as long as it is easily accessible from Maastricht since you’ll also need to attend on-campus courses.

During your first semester at SBE, there will be a lecture providing further information about the TIP, where you can address any queries you may have. While the university will recommend some companies and offer a list, you have the freedom to seek out your own company. The TIP typically lasts between 3 and 6 months, during which you will spend 2/3 days per week working at the company.

Extracurricular Internship

If the TIP doesn’t quite suit your needs, you have the option of pursuing an extracurricular internship during an additional semester of your Master’s program. These internships range in duration from 8 to 26 weeks and can commence once you have completed all coursework, including your thesis. For more information on extracurricular internships, you can contact the SBE internship office via email or schedule an appointment.

Comparing TIP and Extracurricular Internships

To help you understand the distinctions between TIP and extracurricular internships, I’ve outlined the key differences below. The primary distinction is that the TIP requires you to concurrently work on your thesis and attend courses, whereas an extracurricular internship allows you to focus solely on the internship after completing all university-required coursework.

• TIP: Combines internship with thesis, requires on-campus courses, lasts 3–6 months, involves 2/3 days per week at the company.
• Extracurricular: Takes place after completing all coursework and thesis, lasts 8–26 weeks, allows for full concentration on the internship.

Overview:

In conclusion, I hope this blog post has shed light on the internship options available during your master’s degree at SBE. For further information, don’t hesitate to reach out to the internship office or review the TIP flyer.

For additional details, visit this link.

Greetings,

Héléna