To receive academic credit, terms of the agreement need to be satisfied between the individual's school and employer and the internships must be associated to a person's major. The institution usually determines whether the credit will be based on a certain number of hours or if it will be based on a post-internship report on the experience. A nonacademic internship is an agreement between an undergraduate and the employer and while he won't receive academic credit, he may receive relevant work experience. If someone is looking for a co-op or internship, the first place to go is the campus career center or academic advisor. A student can also check with companies in the area that may not be affiliated with the school's program but who are willing to work with interested students.
Alumni are also a great source.
And don't leave out the Internet, which has mountains of career and company information. Students and employers are realizing the impact of applied learning on the workplace and this will help provide businesses with a knowledgeable work force in the future. Ask whether any tasks or initiatives have fallen by the wayside, and volunteer to take them on. Look for ways to make yourself indispensable. Volunteer your expertise.