Finding an Internship
Why should you consider an internship?
Internships are a great way to:
- Earn professional work experience related to your academic major or career interest.
- Apply theories learned in the classroom to the workplace.
- Acquire a better understanding of the professional demands and requirements of a particular career field.
- Gain confidence in making the transition from the academic atmosphere to the world of work.
- Practice the skills you will need to search for and secure a job after college.
Steps for finding an internships:
- Determine the type of internship you’d like to pursue. We’ve listed some common questions that can help you narrow your search, and your professors and professionals in our Career Services Office are happy to discuss your options with you.
- What are the fields or type of work you are most interested in?
- What are the types of experiences or knowledge you hope to gain?
- Do you want to travel or stay close to the area?
- If traveling, are there other costs like transportation, passports, and housing you’ll need to consider?
- Do you want to complete your internship for academic credit? If so, you’ll need to meet with Career Services to have your internship approved.
- Make sure your application materials are in order. This often includes a resume, cover letter, and/or portfolio which Career Services staff are happy to help you prepare and review. We also offer mock interviews and other services that can aid you in securing an internship.
- Research and apply to different organizations that you’d like to work for. When researching, be sure to look for internship openings as well as more details about the company. Relating this information to your own experience and goals in a cover letter or in the interview process can help you stand out as a candidate. Our comprehensive list of internship databases is a good place to start your research and application process. Attending virtual or in-person Career and Internship Fairs are also a great way to learn about diverse opportunities.
- Review the process from start to finish. Many of the skills you’ll use to secure an internship apply to the job search process as well. The more you practice skills like applying and interviewing, the better you’ll perform throughout your career.