What is an internship?

An internship is a pre-professional work experience that provides the opportunity to gain experience in a particular career field.  It is a great way to test the waters in a variety of career fields, to gain “real-life” experience, a way to decide on or opt out of a certain career field.  Interns are given the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in real-life work situations, while learning from and working with professionals.    

Why get an internship?

- Exposure to a different way of thinking and working.

- Able to acquire different skills and knowledge that are applicable to your career field.

- Build your Network

- Improve communication skills.

- Opportunity to work with real life situations and acquire hands-on-experience.

- Earn Money (Not applicable to all positions).

Answer the age old paradox:
I can’t get a job without work experience! How can I get work experience if I can’t get a job?

How to find an internship?

Determine Your Internship Goals
- What are your specific career interests? Define Career Goals: 

- Why do you want an internship – and what do you hope to gain from it?

- What type of organization are you interested in?

- What industry would be best for your needs?

- Where do you want to have your internship? 

- Will you consider both paid and non-paid internships? 

- Do you want college credit for the internship?

Prepare/Polish Your Job Search Skills
As internships become more and more competitive, it becomes even more important for you to have a strong set of job-search skills.

Spend some time polishing these skills:
- Cover letter writing
- Resume preparation/writing
- Interviewing strategies

Find/Track Down Internship Sources

Try these resources:

- Career Services Office 

- Major/Minor Department

- Networking Sources

- Business Directories

- Internships and Career Fairs

- Alumni Office

- Internet Links

Additional Internship opportunities through Career Services: 
Community Internship Program