Internships

In a competitive job market, having an internship can help set recent college graduates apart from other applicants. In fact, research shows that when choosing between two equally qualified candidates, employers often consider internship experience as the #1 factor in their hiring decision (NACE Job Outlook 2023).

Additional benefits to having an internship include:

• Acquiring industry knowledge

• Understanding multiple aspects of an organization

• Learning how to implement classroom knowledge in a professional work environment

• Developing career competencies to help you advance in your future career

• Expanding your professional network

Not sure where to begin? Here are some tips for finding the internship that's right for you.

1.  Define your goals

Think about what kind of internship you're looking for. What type of experience do you want to gain and how does this align with your academic interests and/or career goals? Also consider your personal requirements (pay, location, etc.). This will help you focus your search.

2.  Start searching early

Decide on a timeline for your internship (e.g., summer of junior year) and start searching early. Unlike most jobs, internships are usually filled well in advance. The deadline for internships vary by industry (banking, finance, etc.), with some companies recruiting up to a year in advance. However, in general, you should start looking for an internship at least 4-5 months in advance.

3.  Update your resume/cover letter

Make sure that your resume and cover letter are up-to-date and follow best practices.

4.  Meet with a career coach

Schedule an appointment with the career center. We can meet with you to discuss your career goals, review your resume/cover letter, and discuss internship search strategies.

5.  Utilize Handshake

Search internship postings on Handshake. With 750,000+ employers recruiting on Handshake, it's the #1 way college students find jobs and internships.

6.  Attend career fairs

Our career fairs and events are a great opportunity to meet with recruiters and learn more about internship opportunities within their organizations.

7.  Tap into your network

Just as 80% of jobs are filled through networking, many internships are as well! Tap into your network, including family, friends, co-workers, classmates, and professors.

Today, more and more employers are paying their interns. However, many internships are still advertised as unpaid. The Department of Labor created a Fact Sheet to determine whether interns working for "for-profit" companies must be paid under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

DISCLAIMER: Job Postings (Beware of Scams/Protect Your Safety)