From Penny Loretto,
Your Guide to Internships.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

Internships are work-related learning experiences that provide students, new graduates, and career changers with an opportunity to gain important knowledge and skill in a particular career field. As a career builder, internships are a chance to gain exposure to career fields of interest without making a permanent commitment. There are many resources available for finding an internship, including: internship online databases, books such as the Internship Bible, classified ads, networking with professionals and alumni from your college, etc.

What is the value of doing an internship?
Internships provide an opportunity to experiment and pursue careers that match academic and personal interests. Internships are an excellent way to gain experience in a career field while enjoying the benefits of a liberal arts education.

How many internships should I do?
There is no limit. Students may profit the most by experimenting with a combination of not-for-credit and for-credit internships.

When should I begin looking for an internship and where do I look?
It is important to allow enough time to locate and apply for rewarding internships. Preliminary steps might include working with a career counselor, completing a self-assessment, speaking with faculty, reviewing career resources, checking out the classified ads for potential employers, and conducting Informational Interviews with college alumni.

Why do I need internship goals?
Internships develop specific areas of expertise and prior to accepting, it's important to discuss your goals and what duties and tasks will be included in the internship.

What kinds of internships are there?
Internships are available in a wide variety of fields from both the private and not-for-profit sectors of the job market. Internships may be paid or unpaid, for credit or not-for-credit, and may be pursued spring, summer, or fall.

Do I want to do an internship for credit or not for credit?
Internships for credit can help ensure that you receive an experience that is rewarding and relevant to your academic coursework. Check with your college for the guidelines that must be followed when doing an internship for credit.

What kind of work can I expect to do at my internship?
As an intern you may find yourself doing many different duties and tasks. Participating in the day to day activities gives you a heads up on what it would be like actually working for the organization. Students often participate in research; writing; attending meetings, functions and planned activities; as well as computer input and database management.

How can I guarantee that my internship is a success?
Successful internships depend on many things including a clear expectation of both the intern and the employer, excellent transferable skills on the part of the intern; such as, communication, interpersonal, organization, and time management skills as well as developing specific skills required in the field.