The biggest obstacle to landing that first good job is lack of experience. One way to gain that all-important work experience is to serve as an intern. Competition is tough for acquiring an internship, but it is well worth the effort.
What is an Internship?
An internship is an opportunity for a student to apply classroom learning to a real world work experience while gaining valuable skills. Typically internships are paid and require the intern to work a minimum of 10 weeks and at least 15-20 hours per week. Many internship opportunities last longer and require more hours. They may be for a summer or for the entire year. The internship employer typically works around the student's class schedule. Internships often lead to full-time offers.
Who Can Be an Intern?
Internships come in all shapes and sizes. Finding the right “fit” is of utmost importance. Key to securing any internship is doing the research. The requirements for internships vary tremendously. Review the job description, qualifications and internship requirements. Research the company or organization to determine if it is right for you. If so, you are on the right track. You must do your homework.
Typically to qualify for most any internship a student must:
- Be a currently enrolled student in good standing with the college
- Possess at least a 2.0 GPA (many require a higher GPA)
- Provide a copy of your current transcripts
- Submit a letter of recommendation (usually from an instructor or an employer)
- Submit a resume and/or a cover letter
- Complete the internship application and documents
How do I get started?
There are hundreds of internship openings across the nation. Most of these opportunities are highly competitive and offer a variety of workplace experiences. Start early! You will need to narrow your search to the locations of choice, the opportunities of choice, and the requirements--especially deadlines. Knowing where and how to look is key. Student Employment Services has numerous resources available for your search. They include internship search engines, company specific internships and helpful hints. Some of these opportunities are recurring while others are one time only experiences. In addition, be sure to check with the SES office for internships that may not be listed through the Web.
Contact us: Student Employment Services
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Airport Campus
Student Center
Room 237
822-3321 |
Beltline Campus
Student Center
Room 239
790-7558 |
