Finding Your Internship
Data says that having an internship helps you find a job faster.
Let's Start Searching
Internships are crucial for gaining hands-on experience in an industry of interest. The more you exercise and develop your skills, the more confident you will navigate post-graduation prospective employers in various industries.
Keep Reading to Learn
- Different ways to find internships
- Tips that will make your search robust and a stand-out candidate
- Materials necessary to prepare when applying to internships
How to Find an Internship
Your Network
Talk to faculty, family, friends, friends of friends, people you meet on the light rail, anyone you meet through part-time jobs or volunteer sites. Discuss your career goals and interests with them. You may find the best leads this way.
Employers of Interest
Identify organizations of interest, research their website, try to find an HR or recruiter contact name and reach out to ask about internship opportunities.
- Pro Tip: Follow these organizations on LinkedIn or set up new posting alerts so you can jump on opportunities as they are posted.
Be Creative
Develop your own internship. It is possible to propose an internship with someone in your network.
Non-profits
If you are willing to take on a project for experience in an unpaid capacity, reach out to a non-profit or smaller organization and let them know you would like to offer support on a project relevant to your desired field.
On-Campus Interviewing
For large corporations, check out positions posted through the Career Center's On-Campus Interviewing (OCI) Program. Common career fields for fall internship recruiting through OCI include finance, accounting, actuary and information technology.
How to Find an Internship
There are lots of ways to find internships, here are some suggestions:
- Search positions posted to Handshake, where employers go to recruit students.
- Talk to faculty, family, friends, friends of friends, people you meet on the light rail (!), anyone you meet through part-time jobs or volunteer sites. Discuss your career goals and interests with them. Often, you will get the best leads this way.
- Identify organizations of interest, research their website, try to find an HR or recruiter contact name and reach out to ask about internship opportunities. Follow these organizations on LinkedIn or set up new posting alerts so you can jump on opportunities as they are posted.
- Develop your own internship. Many organizations may have not had an intern but would be interested. It is possible to propose an internship with someone in your network.
- If you are willing to take on a project for experience in an unpaid capacity, reach out to a non-profit or smaller organization and let them know you would like to offer support on a project relevant to your desired field. This may be less daunting to them than creating an entire internship experience.
- To connect with large corporations, undergraduates can check out positions posted through the Career Center’s On-Campus Interviewing Program. Interview applications are accepted the first two months of each semester, fall and spring.
- TIP: Often, large corporations advertise, interview and hire their summer interns the fall before. Many of these employers interview through the Career Center’s On-Campus Interviewing Program. Common career fields for fall internship recruiting include: finance, accounting, actuary, and information technology, to name a few.
Applying for an Internship: What do you need?
A resume reviewing your past academic, work, student involvement, study abroad, volunteer, etc. experience
Some employers will request a cover letter/letter of interest describing the reason you are applying, your career interests, and the skills you offer an employer. Many employers will not request one, though.
Some employers will want to see a portfolio of your work. Examples might include Writing Samples from past projects completed for a communications role. Examples of art created for a role with a creative organization. Software development roles might ask to see finished products showing your coding ability. These may be used to differentiate candidates in a large applicant pool or for a very competitive role.
Certain employers may also request an unofficial transcript.
TIP: Learn more about Resumes & Cover Letters to maximize your application!
Helpful Tips for Internship Searches
Use Pop-in Hours during the school year to get a quick question answered, or a resume reviewed. Do a mock interview and role-play an interview experience to polish your presentation and calm your nerves.
The Career Scoop: Stay up to date on important career development dates and resources.
Connect with employers and alumni through LinkedIn and St. Thomas Connect.
Attend workshops, networking events, job/internship fairs, etc. to network and learn about opportunities. Many such events can be found on Handshake.
After using these resources, if you need additional support, schedule an appointment with a career educator.
Applying for an Internship: What do you need?
- A resume reviewing your past academic, work, student involvement, study abroad, volunteer, etc. experience
- A cover letter/letter of interest describing the reason you are applying, your career interests, and the skills you offer.
- Certain employers may request an unofficial transcript.
Helpful Tips for Internship Searches
- Use drop-in hours to get a quick question answered.
- Do a mock interview and role-play an interview experience to polish your presentation and calm your nerves.
- Read The Career Scoop: Stay up to date on important career development dates and resources.
- Connect with employers and alumni through LinkedIn and St. Thomas Connect.
- Attend workshops, networking events, job/internship fairs, etc. to network and learn about opportunities.
Next Steps
- Once you find an internship of interest, begin preparing your resume and other necessary documents
- Connect with the Career Development Center to address questions you may have along the process