Preparing for an Internship

The National Association of Colleges and Employers defines internships as a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skill development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent.

Benefits of an Internship

• Explore career opportunities or industry fields
• Relate what you have learned in the classroom to the working world
• Take advantage of the option to complete an internship for course credit
• Learn and improve your skills
• Develop your professionalism and career-related values
• Increase your marketability for post-graduation employment

Internship Preparation

• Establish your specific goals
• Meet with a career counselor and/or academic department internship coordinator to discuss internship plans
• Identify internship opportunities using online resources, career fairs, and network contacts
• Prepare your cover letter, resume, and references
• Tailor application documents to specific positions and apply for openings
• Practice interview skills
• Follow-up with employers and send thank you notes

Internship Questions

• What kind of work environment and industry would I like to work in?
• What type of company/organization would I like to gain experience in?
• Is there opportunity for future employment with the company?
• What type of skills do I wish to develop? What would I like to gain from the experience?
• What type of work would I like to perform?
• How much time do I have to dedicate to an internship: a semester, a summer, a year?
• Am I looking for a full-time or part-time internship position?
• Can I complete the internship for academic credit, does it meet departmental requirements?
• Am I able to move to a different location or does the internship need to be in a certain location? If I am willing to move, how far?
• Will I need to travel for the internship?
• Are travel costs covered by the organization?
• Do I need any specific qualifications for the type of internship?

Internship Search Sites

Handshake
WisConnect
Idealist.org
Indeed.com
Internjobs.com
Federal Internships
Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars
Washington Internship Institute
International Experiences