Internships are an increasingly important part of the college experience. According to the NACE Job Outlook Survey, more than 70% of employers prefer to hire candidates with relevant work experience, and a majority of employers prefer that experience comes from an internship or co-op. Internships provide students with opportunities to build valuable skills and utilize what they have learned in the classroom.
What to Look for When Applying for an Internship
There’s a wide variety of internships and it is important to take the time when deciding which internship is the best fit for you. Below are a few tips to help you navigate your internship search and decide if an internship aligns with your interests.
Signs of a Well-Structured Internship
You are learning new skills and how to apply them
You want to walk away from your internship with new skill sets that will help you prepare you for future job opportunities.
You are supervised by someone with relevant experience
Your supervisor should want to share their wisdom and expertise with you. Having a supervisor or mentor who guides you and gives you constructive feedback will help you grow professionally.
Your responsibilities align with your coursework
Ensure that you participate in meaningful projects that make an impact, applying what you have learned in the classroom in a real-world setting.
There are opportunities to meet staff from other departments.
Not only should you be learning new techniques in your internship but you should also be given the opportunity to network with coworkers and peers. Now is the time to start building your network!
Signs of a Poorly-Structured Internship
There are no clear goals
While you are reading an internship job description you should be able figure out what your goals will be, what new skills you will learn, and the type of projects you’ll work on. If you are unsure after reading the description then you might want to pass on applying.
You’re not getting feedback from your supervisor
Your supervisor and/or mentor should meet with you at least every other week to hear your progress and to share feedback on your work. Not meeting with supervisor? Ask them for a regular meeting schedule!
You only perform busy work and low-level tasks
If this is happening to you, schedule a meeting with your supervisor to ask about options to work on projects that will help you acquire new skills. You can also ask your supervisor if you can take the initiative to develop your own projects to work on.
Finding Internships in Handshake
Handshake is the university-wide internship and professional job resource. Students can access Handshake by clicking here and entering their AccessNet username and password.
A few helpful tips for finding the right internship in Handshake:
- Fill out your Career Interest Profile (through your profile avatar).
- Click on “Jobs,” use the Internship Filter, and keyword search.
- Follow employers to get updates when they post internships.
- Explore Collections! Filter by topics like “Close to campus”, jobs/internships aligned to your college/school, and more!
- Meet with a career coach to help with more search options, to review your resume and practice interviewing. Schedule an appointment through Handshake.
Other Places to Search for Internships
Making the Most Out of Your Internship
Your internship is an opportunity to gain real-world experience while applying what you have learned in the classroom. Get the most out of the experience by following our helpful tips:
Ask questions, listen, and take notes
Your supervisor knows that you are there to learn and they are expecting you to ask questions.
Pay attention to the office culture
Research the organization/company where you will be working or ask your new supervisor: Is it a professional, business casual or casual dress environment? Dress appropriately for the culture of the office. After you begin working, observe others to find the best way to interact with your team, whether one-on-one or in meetings.
Connect with coworkers and peers to learn and build your network
Your coworkers might have certain abilities that you would like to develop. If they do, ask them how they developed those skills. If there is an opportunity to meet new colleagues or collaborate with a different department, take it. Your internship should allow you to build your social capital and professional network.
Ask for feedback from your supervisor
Ask to meet with your supervisor on a regular basis. When you meet, ask them for their feedback. What could you be doing differently? What could you be doing better? Are you on the right track to meet your goals? Once you get the feedback, take notes, and apply your new learning or critiques.
Take initiative
If you run out of work to do, take the initiative to brainstorm project ideas and run them by your supervisor. What kind of projects would help you develop the competencies you intend to grow?
Make suggestions
Now is your time to learn and make mistakes! There should not be any repercussions for making a bad suggestion, so make your ideas heard. Your suggestions may benefit the company.
Seek advice on your resume
Towards the end of your internship, ask your supervisor to look over your resume to help you realize all of the new skill sets that you have acquired. This can also help you learn how to sell yourself to other employers when you begin your job search process. Make an appointment with a career coach to get another review.
Consider alternatives to internships! The experiential learning umbrella is big! You can develop transferable skills through research, volunteering in a long-term capacity, studying abroad, and more. Meet with an academic advisor or career coach to explore your options.
Read Intern Spotlights