- Determine your needs: Internship, summer job, co-op, credit/non-credit, paid/unpaid?
- Consult with your academic department for eligibility requirements, prerequisites, scheduling, and ideas for potential sites.
- Develop leadership skills by joining clubs, professional organizations, athletic teams, associations, etc.
- Develop references—Faculty, former bosses, coaches, co-workers, etc.
- Make an appointment with Career Services at least one semester before you would like to intern. Discuss potential sites and resources, résumés, application process, interviews, internship expectations, etc.
- Develop a résumé and cover letter.
- Attend career fairs.
- Network. Ask family members, friends of family, old or current employers, other students, and faculty about potential internships. Complete informational interviews/job shadowing.
- Contact potential internship employers through informational interviews, Career Services, websites, faculty, responding to internship postings, etc.
- Follow-up. Call to inquire if the company has received your résumé, and if you can provide additional information.
- Interview. See our interviewing tips and visit Career Services for tips, ideas, handouts, and to schedule a practice interview.
- Meet with your faculty supervisor to discuss final plans and requirements for the internship. Complete the necessary paperwork/internship proposal with your adviser and site supervisor, and register for academic credit. (Usually with a drop/add form.)
- Notify Career Services when you have accepted an internship. If problems arise during the internship, make an appointment with Career Services to discuss the situation.
- Complete all projects, papers, and tasks associated with obtaining credit, and submit to your faculty supervisor.