Gaining Experience

Future employers and graduate schools are very interested in candidates that have participated in experiences related to their career goals.  "Related Experience" can include such things as internships (for credit or not for credit), volunteer experience, undergraduate research, student employment, and summer/part-time jobs. These experiences provide the opportunity to "test out" as well as develop important interests and skills. Listed below are some guidelines to help plan and develop an "experience" such as an internship that will be beneficial to your personal and professional development.

What is an internship?

An internship is a structured work experience that combines academic learning and career exploration in a professional work environment.  Internships can be done for credit or non-credit, paid or unpaid, part-time or full-time, during the summer or over a semester.

Why should I do an internship?

An internship provides a valuable educational opportunity using real-world work experiences. Internships bridge the academic and real world, allowing you to apply concepts you have learned in the classroom to the world of work.  Internships provide a networking base, give you the opportunity to improve and learn new skills, and allow you to explore a variety of career options.

How do I Find an Internship?

Set Goals

• Evaluate your personal values and interests. What skills do you want to use and develop? What skills and abilities do you bring to the internship? What types of internships interest you? Where would you like to work?
• Decide which period of time you would like to work for: Summer, Fall Semester, or Spring Semester.
• Do you want a paid or unpaid internship?
• Do you want to do an internship for credit or not for credit?
• Students interested in gaining credit for their internship should contact the Internship Office at #363-5799 (Academic Services Building, CSB) for information about learning goals/design, faculty moderators, etc.
• Contact Career Services for assistance with resumes, correspondence, and researching/developing internship plans.

Research Organizations

• Check the internship files in the Career Resource Center, the internship database (www.csbsju.edu/internship), and the internship directories available in the Career Resource Centers. These will give you contact information, ideas for what is out there, and also show you what other CSB and SJU students have done for internships.
• Explore the CANE files! Check for alumni in a field or company in which you are interested. Ask if they know of any opportunities that may be available or if they have any advice.
• If there is a particular company or organization you are interested in, give them a call. Ask if they offer internships. If they don’t and you are really interested in working for them, ask if they would consider creating a volunteer position. Or, talk to someone in Human Resources for advice.
• Talk to professors, family, friends, and others who know you well for advice and suggestions for opportunities.
• Talk with current students who have already completed an internship or may be completing one right now. Many companies will offer the same internship year after year. These could be possibilities for you!
• Search for internship opportunities on the Internet:
• CSB/SJU Internship Office Database: www.csbsju.edu/internship                
• www.internshipprograms.com
• www.internweb.com
• www.internships.com
• Set up informational interviews with people that work in fields or companies that interest you.

Apply for Internships and Prepare for Interviews

• Apply for more than one internship.
• Prepare and customize your resume and cover letter. Make an appointment with a career counselor for feedback.
• Follow proper application procedures for the specific internship for which you are applying.
• Research the companies and organizations for which you are applying. See the “Researching Organizations Handout.”
• Prepare for the interview. Schedule a “practice” interview with the staff of Career Services.

Follow-Up and Make Decisions

• Write thank you letters and make follow-up phone calls.
• Based on the offers you receive, decide which internship best meets your personal and professional goals.
• Formally accept or decline all offers in writing or by telephone.

Other strategies:

• Don’t be afraid to call! Most people will be flattered to talk with you regarding opportunities in their field and/or with their company in an informational interview, and you will make a contact that could lead to an internship.
• Employers love interns who will work for free. If you are having a hard time finding something in your area of interest but really want the experience, think about taking an unpaid position.
• If you cannot find an internship, consider another part-time job that will offer you similar transferable and marketable skills.

An internship should be approached with the same attitude as a job search. Ideally, you should conduct your search up to six months before you plan to begin your internship. It takes preparation and hard work to find the right internship for you, but in the end, it will be well worth your effort. If you have any questions along the way, feel free to meet with any of our career counselors.

CSB Career Services, Academic Services Building,320-363-5707
SJU Career Services, Mary Hall 10, 320-363-3236