Internships 101: Center for Experiential Education

Summary

This video highlights the importance of internships in building a successful career, especially for students looking to graduate. Career and Professional Development (CPD) encourages students to seek meaningful internship experiences that go beyond mundane tasks and provide valuable real-world skills. The video outlines steps for securing an internship, from researching companies and attending career fairs to polishing resumes and preparing for interviews. It emphasizes networking, early application, and using resources like CPD to guide students through the process. The goal is to help students secure internships that align with their career aspirations and set them up for future success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Internships are essential for gaining real-world experience before graduation and help you become career-ready.
• 😀 Many internships lead to job offers, and starting early (even as a freshman) can give you an edge in securing future opportunities.
• 😀 Internships are available for all majors, class years, and career interests, and you can earn academic credit for them.
• 😀 If you're unsure about your career path, meeting with a career coach can help clarify your goals and match you with suitable internships.
• 😀 Research the types of companies and organizations that align with your career goals before starting your internship search.
• 😀 Start your search early—many internship opportunities open up in the fall, and career fairs are great networking events.
• 😀 Not all internships are posted online; reaching out to alumni, professors, or personal connections can help you find hidden opportunities.
• 😀 Be prepared when applying: have your resume and cover letter critiqued by CPD's peer career advisors to improve your chances.
• 😀 Practice for interviews with mock interview sessions offered by CPD, and remember to dress professionally for interviews.
• 😀 After securing an internship, communicate with your supervisor to set clear expectations and goals for your professional development.
• 😀 CPD offers valuable resources, like Purple Threads, to help you look your best for interviews and provide support throughout the internship process.

Q & A

Why is it important to start your career path with an internship before graduating?

Internships provide meaningful experience, allow you to build a professional network, and give you the necessary skills to be career-ready. They can also lead to job offers and help you decide on your career direction.

Can internships turn into job offers?

Yes, a large percentage of internships can lead to job offers. Starting an internship as early as freshman year can give you more opportunities for sought-after or paid internships in later years.

How can you benefit from an internship if you’re unsure about your career path?

If you're unsure about your career goals, internships offer an opportunity to explore different fields, gain real-world experience, and help you clarify your career aspirations.

What is the first step in finding a great internship?

The first step is to research companies, organizations, or industries that align with your career interests. You can use platforms like Handshake, LinkedIn, or talk to professors and alumni.

How early should you start searching for internships?

It’s important to start your internship search early, preferably in the fall, as many summer internship applications open by then. Career fairs in the fall and spring also offer great opportunities to find internships.

What should you do if you can’t find an internship posted online?

If you can’t find an internship online, reach out directly to companies of interest. Connecting with alumni, friends, or family members who work there can also help you access unposted opportunities.

Why is networking important during the internship search?

Networking helps you connect with professionals in your field and opens doors to internship opportunities that may not be publicly listed. Building relationships early can also support your career development.

What should you do before submitting an internship application?

Before submitting an application, make sure your resume and cover letter are polished and critiqued. The Career and Professional Development (CPD) office offers support for this.

How can you prepare for an internship interview?

You can prepare for an interview by practicing through mock interviews offered by the CPD. It’s also important to arrive early, dress professionally, and bring your resume.

What should you discuss with your supervisor during the first few days of an internship?

During your first days, have a conversation with your supervisor about what you want to achieve from the internship and how you can contribute to the organization. This will help ensure a meaningful experience.