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Internship resources for students
What is an internship?
An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills 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.
Why should I do an internship?
Beyond academic credentials, employers are looking for candidates who have acquired experience and achieved success in the workplace. Completing one or more internships is one way in which you can acquire this experience.
Some majors require internships, or have a practicum component built into the curriculum, while other areas of study encourage internships for career exploration and practical experience, but they are not required. For more internship opportunities associated with a given major, or to pursue credit for an internship, contact your departmental internship contact for more information.
Remember that whether you participate in an internship, practicum, capstone, clinical, or another variation of fieldwork, all of these experiences are considered experiential learning. You will have the opportunity to participate in real work projects and learn skills that can be reflected on your resume and applied in your future career.
There are many benefits to participating in internships and other forms of experiential learning. Regardless of whether or not your academic program requires it, this experience is highly valued by employers. Consider these internship advantages:
Make informed career choices:
- Try out a profession through a career experiment
- Gain firsthand knowledge of an employer
- Obtain professional mentors and references
- Develop realistic career goals and expectations
Increase employability:
- Obtain experience employers value
- Increase your competitive advantage
- Gain negotiating leverage
Gain educational advantages:
- Apply theory in the real world
- Develop new skills
- Earn academic credit
For more in-depth information, explore the Career Steps online lessons Internships: Benefiting from an internship, Explore through experience: Building transferable skills, and Explore through experience: Designing career experiments.
