- \n
- Search\u00a0Handshake<\/a> for postings and on-campus interviewing opportunities.<\/li>\n
- Connect with internship employers at NAU career events.<\/li>\n
- Check other job or internship sources such as\u00a0Indeed.com<\/a>,\u00a0Idealist.org<\/a>,\u00a0PsychologyJobs.com<\/span><\/span><\/a>,\u00a0or\u00a0LinkedIn.<\/a><\/li>\n
- Attend Internship Information Sessions and other Career events posted in Handshake by other Career Development Coordinators in\u00a0<\/span><\/span>different colleges.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- Speak with faculty, academic advisors and\u00a0internship contacts<\/a> in your department (some have connections with organizations who might be of interest to you).<\/li>\n
- Meet with an NAU Career Development advisor to get advice and help with your resume and cover letter, and to practice interview techniques.<\/li>\n
- Network with friends, family and acquaintances.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Step 3: Prepare your application materials<\/h2>\n
Develop an effective\u00a0resume\u00a0and\u00a0cover letter<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Step 4: Apply<\/h2>\n
Apply for internship openings and prepare for\u00a0interviews<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Step 5: Look into options for academic credit<\/h2>\n
Contact your academic department\u00a0to learn about earning credit.\u00a0View details and a list of contacts.<\/a><\/p>\n
Or, create your own internship!<\/h2>\n
It is also possible to create your own internship by contacting employers in your field of interest and describing your qualifications, interests and how you can contribute to their success. Descriptions of existing internships are helpful to frame your discussion with a possible internship host. Focus on the advantages to the organization in adding an intern, such as having an extra person to assist with projects, offer fresh perspectives on organizational issues and provide new ideas.<\/p>\n
Specifics on how to do this:<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Be sure that your resume reflects the knowledge, skills, and abilities that you will bring to the internship.<\/li>\n
- Do not wait until the last minute. You need time to get your resume to the appropriate people.<\/li>\n
- Research to create a list of organizations you would like to work for, and be sure they have an area or department that fits your interests. This takes some investigative skills.<\/li>\n
- Find the appropriate contact person. You may be able to identify this person through the organization’s website, LinkedIn, family or friends, or by simply calling and asking to speak with someone about setting up an internship.<\/li>\n
- When you contact the person, explain specifically why you are interested in their organization, what you want (setting up an internship that will utilize your interest in the _________ field and your strong _________ skills), and what you will bring to the organization, such as new ideas, assistance with current projects, and a willingness to work hard.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Important advice when making your contacts:<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Don\u2019t say,\u00a0Do you have any internships available?<\/em>\u00a0 If they haven\u2019t used interns before, their answer will likely be no.\u00a0 Instead, describe your desire to work for the organization in terms of setting up a \u201cwork experience\u201d to learn more about a specific career field.<\/li>\n
- Ask if there are any projects they haven\u2019t had time to tackle, which you could complete while gaining experience in the field.\u00a0 Share information about your skills or education that might be of interest to them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
For more in-depth information, explore the Career Steps lessons\u00a0Internships: Finding an internship\u00a0and Internships: Making the most of your internship<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nPartnered internships<\/h4>\n
- Ask if there are any projects they haven\u2019t had time to tackle, which you could complete while gaining experience in the field.\u00a0 Share information about your skills or education that might be of interest to them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Don\u2019t say,\u00a0Do you have any internships available?<\/em>\u00a0 If they haven\u2019t used interns before, their answer will likely be no.\u00a0 Instead, describe your desire to work for the organization in terms of setting up a \u201cwork experience\u201d to learn more about a specific career field.<\/li>\n
![\"Career_Development_Icon_[2025SP-update].png\"](\"https:\/\/calendarmedia.blob.core.windows.net\/assets\/f5711991-86bf-4f60-8b7f-58ab194ff20b-thumb.png\")
\n ![\"Career_Development_Icon_[2025SP-update].png\"](\"https:\/\/calendarmedia.blob.core.windows.net\/assets\/f5711991-86bf-4f60-8b7f-58ab194ff20b.png\")
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