Finding Your Internship

Learn how to get an internship, step by step.

Finding Your Internship

Let’s Start Searching

Internships are crucial for gaining hands-on experience in an industry of interest. The more you exercise and develop your skills, the more confident you will navigate post-graduation prospective employers in various industries.

Keep Reading to Learn:

  • Different ways to find internships
  • Tips that will make your search robust and a stand-out candidate
  • Materials necessary to prepare when applying to internships

How to Find an Internship

Handshake, where employers recruit students.

Talk to faculty, family, friends, friends of friends, people you meet on the light rail, anyone you meet through part-time jobs or volunteer sites. Discuss your career goals and interests with them. You may find the best leads this way.

Identify organizations of interest, research their website, try to find an HR or recruiter contact name and reach out to ask about internship opportunities.

  • Pro Tip: Follow these organizations on LinkedIn or set up new posting alerts so you can jump on opportunities as they are posted.

Develop your own internship. It is possible to propose an internship with someone in your network.

If you are willing to take on a project for experience in an unpaid capacity, reach out to a non-profit or smaller organization and let them know you would like to offer support on a project relevant to your desired field.

For large corporations, check out positions posted through the Career Center’s On-Campus Interviewing (OCI) Program. Common career fields for fall internship recruiting through OCI include finance, accounting, actuary and information technology.

Applying for an Internship: What do you need? 

  • A resume reviewing your past academic, work, student involvement, study abroad, volunteer, etc. experience
  • A cover letter/letter of interest describing the reason you are applying, your career interests, and the skills you offer an employer. Many employers will not request one, though.
  • Certain employers may request an unofficial transcript.
Person reviews professional materials, specifically a resume document on the desk.

    Helpful Tips for Internship Searches

    • Use drop-in Hours during the school year to get a quick question answered, or a resume reviewed.
    • Do a mock interview and role-play an interview experience to polish your presentation and calm your nerves.
    • Read the career newsletter: Stay current on important career development dates and resources.
    • Connect with employers and alumni through LinkedIn and St. Thomas Connect.
    • Attend workshops, networking events, job/internship fairs, etc. to network and learn about opportunities. Many such events can be found in Handshake.
    • After using these resources, if you need additional support, schedule an appointment with a career educator.

Next Steps

Take action!

  • Once you find an internship of interest, begin preparing your resume and other necessary documents
  • Connect with the Career Development Center to address questions you may have along the process