Internship Prep

Internships are a great way to gain experience, build skills, gain a first-hand look at occupations, and solidify career plans.

Employers value interns who bring new ideas to the workplace and are now the number one way employers identify future hires.

"This was a great organization to intern with. They were dedicated to making the experience valuable for all."  - KSU Intern

Benefits of Internship Experiences

• Gain practical and meaningful work experience to build a resume 
• Develop professional skills employers seek 
• Solidify a career path and gain networking opportunities
• Discover what it’s like to work in a particular career field
• Experience and/or live in a new geographic area
• Increase marketability and value to potential employers
• Often earn money and possibly college credit
• Obtain a job - employers often hire their interns to fill full-time positions!

Prepare for an Internship

• Take time to focus your personal, academic and career goals. Get help from a career counselor during drop-in hours in our Career Resource Library.
• Prepare your resume and practice interviewing.
• Determine when to complete your internship (often Junior/Senior year). Internships can occur anytime during the year and typically last about a semester. While some internships are full-time, others range from 10-30 hours per week.
• Internships can be paid, unpaid, for credit, not for credit or any combination. Details about the number of hours worked, length of internship, rate of pay, and other specifics are usually negotiated between employers and interns with the guidance of a faculty adviser.

Investigate Receiving Academic Credit for Your Internship

• Internships are often completed without academic credit, but may be completed for credit with faculty permission. Students who desire credit for their internship must contact the appropriate Faculty Internship Coordinator to obtain approval prior to beginning an internship.

Make the Most of Your Internship

• Arrive on time, dress professionally, and take your internship seriously
• Focus on learning all you can about the organization, industry and profession
• Listen carefully and ask questions -- don't leave work undone
• Take initiative but don't overstep authority
• Stay busy --- talk to your supervisor if you need a new task
• Network by speaking to people in all positions
• Accept constructive criticism gracefully
• Be sure to ask your supervisor if he/she will serve as a future reference for you