Internships -- An Overview

An internship is an important part of your educational experience and a practical way to gain career-related experience while in college.  Internships differ from summer or part time jobs in that they focus more on gaining experience and learning new skills.  Securing an internship can be a complicated and time consuming process and requires a significant commitment from you. This guide provides an outline of the steps necessary to plan for and obtain an internship.

Types of Internships

Internships can be full-time, part-time, summer, semester-based or flexible time length.  Students who participate in part-time internships typically work between 5-15 hours per week; however, some paid, part-time internships require students to work 15-25 hours per week.  Students can obtain academic credit for internships by enrolling in an internship or field work practicum course, or by arranging a directed study course with a faculty member.   

Students typically are not required to obtain academic credit in order to participate in an internship.  Although most corporate business and government internships are paid, many internships are volunteer.  Many students choose to obtain non-paid internships primarily for the experience and other benefits they will receive.  Finally, students may also want to consider other types of career related work experience such as part-time jobs, summer positions or volunteer/community service opportunities that may provide similar benefits.

How to Find an Internship

Securing an internship is very similar to finding a full-time professional job upon graduation.  Typically, you will need to develop a target list of organizations, write a resume, write cover letters, make follow-up phone calls, prepare for interviews, and complete any necessary registration paperwork (if you plan to receive credit for the internship.)

  1.   The first step involves self-assessment, internship exploration and clarification of your internship goals.  Knowing what you want and expect from an internship will enable you to identify internships that relate to your skills, interests, values and needs.  To explore different internships you can review the advertised internship opportunities by utilizing our online internship database through Monstertrak .  This stage involves determining the geographic location and time period in which you want to complete the internship.

2.   Set a realistic timetable for obtaining an internship.   Typically, you will need to begin the internship search process at least four to six months before you plan to begin an internship.  You may need to allow additional time for paid, competitive internships or summer opportunities.

3.   Organize your search.  Start by developing a list of potential employers whom you want to contact.  Use our on-line internship database at http://www.monstertrak.com for more than 1000 internships.  You may also want to review other Internet internships lists and databases (check out these links at the Whittier College Career Services page.)  

The Career Services Office also maintains binders and some printed directories of advertised internship opportunities.  Many students also pursue unadvertised internships or create their own internships.  Use printed directories and Internet directories or search engines to identify additional employers.   Ask faculty, administrators, friends, alumni, relatives and other networking for possible leads or for suggestions of organizations to contact.  After completing the list, you may want to prioritize your options before contacting these employers by phone or mail.

4.     When contacting the employer, request the following information:  description/requirements of the internship, application deadline, application materials required, name and position title of appropriate contact person.  When applying for an internship, many employers may request that you send a copy of your resume (for guidance in writing effective resumes and cover letters, refer to the Resume and Cover Letter Guides available in the Career Office).  

5.    Follow-up is also an important step in the internship application process.  After the employer has received your resume and/or application material, you will want to follow-up with a phone call to determine if the employer is still considering you for the internship and to possibly set-up an interview date. An Interviewing Skills Guide is available in the Career Office to assist you in preparing for your internship interviews.  

6.     Evaluate your internship offer(s) as they relate to your goals and objectives.

7.    If you are planning to obtain academic credit for the internship, be sure to contact the faculty member and the Registrar's Office to ensure that the internship satisfies all of the course and institution requirements.

If you would like further assistance in identifying and obtaining an internship, feel free to contact Dora Clarke or Linda Ross in Career Services for further assistance. If you need assistance with any of the above steps, contact Dora Clarke in the Career Services Office, Philadelphia House, (562) 907-4230 or dclarke@mail.whittier.edu

Internship Resources and Assistance

   Internship Listings and Employer Directories

1. National Internship Database/MONSTERTRAK.  This online searchable database will have over 1000 internship opportunities. Whittier College, in partnership with MONSTERTRAK, will continue to expand and update the listings.  This database is a good starting place for exploring different internship options and perhaps locating some of interest. 

2. Internet Resources.  Employer directories and additional internship listings are linked through the Whittier College Career Services Internship page.  Additional employer directories can also be obtained by using Internet Search Engines.

3. Career Services Resource Library.  The Career Services Office is focusing most of its resources on-line to make them more accessible to students.  However, we do maintain a few internship and employer printed directories.   Internship binders and file folders contain additional information on the internships listed in the online internship database.  You may also want to consider using trade journals/publications, the Yellow Pages, Chamber of Commerce, and other employer directories available in public libraries or large university libraries.

4. Networking Contacts.  Similar to part-time and full-time jobs, many students obtain internship leads through the process of networking with family, friends, alumni, faculty/staff and other contacts.  Your network of contacts can also provide information about possible organizations in different industries, etc.

Individualized Assistance

Dora Clarke, Career Services Coordinator, is available to assist students

• in clarifying their internship goals
• in utilizing internship resources and employer directories to develop a targeted employer list
• in preparing resumes and job search correspondence, and in preparing for interviews
• in helping with any aspect of the internship search process.

Call 562-907-4230 to schedule an appointment or drop by Philadelphia House.

Creating Your Own Internship

Some students are not interested in the pre-existing or advertised internship positions.  Student-initiated internships, especially unpaid positions, are becoming increasingly more common.  In fact, this type of experience can be the most satisfying to the student intern.  To set up an internship of your own design, you need to approach an employer or organization and propose to offer your time and labor in order to learn about a field.

Tips for a Successful Internship

• Clarify your internship goals and set realistic expectations.  Once you have thought about what you want and can realistically expect, talk with your supervisor about the hours you are expected to work, your work space, the specific projects you might undertake, the supervisor's/organization's expectations, and the frequency of supervision you will receive.
• Plan and set regular staff meetings with your site supervisor to get feedback on your work and to discuss where you might need support.
• Report concerns or problems immediately.
• Be willing to go the extra mile.  Show your enthusiasm, professionalism, and ability to work well with others.
• Look out for additional work or projects to be done and offer to do them in a way that is appropriate and helpful to others.  When appropriate, ask to attend organizational or professional meetings to gain a better overview of the organization and/or career field.
• Take responsibility for your own learning--ask good questions, and seek out learning opportunities.
• Be professional.  Observe the dress code of the organization.  Learn about the organizational culture, norms, and expectations.
• Seek out mentors within the organization.  Ask colleagues who seem interesting and amenable to have lunch with you to discuss their field and their careers.
• Be polite and assertive.  Have a positive attitude even if some tasks are not what you hope to do in the future.
• Be reflective and keep a journal of observations, experiences, analyses, and evaluations to enrich your experience.
• Approach the internship with an open mind, be open to surprises and even setbacks. You will learn from both experiences.
• Establish good working relationships with supervisors so you can leave with contacts within the field and a strong letter of reference.
• Say thanks and keep in touch.  When your internship is finished, take the time to thank the people with and for whom you have worked.  A letter of thanks to your supervisor and mentors is appropriate.

Share Your Internship Experience with Career Services and Faculty

When you complete your internship, be sure to share your internship experience and evaluation with the Career Services Office.  Your input can help students approach or avoid similar opportunities.  You can also provide helpful internship placement data for academic department reviews.