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An internship is any career-related experience that involves connecting academic learning to on-the-job experience.
10 steps to get started on your internship job search:
Step 1: Identify what you can do with your major.
Explore your career options to learn more about typical career paths followed by people with your major. How do your values relate to these careers? (Where do you want to live? Do you want to have a family? Do you like to work outside? Etc.)
Step 2: Identify your top 3 career environments.
Which of the careers you learned about interest you? (Industry? Job type? Location?) The best way to find out if you will like a career is to try it out while you are still a student.
Step 3: Have your cover letter and resume critiqued.
Look at some sample resumes on this web site. The MSU Career Development Center provides FREE resume critiques. Schedule an appointment online.
Step 4: Use your online tools.
Look at some of the internship or research sites listed on this website. You need to apply early (up to 8 months before you want to start!) for many of the most interesting internships.
Step 5: Attend on-campus career events.
Career fairs, employer presentations, and alumni panels are all ways to make valuable networking contacts, and gain more information about careers. You can find a schedule of these events here.
Step 6: Explore Part-Time Student Jobs in Your Area of Interest.
A job might not be called an internship, but you can still get valuable work experience! Employers value all on-the job experience—so whether or not what you are doing is called an internship won't matter.
Step 7: Consider Volunteering for a Few Hours Each Week.
Visit the Service-Learning Center (SLC) in Room 27 of the Student Services Building (basement level) during walk-in hours between 1:00-5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. You can gain valuable on-the job experience this way, in addition to performing valuable community service.
Step 8: Consider working as a research assistant or pursuing undergraduate research.
Undergraduate research is highly valued by employers and graduate schools. If you are considering graduate study, undergrad research is a must! If you can’t find a paid research experience, try talking to faculty members about serving as a research assistant or volunteer in a faculty member’s lab.
Step 9: Develop your network.
Not all internship opportunities are posted—sometimes by asking questions and doing informational interviews, you can discover opportunities you never imagined!
Step 10: Be polite and be persistent.
Your parents gave you good advice: always say please and thank-you. Always thank people for taking the time to listen and help.
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