Find an Internship

Frequently Asked Questions about internships:

• What is an internship?

  According to The National Society for Experiential Education an internship is: 'Any carefully monitored work or service experience in which an individual has intentional learning goals and reflects actively on what she or he is learning throughout the experience.'

  These learning goals may include:

  • Academic learning - The individual can apply knowledge learned in the classroom to the workplace.
  • Career development - The individual gains a knowledge of the qualifications and duties of a position and can explore their interest in a field.
  • Skill development - The individual gains an understanding of the skills and knowledge required in the workplace.
  • Personal development - The individual gains decision making skills, critical thinking skills, increased confidence and self-esteem.

  Internships vary in duration; they can last from a month (or less) to two years (or more) and may be part-time or full-time. Internships can take place in any work or service setting and be paid or unpaid. They may be part of an educational program and carefully monitored and evaluated for academic credit, or they can be part of a learning plan that the intern develops.

  The important element that distinguishes an internship from a short-term job or community service is the "intentional learning agenda" that the intern brings to the experience.

• Why should I do an internship?

  Students choose to participate in internships for various reasons, including:

  • Internships are a good way to validate your major and career selection.
  • They can provide you with new skill sets, build your knowledge base, and help you decide on the right work environment.
  • Internships can help you grow personally, strengthen your public speaking and leadership skills, and enhance your awareness and appreciation of the diverse work population.
  • You can experience other parts of the United States and the world with little monetary investment.

  Whatever your reason for pursuing an internship, know this: Many employers are using prior internship experience as a criterion for hiring. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook, here's what employers have to say about internships:

  • Employers rated their organization's internship program as the second best recruitment method out of 18 possible categories. It came in just behind on-campus recruiting. Co-op programs came in sixth.
  • Nearly 80% of employers offer internships and approximately 48% have a co-op program. "Respondents report that they converted 25 percent of their interns and 21 percent of their co-op students to full-time employees."
  • "Employers also report that approximately 55 percent of their new hires in 1999-2000 had internship experience, while nearly 29 percent came with co-op experience."

• Can I get credit for my internship?

  Each college department has specific requirements in order for an internship experience to earn academic credit. Meet with your academic advisor to see how you can earn credit for an internship.

  Colorado State University offers several ways to receive academic credit for your internship. Always check with your department before you sign up for an internship class. Courses with the following number sequences can grant credit for internship experiences:

  • X86 Practicum: work-oriented instruction involving the implementation of classroom or laboratory experience under the direct supervision of a faculty member.
  • Internship (487/587): work-oriented instruction involving the implementation of classroom or laboratory experiences coordinated by a faculty member.
  • X94, X95 Independent Study: student project with only minimal faculty direction; student investigates an area of special interest under the direction and supervision of faculty.
  • X98 Research: credit formally enrolled for during period of research instruction
  • X99 Thesis: credit enrolled for during formal period of work on thesis.

• How do I find an internship?

  Career Center Resources:
  • CareerRAM - Online internship and job postings for CSU students and alumni.
  • International Job and Internship Sites - International job and internship postings, plus lots of links to organizations that work globally.
  • Internship Websites by Field of Study - Search through a comprehensive list of websites by your field of study that post internship opportunities.
  • Career & Internship Fairs - Many employers recruit for internships at these fairs.
  • Career Center Liaisons - They may have additional postings or resources that are different from The Career Center.
  • Career Center Resource Library - Contains a variety of directories on internships.
  Other Resources:
  • International Programs Office - They are a great resource for internships abroad.
  • Student Employment Services - They are a good resource for securing employment on campus and surrounding area while you are in school.
  • Professors in your Major - Inquire about ongoing research, or contacts within companies they may be aware of.
  • Your Parents and Friends may be able to offer you some additional leads.

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