Career Roadmap - Find an Internship

 

Milestone 5 Engage:Enhance Your Expertise

You don’t have to wait until after you graduate to gain experience that makes your resume stand out. Discover how opportunities such as internships, community service, and campus leadership can enhance your skill sets.

Why should I do an internship?

  • gain functional and industry experience
  • acquire and refine skills
  • make meaningful connections

Career & Professional Development works actively with employers to develop opportunities for students to gain work experience and contribute first-hand to the effective operation of our partner organizations. One of our career coaches can help you research, prepare for, and successfully compete for internship opportunities found through both on-campus and off-campus channels.

 

How do I find an internship?

arrowHandshake: site exclusively for employers seeking to post opportunities for UNCG students and alumni

arrowResearch: research companies that do what you want to do and review the "Careers" section on their site for internship opportunities. (Visit Explore Majors and Careers for research sources)

arrowNetwork: let friends, co-workers and faculty know that you are seeking an internship; clearly state your interests, skills, and goals so that others can possibly suggest contacts for you; talk with other students who have interned (Visit Build Your Network for resources)

arrowCreate your own internship: If you have identified an organization that you are interested in and they are not currently offering an internship, you may be able to create one of your own (Check out the Creating Your Own Internship handout in our Virtual Resource Center)

Many of our academic programs have formal internship programs as part of the academic experience so talk to your department to understand what they might have and who your contact might be.

The Experience

When do internships happen?

 
Traditional Summer Internship
  • Occur between May and August (10-12 weeks) each year
  • Usually take place on-site at the organization's offices
  • Full-time employment that benefits the employer and provides learning opportunities for the intern
  • Could either be for credit or not for credit
  • Ongoing and final evaluation from employer supervisor (Your academic program may have additional evaluative measures)
 
Fall/Spring Internships
  • Occur between September and December (10 – 12 weeks) and/or January – May (10-12 weeks)
  • Usually take place on-site at the organization's offices
  • Up to 20-25 hours per week employment that benefits the employer and provides learning opportunities for the intern
  • Could either be for credit or not for credit
  • Ongoing and final evaluation from employer supervisor. Your academic program may have additional evaluative measures.

Internship Scholarships

Internship Scholarships are available to UNCG students completing internships during the Summer term. Check the Student Affairs website for deadline and scholarship requirements.

 

Other Ways to Gain Experience:

  • Undergraduate Research: Research is a highly valued skill by employers and the Undergraduate Scholarship & Creativity Office promotes and supports student success through mentored undergraduate research, creative inquiry and other scholarly experiences
  • Study or Research Abroad: Students can choose from more than 100 programs in over 45 countries
  • Volunteer: The Office of Leadership & Service-Learning provides opportunities for you to engage in community service while developing your leadership skills
  • Campus Leadership: Campus Activities & Programs works with over 250 campus organizations to support students in developing leadership, critical thinking and interpersonal skill.