What
is an internship?
An
internship is a short-term, entry-level job, sometimes paid,
often unpaid, in which an you can gain practical skills and
professional experience. Internships are good opportunities
for college students because you can take them during summer
vacation, a term off from school, or part-time during the academic
year.
In
many cases students can receive academic credit for an internship.
Usually internships for credit must be arranged beforehand through
a specific academic department. The department may have certain
requirements to receive credit such as or keeping a daily journal,
or writing a paper at the end of the internship. Contact the
chair of a particular department to explore this possibility.
Colleges and Universities generally stipulates that if academic
credit is given for an internship, you cannot get paid, and
you will probably have to pay tuition for the course credit.
What are the benefits of internships?
Internships
can provide:
Practical
workplace experience:
Internships
offer the chance to gain on-the-job experience and develop
important professional and interpersonal skills. You can apply
the skills you have learned in the classroom or volunteer
activities, such as writing, organizing, and public speaking.
An
opportunity to explore different fields and employment opportunities:
An
internship will provide a unique opportunity to learn about
potential career options, and allow you to test your skills
and interests in that field. An internship will also tell
you a lot about your own personal aptitudes and preferences.
Practice
in job hunting:
Applying
for internships will give you practice in some valuable job-hunting
skills such as creating a resume and interviewing.
Material
for your resume:
An
internship will give you that hard-to-come-by prerequisite
for many kinds of employment- documented experience. Related
experience is a major factor employers look for when hiring.
A
foot in the door:
Internships
can create useful contacts and references for future employment.
In today's competitive job market, internships are an increasingly
important way for young people to get into their first job
and career. Companies are more likely to hire someone they
know and who has proven he or she is a good worker.
How
to find internships?
Your
College or University:
Many
college career centers have internship notebooks and directories.
You can also check with your department for internships in
the department or a related field.
Local
Community Resources:
Check
out your local government or municipality for departments
such as Parks and Recreation, Public works, Community development.
Also check the local political party headquarters.
State
Elected Offices:
Internships
are often available in the office of state representatives,
state senators and governors.
Web
Resources:
Here
are the links to a number of non-profit organizations that
offer internships.
Carter
Center
(click on about us/education programs)
Corporation
for National and Community Service
Vote
Smart
Congressional
Black Caucus Foundation
PLEN
Feminist
Majority Foundation
National
Federation of Republican Women
National
Organization for Women
National
Assembly of Health and Human Service Organizations
Council
for a Livable World
The
Washington Center
U.S.
Court of Appeals
Idealist
Judicial
Internship Program at the U.S. Supreme Court
Democratic
Party Internship Program
Fund
for American Studies
