Internship Process

  • Determine your needs: Internship during the semester, summer job, credit/non-credit, paid/unpaid?
  • Consult with your academic department for eligibility requirements, prerequisites, scheduling, 时间轴, and ideas for potential sites.
  • Develop leadership skills by joining clubs, professional organizations, athletic teams, associations, 等.
  • Develop references--教师, former bosses, coaches, co-workers, 等.
  • Make an appointment with Career Services at least one semester before you would like to intern. Discuss potential sites and resources, 简历, application process, interviews, internship expectations, 等.
  • Develop a resume and cover letter
  • 参加 job fairs and career events
  • 网络. Ask family members, friends of family, old or current employers, other students, and 教师 about potential internships. Complete informational interviews/job shadowing.
  • Contact potential internship employers through informational interviews, Career Services, Web sites, 教师, responding to internship postings, 等.
  • Follow-up. Call to inquire if the company has received your resume, and if you can provide additional information.
  • 面试. 看到我们的 interviewing tips and visit Career Services for tips, ideas, handouts, and to schedule a practice interview.
  • Meet with your 教师 supervisor to discuss final plans and requirements for the internship. Complete the necessary paperwork/internship proposal with your advisor and site supervisor, and register for academic credit. (Usually with a drop/add form.)
  • Notify your 教师 supervisor and Career Services when you have accepted an internship.
  • If problems arise during the internship, make an appointment as soon as possible with your 教师 supervisor or with Career Services to discuss the situation.
  • Complete all projects, 论文, and tasks associated with obtaining credit, and submit to your 教师 supervisor.

Job Posting/Company Verification Disclaimer

Read the full disclaimer which describes the shared responsibility among Penn State Career Services (including University Park and Commonwealth Campus career offices) and internship/job seekers in researching and identifying potential concerns about the legitimacy of employers and their respective postings.