- Determine your needs: Internship during the semester, summer job, credit/non-credit, paid/unpaid?
- Consult with your academic department for eligibility requirements, prerequisites, scheduling, timeline, and ideas for potential sites.
- Develop leadership skills by joining clubs, professional organizations, athletic teams, associations, etc.
- Develop references--Faculty, former bosses, coaches, co-workers, etc.
- Make an appointment with Career Services at least one semester before you would like to intern. Discuss potential sites and resources, resumes, application process, interviews, internship expectations, etc.
- Develop a resume and cover letter
- Attend job fairs and career events
- Network. Ask family members, friends of family, old or current employers, other students, and faculty about potential internships. Complete informational interviews/job shadowing.
- Contact potential internship employers through informational interviews, Career Services, Web sites, faculty, responding to internship postings, etc.
- Follow-up. Call to inquire if the company has received your resume, and if you can provide additional information.
- Interview. See our interviewing tips and visit Career Services for tips, ideas, handouts, and to schedule a practice interview.
- Meet with your faculty 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 faculty 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 faculty supervisor or with Career Services to discuss the situation.
- Complete all projects, papers, and tasks associated with obtaining credit, and submit to your faculty 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.