Gain valuable hands-on experience in your field through participating in internships, service learning, volunteer opportunities, networking, mentorship, and informational interviews.
Table of Contents:
- Internships
- Service learning
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Leadership Roles
- On-Campus Jobs
- Networking
Internships
Internships allow you to test-drive career options, develop important skills and establish relationships with people who may ultimately help you get hired after graduation.
An internship is work experience that is either directly related to your major or career interest. Some internships are paid and some may provide academic credit. Visit the *new* INTERNSHIP HUBÂ for specific information pertaining to internships.
Top 10 Reasons to Intern:
- Experience in a field will help you make more educated career choices.
- This is your chance to explore careers in different fields or specific areas within your field.
- Hands-on experience enhances your academic experience and performance.
- You can develop career related skills and demonstrate them for future employers.
- A significant percentage of surveyed graduates from across the country continue to report that they got their current job because they previously interned for their employer!
- Employers prefer candidates with previous work experience.
- Gaining professional contacts in the field can help you get hired and get ahead in your career.
- Many organizations use internships as extended interviews for full-time employment.
- Most organizations will hire successful interns over candidates they have just met.
- Many internship positions are paid!
Service Learning
Consider a service learning experience as an opportunity to build your resume and job skills. In particular, your upper-division service learning credit should relate at least to your major if not also to your career interests. Use this experience as an opportunity to network with people that may be useful in your future career endeavors. See the volunteer section on the Center for Community Engagement website for information on local opportunities.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you find yourself in need of more experience related to your field in order to get hired in a position that you want, volunteering may be an option. Volunteer experience related to your career interests enables you to gain valuable experience and polish your skills. Volunteering is also a great way to make contacts with people in the industry and network your way into paid opportunities. See the volunteer section on the Cente