How do I find an Internship?

• Determine the type of internship you want
• Look for opportunities
• Prepare your resume and cover letter
• Apply
• Practice interviewing
• Follow-Up

The Internship Search Flowchart (pdf file) shows these steps in more detail.

What kind of internship do I want?

The first step in finding an internship is to identify your skills and interests. Start with Explore Majors and Careers to do that.

Select two or three career fields that you would like to learn more about first-hand. Use the Ideal Internship Workshsheet as a place to start.

Ask yourself questions such as:

• Where do I want to be in 3 years?
• What kind of internship am I interested in?
• Where would I like to do my internship?
• When would I like to do my internship?

What types of internships are out there?

• Do broad searches at internship websites using keywords.
• Visit websites of companies and organizations that interest you.
• Look at professional associations websites to learn more about the industry, current issues and hiring needs.
• Use the Internship Center Database in Career Services to browse for types of internships based on your major.

How do I find the one I want?

Networking - Networking is communicating with people from whom you can learn about other professionals and/or specific opportunities. Networking is about people helping each other through information sharing. It can happen anywhere, anytime. It is a powerful tool; the majority of all jobs come through networking.

Informational Interviews - develop your network through informational interviews. Ask An Alum & Friends is a database of alumni and other people who have volunteered to answer questions and offer advice to UW-Eau Claire students. You can use it to locate professionals in your field or major of interest.

Internship Center Database - accessible in Career Services, this resource contains over 4000+ active and past internships. Searchable by major and location.

Career Fairs - meet recruiters at the Career Conference in September, Internship Mania in February and the Nursing and Healthcare Professionals Fair, held each semester.

Campus Resources - Professors or professionals who are teaching, working, or researching in your area of interest are an excellent resource. Ask them if they know of any research or internship opportunities that may be of interest to you.

Join professional associations and student organizations from your field of interest.

Online Listings of Internships

How do I apply?

• Do more in-depth research of the potential employers
• Analyze the position description
• Write your resume and cover letter to match the position description
• Have your material reviewed in Career Services
• Submit cover letter, resume, and other required documents
• Practice interviewing - meet with Patty Practice and / or a career counselor
• Following an interview, send a thank you letter