Internships are a great way to build experience during your college studies. Consider it a stepping stone on your journey from college to career. In addition to increasing your qualifications for jobs, it’s an important opportunity to try out a career field.
What To Know About Internships
Are they paid? Often times, yes! An internship should be an opportunity to not only grow, but bring value. Often you will have the chance to make real contributions to the business as an intern. While some industries differ, in order to be competitive for top candidates, and for fairness and equity, employers will often pay their interns.
Are you qualified? Employers may expect you to bring some academic knowledge to the role but limited experience in the field, if any. When an internship requires at least junior level to apply, it’s often because the employer wants you to bring course knowledge from your concentration. There are always exceptions, so if you are interested, make your case!
Will an internship lead to a job later? Many employers hope that interns will be come full-time hires after graduation? If things go well, you could have an easy job search senior year!
What is the timeline? Many companies begin recruiting for summer internships in September, particularly in competitive nationally recognized companies, as well as in fields like accounting, finance, technology, and consulting. Others may not have opportunities posted until spring. It’s wise to start early, but expect your search could continue into spring.
What is the process? Internships are commonly posted on a company website or CSU’s Handshake Career Portal. They typically require an application (your resume), and may accept a cover letter (which is an opportunity to stand out!). Employers may select a small number of students to go through formal interview(s), from which an offer is made. The process can take time. Don’t get discouraged and continue seeking multiple internship options.
Is academic credit available? Yes. Internships are not required, but academic credit can be an option for internships that align with your concentration. Connect with your concentration’s Internship Coordinator for information on whether your internship qualifies for academic credit.
How To Find An Internship
There are a number of strategies and resources College of Business students use to find internships. The Career Management Center encourages students to implement a number of approaches to increase your opportunities. Securing an internship is similar to a job search. It can take time and effort; persistence and strategy are key.
✅ BizCareers Website – Selected internships pulled from Handshake for a smaller scope of opportunities for business students. Select Concentration Pathways to see curated internships for your concentration.
✅ Handshake Career Portal – The premier resource for college students to find internships. Find thousands of internships throughout the country; apply filters for industry, location, role, paid/unpaid, work authorization requirements, and more! Login with NetID.
✅ Career Fairs & Recruiting Events – The College of Business hosts at least one career fair each semester for business students. CSU also has career fairs for all majors to attend. Take advantage of these opportunities to meet employers in-person to discuss internships. **Remember – they’ll still ask you apply online, but the direct connection you made could increase your chances.**
✅ Vault Career Intelligence – Includes rankings and reviews for internship programs located throughout the country. NetID login required.
✅ Job Boards – These often include internship postings. Job boards can become overwhelming due to the volume. Apply filters and use keywords to hone in on relevant opportunities.
✅ Company Websites – Some employers only post their programs on the career page of their own website. Are there companies you’d love to work for? Check their Career Page for “student opportunities” (i.e. internships).
✅ Build a Company List – Great internships exist at companies you’ve never heard of or considered. Try this detailed process to build a list of 40 companies in your area of interest. Use your new list to explore potential internships.
✅ Target Companies That Hired Rams – Review top employers who have hired business students from your concentration. This could give you ideas of companies to consider.
✅ Faculty and Staff – You have great potential connections on campus, including faculty, advisors, supervisors in your student job. Let them know what you’re interested in. They may have ideas of potential companies and internships to consider.
✅ CSU Alumni – Try reaching out to a former Ram to discuss their career and gain insight for your own journey. These discussions are a form of networking, helping you build social capital in the career field you are pursuing. Identify alumni in the LinkedIn Alumni Database or Rams Connect (the College of Business mentoring platform).
✅ Friends and Family – Don’t forget those already in your circle. Have you told them what you’re interested in? Try asking if they know someone working in [blank] field of work who you could speak with about their career. These starting conversations could open the door to an opportunity or referral.
Help Is Available
The Career Management Center is here to help you strategy your search for internship. Visit Drop-In Hours early for help planning your search, developing your application materials, and more!
