Internship Basics
You’ve probably heard a lot about internships—how helpful they can be in identifying a career path, how they might lead to a full-time job after graduation—but what exactly constitutes an internship and how do you find one?
In this resource, you find answers to commonly asked questions about internships, so you have a better understanding of what they are and why you might consider pursuing one during college. Check out our companion resource, How to Find Internships, for more guidance on where and when to look for internship opportunities.
FAQs
What is an internship?
An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional workplace setting.
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
What kind of work does an intern do?
An intern’s work can vary by role and by company, but generally they assist with real-world tasks and projects (no, they don’t just fetch coffee!☕). Sometimes, an intern is just like any other employee—they have their own set of responsibilities that mimic what an entry level job might look like with that organization. Other times, an intern’s work might focus on a specific project to support the company’s business objectives, and they may spend their internship researching, prototyping, and, ultimately, pitching their recommendations to company executives.
Beyond the day-to-day work, an internship may involve:
💼 Job shadowing rotations,
🫱🏾🫲🏼 Networking opportunities,
👥 Listening to panels and business leaders,
🌱 Being paired with a mentor,
🎉 Social events with other interns or colleagues
What are the benefits of interning?
Interning allows you to “test drive” a career, company, or industry before committing to it. You can then use the experience and knowledge you gain to determine if you want to continue down that path or pivot to something different—which is totally okay to do!
National statistics show that student’s who participated in a paid internship received a higher number of job offers and higher starting salary than students who did not participate in an internship, which is another perk of completing an internship during college. You can even earn academic credit for completing an internship—talk with your academic advisor and/or department’s internship coordinator today to learn more!
Are internships paid?
Most internships are paid—sometimes even well paid! Compensation may come in the form of an hourly wage or a stipend, and some internships will even help with travel or housing accommodations if you don’t live locally!
If you’re experiencing financial barriers as you seek your internship, check out the Find Funding Opportunities resources, including the CMC’s Professional Development Fund. This fund helps alleviate financial constraints some students may encounter when purchasing professional clothing, travel expenses, or even housing that may be associated with completing an internship experience.
More than 95% of full-time internships posted on Handshake in the past year were paid.
Handshake Internships Index 2025
Is an internship better than a part-time job?
Internships can be a great way of gaining hands-on, practical experience that relates to your future career—but so can some part-time jobs (especially some on-campus student employment opportunities!).
Think about what you hope to gain from the experience. If you want exposure to what it’s like to work in a particular company or industry, an internship is probably the way to go. However, if you’re wanting to experience work in a particular role, build specific skills, work in a “business” setting, earn money, learn from experienced professionals, or a variety of other things, an internship or part-time job could give you that kind of experience–which can expand the number of opportunities and possibilities you pursue!
How do I get an internship without any experience?
Employers may expect an intern bring some academic knowledge to the role (which is why many prefer students in their junior year). However, they also recognize many students will have limited (if any) experience in the field. As a result, you don’t have to know everything going in! Many employers will want students with transferrable skills—like CSU’s Career Competencies—that they can help you further hone and develop over the course of an internship.
Many internships will have a training and onboarding period to catch interns up to speed with expectations and processes. And you can (and should) always ask for support or clarification when you need it.
CSU Career Competencies
Employers are looking for these skills and abilities from CSU Rams.
⛰️ Leadership
💬 Verbal & Written Communication
📱 Digital Proficiency
🌱 Career Development
🌎 Global Context
🧠 Critical Thinking / Problem Solving
🏅 Personal Accountability
🪞 Self-Reflection
⚙️ Inclusive Teamwork
💡 Creativity
What is the process for getting selected for an internship?
The application and selection process for internships is often similar to the job search process. It is highly likely that you will need to submit a resume (and perhaps a cover letter) and go through an interview process (sometimes composed of multiple interview rounds) in your pursuit of an internship opportunity. Talking to recruiters at career events can give you an idea of the selection process with a particular company, and working with a career counselor can help you create strong application materials and prepare thoughtful interview responses!
Can I do more than one internship?
Absolutely! Doing multiple internships can not only help you build experience, but also help you discover what you do (and don’t) enjoy about a particular role, which work cultures are a good fit, which supervisory style best supports your growth, etc.
When planning for multiple internships, decide if you want the same internship with the same company (some organizations will hire students for repeat internships!), same type of internship with different companies*, different internships with the same company, or different internships with different companies (really compare and contrast your options!).
*Accounting students interested in working with a Big Four Firm should communicate with their recruiter/manager to assess if this is allowed or not.
When should I do an internship?
The summer between your junior and senior year is traditionally when most students complete an internship (public accounting students have a slightly different timeline!). There may be opportunities for you to do an internship earlier in your college career or during the fall and/or spring semesters.
When should I look for an internship?
Most companies start recruiting for interns in the fall for the following summer. Some companies and industries, like public accounting and investment banking, start recruiting much earlier, while others, like marketing and advertising, may recruit in later in the year, like during the spring semester.
How do I find an internship?
Thousands of internships can be found in Handshake. The COB Career Fair can also be a great event to attend if you’re on the hunt for an internship. Many students have also found success securing or creating their own opportunities!
Check out our companion resource
for more guidance on where and when to look for internship opportunities!
Do I have to do an internship to get a full-time job?
No, you do not have to complete an internship to be qualified for full-time jobs. While the majority of CSU business students do complete an internship, there are lots of ways you can be a standout applicant for post-grad employment—just be sure to be strategic about the opportunities you pursue during college!