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Internships 101


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Introduction to Career Experiences
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Maintaining a Work_Life Balance

 
 

Internships 101

Internships are an excellent way to explore pathways, meet people in your field of interest, and make choices about the kind of career you want. Plus, internships are career catalysts. Internship experience can help you land a full-time role after graduation. Employers seek out candidates with tangible work experience and relevant skills.

 

How do I find an internship?

There are a variety of tools and strategies to help you land the right opportunity. There is no right number of internships to apply to. Cast the net far and wide and apply to multiple internships that interest you. Here are the basics of finding - and landing - an internship.

What is your major? What fields interest you most? What would be your dream job? Make a list of the types of experience you’d like to gain, the types of companies (or actual companies) you’d like to work for. Don’t be afraid to cast a wide net. Targeting one or more job types within a field is a great way to optimize your opportunities.

There are a variety of online tools and resources to help you land the right opportunity. Don't forget to check out DePaul's quarterly career fairs, too. Employers come to campus with available job and internship opportunities!

Handshake

Explore thousands of job and internship opportunities from employers looking to hire DePaul students and alumni.

Explore Handshake

Industry-Specific Job Boards

These online boards can be helpful especially if you are looking to land an internship in a specific industry or career field.

Find a Job Board

Professional Organization Websites

The mission of these organizations is to further the advancement of a particular profession and its workers.

Find an Organization

Job Alerts on Indeed

Indeed is a free service allowing you to upload a resume, create job alert emails, search open positions and apply directly.

Set Up Job Alerts

LinkedIn Job Board

Find job and internship opportunities tailored to fit the skills and experience included in your LinkedIn profile.

Explore Openings

Networking Opportunities

Connect with professionals who can share knowledge and opportunities to further your career.

Learn More
Connect with professionals in your areas of interest, family members, friends and others to seek advice and thoughts on potential internships. DePaul’s Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK) Network is an excellent source for insights and information.
Create or polish your resume, LinkedIn profile and personal brand statement, along with a cover letter.
It’s beneficial to apply to any and all positions that seem interesting and in line with your career direction. Most internships are highly competitive—some with hundreds of applicants—so playing the numbers maximizes your chances of success.
Once you get interviews scheduled, do your homework to familiarize yourself with the company and position. This will help you prepare for likely questions, develop a few of your own, and make a great impression.
Follow up with a thank-you note/email immediately after every interview.

When is the best time to intern?

Do an internship any time you can get one. Be sure to factor in academic load, specific career goals, industries that interest you and whether you can financially accept both paid and unpaid opportunities. Most companies offer internships year-round while some only offer summer sessions. Do your research and plan accordingly!

Earning Academic Credit

Fulfill your Experiential Learning requirement

Career and Life Design has practical, 4-credit courses that will help you make the most of your internship and fulfill DePaul's experiential learning requirement. 

2-credit Internship Search Course

Want an internship, but are not sure where to start? Check out CLD 215: Launch Your Search: Job & Internship Search Strategies. This 2-credit course helps you design a customized search strategy that will position you for success in landing your dream job or internship!

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