In today’s job market, internships are almost as important as your college degree itself. This is especially true for those planning to enter business, government, ministry, journalism or the social service professions. Look for an Internship offering substantial work.
When it comes time to seek a career job, your internship will look a lot better if it involves a specific project or program. You will want to show what you did — and hopefully, did well.
What is an Internship?
A practical experience related to a career area of interest allows you to apply classroom knowledge to the world of work. Practical experience can look different depending on your major or field of study. Sometimes this means being a Research Assistant, working a part-time job that directly relates to your field, or applying for an established internship program. An internship should lead to you expanding your knowledge and skills, exploring career possibilities, and connecting with professionals in your industry. Research from The National Association of Colleges and Employers found that students who did multiple internships had more success securing a job or placement in graduate school than their counterparts. What does this tell us? Getting experience is a pivotal part of your Corban experience!
Where have Warriors Interned?
Here are a list of locations where Corban students have found internships in the past.
The Resume Shop
Be sure you make the right first impression on any potential new employers by creating or revising your resume and cover letter with the help of our Résumé and Cover Letter Packet.
Internship Tips
If the job isn’t good, ask for a new assignment.
Once on an internship, you can evaluate its value. If you discover that you are not acquiring useful experience, ask as tactfully as possible if you may transfer to another area.
Volunteer for additional assignments.
Try to get the broadest range of experience possible. If a new job develops, and you think you can handle it, ask if you may transfer. You should be ready to shoulder more responsibility and to do more work.
How close to top professionals will you work?
The best internships usually offer the chance to work closely with a leader in your field of choice – someone who will take an interest in what you do, give you real work assignments, and be around after the program to offer career advice or assistance.
Avoid short-term Internships.
Internships lasting only a few weeks, or part-time for only a few hours a week during school term, are not likely to give you the kind of experience which comes with a full-time job over a period of months.
Is long-term employment a possibility?
Many employers use internships as a screening device – hoping to identify men and women who have the skills and attitudes they want in career employees. They may offer career jobs to their best interns.
Pay is important but not the main goal.
If the internship pays a salary, great! Don’t accept a poor internship just because it carries a stipend (cash payment). Consider pay as just one of the things to be evaluated when weighing alternatives.
Look for an academic credit option.
Corban offers many internships and observation courses to match up with your chosen career, giving you credits. Receiving these credits will require some additional work in the way of reports and reviews. Remember, the best time to arrange for credit is before you actually start the internship.
Research industries, companies, and job functions
Target Industries/Jobs that sound interesting
- Learn How To Become — This is a resource that gives concise overviews of different jobs and industries. A great place to begin exploring possibilities.
- Onetonline.org —This is a resource to help you search by skill sets to find different job titles you may potentially be interested in.
- Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) – Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Research Companies — Before you dive into your internship search, consider what type of company you want to gain experience at. Research companies or organizations that interest you. Once you have a list of companies begin networking with their employees.Research Companies — Before you dive into your internship search, consider what type of company you want to gain experience at. Research companies or organizations that interest you. Once you have a list of companies begin networking with their employees.
Apply to internship postings & track where you connect
- Internship Search Sites — There are both general internship search sites as well as niche or industry specific websites. We recommend you begin with Handshake, Corban’s online jobs board. Employers specifically choose to allow Corban students to view their postings. Furthermore, you know they are looking for someone pursuing a higher education degree. This could give your application preferential treatment.
- Handshake — Specific to Corban students
- LinkedIn — Has a job/internship search platform component
- Internships.com — general internship search
- Work in Sports — sports
- Idealist — Nonprofit
- MediaBistro — Creative industries
- Stay Organized — Find a system that allows you to track who you speak with, when you apply for internships, and next steps to take (follow up emails, thank you notes, etc.)