By Brooke Schultz
Student Life Writer
There’s always that age-old tale that college being overwhelming, but taking on an internship at the same time like another burden, especially if you don’t know where to start.
The Career Development’s website offers students plenty of advice when it comes to getting started, finding possible internships that fit students’ interests and resources for applying. There are hundreds of opportunities throughout the fall, spring, and summer that students can capitalize on.
Director of the Center for Career Development Jim Allison and Career Counselor and Associate Director for the Center for Career Development Vicky Sawyer, mentioned a few upcoming internships that students can apply to.
National Security Scholars (NSSP)
Students will be able to work with Homeland Security partners like Booz Allen Hamilton, Lockheed Martin, and The National Security Agency.
Academy Art Museum
Students will learn about the operations of the museum in Easton and attend galleries and events. Students can select from several different opportunities such as exhibit design and mounting, fund raising and event planning, currating, and art education.
Children’s National Hospital
The internship will be held in Washington, D.C., and students will spend two months working on research projects with physicians, scientists, and bio-engineers.
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
With positions available in the Washington, D.C. area, students will work with the agency on geospatial intelligence (GEOINT). The agency provides both combat and intelligence support.
U.S. Department of State Student/Internship Program
Students will learn in a foreign affairs environment and can work in U.S. embassies and consulates around the world. Students will also have the opportunity to work in one of several bureaus in Washington, D.C.
Publishing at Prestwick House
Interns will work on Prestwick projects, learning about writing, editing, proofreading and marketing in their office location in Smyrna, Del.
Allison said, “The key is to locate at least five to 10 and start applying early. Also, it makes very good sense to meet with one of us or Assistant Dean for Academic Initiatives Dr. Andrea Lange.”
The Career Development website also offers a page of recommended signature internships. The organizations within this category may give special consideration to applicants and sometimes funding. Some internships include: Health Integrity Inc., Maryland Department of Transportation Internships, Office of Naval Intelligence, and Comegys Bight Summer Fellowship Program.
If students are concerned with location or money, Allison said, “The College does supply funding to support internships to qualified applicants. We want to encourage more students to complete internships.”
The Career Center also maintains an On Campus/Local Job Board that displays opportunities on or near campus that students can apply for. There are several openings currently posted to the site, which include: art department intern, philanthropy intern, and alumni chapter events intern.
Sawyer said that students can also use Internships.com to access websites of organizations that interest them. “They will find internship postings embedded in headings such as jobs, employment, careers, opportunities, etc.,” she said.
Internships have plenty of benefits for students as they continue onward. Allison said, “[Internships] build up your resume, get jobs offers, develop skills, earn credentials, network, learn what you do and do not enjoy doing for work.” 68 percent of students completing an internship are offered full time jobs too.
If students aren’t sure where to start, there’s a section on the Career Center’s website called, “What can I do with my Major?” Each major is broken down into pages of opportunities for a variety of interests.
The Career Development site also offers firsthand stories from students who have completed internships, detailing their experiences both abroad and local,
Besides looking through the Career Center’s website, you can make an appointment at their office, next to Goldstein Hall in what used to be the Larrabee Center. They are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will also be a Career Expo on Oct. 23 to give students the opportunity to learn about internship/job options and network.
“Internships are not required. However, they are a very valuable part of your professional and personal development. We strongly encourage completing at least one,” Allison said.