Job experience, networking, academic insight and professional understanding are but a few of the many benefits that an internship can provide to students during their undergraduate careers. However, the questions you might be asking are: what exactly is an internship and how can I find one?
What is an internship?
An internship can be any experience in which the employer has created a professional learning environment, for students or recent graduates, that allows the student to engage in meaningful learning experiences while assisting the employer with the completion of on-going or one time projects. Sometimes an internship is developed from a volunteer program and can be a paid or unpaid experience depending on the employer’s mission and internship duties. Internships can be credit or non-credit bearing, a decision that is based on the employer’s requirements and the student’s schedule. Visit the Hendrix Internship link to find out more about the Hendrix College credit bearing internship program.
How do I find an internship?
The process of finding an internship is competitive and similar to that of a job search. We recommend that your search include the following resources and steps. (Contacting Career Services for an individual appointment can assist you with all of the following steps!)
- Prepare
Create a resume, cover letter and references.
- Target Internship Sites
Use career services library, internship database, staff, and web site to help locate facilities that might help you achieve your goals. READ JobLine! Use faculty, staff, family and friends. Use the Alumni Sharing Knowledge Program at www.hendrix.edu/ask.
- Contact
E-mail, call, visit and apply to opportunities.
- Follow-up
After contacting employers, make sure you follow up with thank you notes and additional contact.
Because these opportunities are competitive, you may need assistance with preparing your materials or interviewing. Contact Career Services at 501-450-1440 or careerservices@hendrix.edu if you need assistance with any of these steps.