Not all learning takes place in a classroom. Students often pursue internship opportunities to complement their formal education with experiential education. There are many avenues to pursue when looking for an internship. It’s ideal to use several approaches at once, such as by looking online and using your college’s resources, when applying for internships.

Grand Canyon University encourages our students to expand their career preparation beyond the classroom through internship roles that align with their passion and purpose. Our Career Services department assists students in identifying and applying to internships. Before applying, take a closer look at why internships can be helpful and explore actionable strategies for finding and applying to opportunities.

An internship is a temporary period of work that provides experiential learning opportunities for students. Through internships, students can apply what they have learned in the classroom, gain insight into workplace expectations and begin building experience for their future careers.

What Is Experiential Learning?
Experiential learning is the process of developing knowledge and skills through hands-on experiences. For interns, this means applying classroom concepts in a professional setting, gaining practical experience and learning directly from workplace projects and mentorship. 

Watch the video below to learn more about experiential learning and how it can support students’ academic and professional development.

High school and college students alike may apply to internships. Internships typically last for a limited duration, such as for the length of a summer vacation. 

Students will typically pursue internships in their field or area of interest to gain hands-on work experience. Internships also provide an inside look at the career field, enabling students to make a final decision as to whether they wish to pursue a career in that direction. According to Indeed, other benefits of working at one or more internships during your college years include:^{(See disclaimer 1)}

• Networking: Interns can begin developing a professional network during their work experience. In some cases, interns who make a good first impression around the office may later interview for a job at that company.
• Resume building: Work experience can provide a competitive edge for new graduates who are starting to apply to jobs. As a former intern, you can list the hard and soft skills you developed in the workplace and discuss the impact you made.
• Professionalism: The transition from academics to the workplace can be challenging for some students. Working an internship enables students to develop a first-hand understanding of corporate culture, work expectations and how to interact with co-workers and supervisors in a professional manner.
• Mentorship: During an internship, students may have opportunities to connect with a mentor in the field, who can provide personalized guidance on career pathways and professional growth.

These are just a few of the compelling reasons to work an internship in college. You’ll also be able to work on skills development and benefit from feedback on areas that need improvement.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

When considering how to find an internship as a college student, it’s ideal to first investigate the resources available to you at your school. Many universities have a Career Services department or a similarly titled department. These departments often offer assistance to students who are looking for internships and jobs, and they may be able to connect you to some opportunities aligned with your field of study and interests.

You can also approach your professors during office hours to inquire about internships. They may be able to connect you to their contacts in the field. Additionally, consider exploring your school’s alumni network, if available, and attend campus events such as career fairs.

You can also check digital job platforms for internship opportunities for college students. There are many to choose from, including Indeed, Handshake and LinkedIn.

It’s ideal to find an internship that aligns with your field of study and career goals. You’ll be able to gain work experience that is relevant to your intended future career, whether it’s an internship in engineering or writing.

To find an internship based on your major, start by researching the organizations in your area that are in the field and industry you’re interested in. Check to see if any of them are hiring interns and reach out to their human resources department to discuss your interest in their organization. You can also check job boards by adjusting the filters to search for internships in your industry of interest.

The purpose of an internship is to gain work experience when you don’t yet have any or when you have only minimal, irrelevant work experience. Internships are typically designed for students or recent graduates with little to no work experience.

If you're having trouble securing an internship, consider focusing on your portfolio, if applicable, for your career field. Some students begin developing a portfolio of projects during their college years, which they may use to demonstrate their skills and expertise during a job search. Bringing a portfolio to your internship interview may help.

LinkedIn is one avenue for searching for internships, but this website isn’t just a job board. It’s also a professional networking website with functional capabilities similar to a social media website.

For example, you can create a profile that lists your education (including current degree program), projects, skills and other accomplishments. You can begin building connections on the platform, such as by connecting to fellow students and professors. Later, during your internship, you can connect to professionals around the office.

Creating a polished, professional-looking profile on LinkedIn may support your search for an internship. When you apply to internships on LinkedIn, the hiring manager may view your profile when deciding whether to extend an interview invitation. Even when applying to internships on other job boards or via company websites, your LinkedIn profile URL may be requested.

If you have an adventurous spirit and would love to immerse yourself in a new culture, consider looking for internships abroad. Your first step is to check in with your university’s student resources personnel. The Career Services and/or Study Abroad offices may be able to put their connections to work on your behalf.

You can also check job boards tailored specifically for students interested in international opportunities. These include GoAbroad and GoOverseas. 

Students often look for internships within commuting distance of their campus or permanent home. If you’re planning on a temporary relocation for your internship, however, you’ll need to secure housing.

Some schools offer summer housing to interns who are temporarily relocating. You can also check websites dedicated to connecting interns with temporary housing, such as InternHousing.com and Found Study. 

After identifying an ideal opportunity for you, read the job description carefully. Be sure that you understand what they’re looking for. Then, tailor your resume and develop a cover letter that aligns with the company’s expectations and conveys your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Then, read the job description again. Check whether you are required to submit anything else as part of your application, such as a letter of recommendation from a professor. Before submitting your application, proofread it carefully.

To make your application as appealing as possible to the hiring manager, follow these tips:

• Edit and proofread your resume and cover letter carefully.
• Ask your university's Career Services department to review your resume and cover letter and offer guidance on improving them.
• Clean up your social media profiles. Your digital presence should be polished and professional.
• Ensure that your LinkedIn profile highlights your skills in and enthusiasm for the field.

It’s also a good idea to avail yourself of mock interview practice, commonly offered by Career Services offices at universities.

After navigating the process of how to find an internship, you may find yourself with multiple internship offers. How can you choose the right role for you? Consider the following factors:

• Alignment: Which opportunity more closely aligns with your career goals and interests?
• Company: Which organization most appeals to you?
• Geographic location: Would you rather choose an internship closer to home?
• Brand: Some students may prefer to choose a well-known company over an obscure one.

Additionally, consider the work you’ll be doing. Which opportunity provides the most relevant hands-on work experience for your career interests, rather than generic office work?

GCU is invested in supporting the development and career-readiness of our students. GCU’s Career Services department can help students prepare to transition from academics to the workplace by connecting them to internships and job opportunities and providing mock interview practice. GCU students are invited to explore all the tools and resources available to them from our dedicated Career Services professionals.