How do I choose an internship or externship?

There are many factors you'll want to take into consideration when selecting a program, the most important being whether the position will give you the experience you are looking for. Be sure to ask career counselor to help you review potential positions to determine whether they are a good fit based upon your professional objectives. If getting experience to secure a job is not your goal, you may be thinking about internship or externship opportunities very differently. We encourage you to meet with a career counselor to help strategize which opportunities might help you best meet your objectives.

Regardless of whether or not you plan to get paid for your internship, here are some additional things to consider when selecting a position:

• Accessibility - can I get there?
• Hours - how do they fit with my other commitments?
• Responsibilities - do I have the skills to do the job and will I learn new things to move my career forward?
• Contacts - will I be able to expand my professional network?

A career counselor, your academic advisor, or faculty members working in the area in which you plan to pursue your internship or externship can help you begin answer these questions. Make an appointment by calling 888-221-9988 x.940.

Can I do an internship or externship even if I don't get paid?

Yes, not all internships and externships are paid. Many programs may not offer payment, but will offer the specific experience and hands-on training. Some businesses are not able to take on interns unless they are non-paid. Be certain to check this out directly with the internship or externship department or provider.

Are internships and externships paid?

Some are and some are not. Remember that the key to an internship or externship is that you come away with experience that will let you move your career forward.

Some employers may call positions "internships" when they are in fact entry level jobs and are compensated at entry level pay. When considering these opportunities, look beyond the pay and ask: "what will I learn?" If you believe you will learn new skills related to your career field of choice, as well as develop important professional contacts, this may be a good opportunity to pursue.

I don't have time to do an externship unless I can get paid - what can I do?

We realize that many LWPI students work AND attend classes making it a challenge to find time to do an externship especially if there is no pay attached.

The Career Development Center staff believes that getting experience is critical for making good career decisions and moving your career forward! In fact, many employers look first to hire graduates who have completed an intern or externship. If this is not a good time for you to do an intern or externship for which you won't be getting pay, maybe there are other ways you can get experience and develop skills a prospective employer will find attractive.

Ideas Include:

• Applying for the Paid Internship option on your application
• Volunteering in your community
• Finding a different job - perhaps one related to your career or where you can learn new skills

Submit your internship application or continue for more FAQs.