Internship Success
Internships are an excellent opportunity for students to explore possible career options while getting "real world" experience during the college years. At the Career Development Center we can help students search for appropriate internships both locally and nationally.
A successful internship provides students an opportunity to:
- Explore possible careers -- find out if an industry or profession is really what you want to pursue.
- Develop work skills --learn about organizational structure and the details of the workplace.
- Polish communication skills -- work in a diverse environment and apply the communication skills you've learned in college in a professional atmosphere. Sharpen your writing, listening, and presentation skills.
- Build a resume --leave college with an education plus hands-on, practical experience that enhances your marketability.
There are several avenues a student can take to find an internship:
- Log-in to your EMPLOYOLA account and search the internship listings --all internship opportunities that come into the office are posted electronically. If you're registered with PackTRAK you will be notified via e-mail of interesting opportunities.
- Utilize the Career Resource Library -- The Career Development Center has a library available to all students with many titles on internships. Internships received by the Center are posted in the Career Resource Library as well as on-line. Do some homework.
- Utilize Internet searches -- research companies of interest. Many organizations have established college internship programs. If you're interested in a particular company, do some research. There are thousands of opportunities for students who seek them out. If you have difficulties finding internship information about a certain organization, let us know. We will be happy to assist you.
- Send out prospecting letters -- approach organizations of interest with a letter of inquiry. You'd be surprised how successful this method can be.
- Check with your department -- many Loyola departments and faculty members know of and/or post internship opportunities. You will also need to check with your department or advisor to find out about getting academic credit for your internship.
- Network -- ask around. Your friends, family and pretty much anyone you know can provide information on potential internships. Don't be afraid to ask.
Some internship tips:
- Start early & pay attention to deadlines -- don't wait until the end of spring semester to search for a summer internship. It may take you a while to secure an internship and many of the best programs have early deadlines. Also, most internship programs do not accept late or incomplete applications. Give your materials plenty of time to arrive. If possible follow-up to make sure everything got there OK.
- Seek help -- The staff at the Career Development Center can help a student with any of the steps in finding an internship.