When Should I Do an Internship and How Many Should I Do?

While many internships are only open to juniors and seniors, this is not always the case. My advice is to start working an internship as early as possible, even during your freshman year, if possible.

An internship is really just work in your field with a little more guidance and patience on the part of the employer, so if you need to work, I recommend getting a job or internship in your field as soon as possible. Making the jump from service positions that may pay well to a career position will be difficult. Why not start working in your field as soon as you can?

Remember, it’s not likely that you can start at the top when you are a college freshman, but if you know where you want to work and what you want to do, see if you can find an opening in a lower position to get your foot in the door with the organization you would like to work for. For example, you may want to be a lawyer, but can you get started by simply working in a law office? Even work as a receptionist or in the mail room will put you in the environment you are seeking and enable you to make the contacts you will need to eventually get the internship you are seeking.

How Long Do Internships Last?

Typically, internships are offered for the summer, or for the fall or spring semester. Start searching for your next internship early, as openings are usually published the season prior to the start of the internship: summer and fall openings can be posted as early as January, and spring openings can be posted as early as August.

If you like your internship, your employer may decide to extend it into the next season. Only if you love your internship and feel sure that it will lead to employment after graduation should you extend it. Otherwise, continue to build your experience by moving on to another internship. Further, your experiences will build upon one another, so while you may start out with a decent internship, chances are your internship experience will enable you to land an even better internship the second time around.

How Do I Find an Internship?

Internships are posted just like jobs on many job search websites including LinkedIn and Indeed.com. Additionally, your university’s career services is available to assist students with locating internships, and internships are posted on Handshake, a platform specifically for college students and recent college graduates looking for internships and employment opportunities.

If there is a specific company you would like to intern with, see if they have listings posted on their website or get in touch with them directly through LinkedIn, email, or a phone call to ask about internship opportunities.

Why would I Consider an Unpaid or Underpaid Internship?

Most students are not in a position to take an unpaid internship, and most employers have moved to paid internships. However, there are still companies and organizations that offer unpaid internships, and many of these do lead to future employment opportunities. Think carefully before turning down an internship that is not paid. Consider if the long-term benefits may outweigh the time and commitment necessary to complete the internship.