►Step one: Consult the vast and extensive online categorized internship listings in the drop-down box above. Carefully read the information provided to determine which internships suit your needs relating to geographic location of the internship, the nature of the work, etc. Remember, the search for an internship requires the same research skills and patience for sorting through information that are required for academic assignments in your classes. Also note the application procedures, which will probably require a resume, cover letter, and interview. If you need assistance with the resume and cover letter, carefully examine the samples and “how-to” tutorials on the Resume Toolbox and Cover Letter Toolbox, and pattern your resume and cover letter after the samples and advice on the respective toolboxes. If you need further assistance, work up a rough draft of the resume and cover letter, and then schedule an appointment at the CHD for a resume/cover letter critiquing.

►Step two: If you don’t find internships among the online categorized internship listings that suit your needs, you are encouraged to reach out directly to businesses and organizations to inquire about the possibility of an internship. Use Google to key-word search organizations that interest you. And you are also encouraged to consult with a CHD career counselor and faculty in your department to explore internship possibilities. Look to these samples (Intern Query A, Intern Query B, and Intern Query C) to see what you might write in an e-mail message to a potential internship site supervisor. And, be sure to attach your resume to the e-mail message so the potential internship site supervisor can assess your skill set and viability for an internship. Make sure you title your resume Word file in this manner: “Jack.Johnson.resume.doc” rather than just “Resume.doc” so your attachment is easy to find. (Your potential internship site supervisor may be receiving many resume attachments titled "Resume.doc," which will make it difficult for him/her to find yours if you similarly title the resume. And you might consider this subject line as a template for your e-mail message: “UMF Psychology major seeks child counseling internship.”

►Step three: You are encouraged to apply for multiple internships to maximize your chances of getting an internship. And, be flexible in establishing your selection criteria. The more rigid you are in clinging to the notion of the “perfect” internship, the fewer options you will have.

►Step four: If you are seeking academic credit for your internship, make sure you get a written, specific job description that outlines the work you will do and skills you will learn. Your faculty advisor will need to see this job description in order to determine whether or not the internship will be credit-worthy. Remember, if you are seeking academic credit for your internship, you must obtain faculty approval and register for the credit (through the Registrar’s Office) BEFORE you begin the internship. No academic credit will be awarded for internships that have already been completed.

►The Career Counselor’s Role: A CHD career counselor can offer you suggestions for what internships are available, where you could look for internships, and how you can apply for internships. A career counselor can advise you on how to prepare your resume and cover letter that probably will be required for the application process, and how to prepare for the interview that also probably will be required. However, a CHD career counselor cannot “place” you with companies/organizations or guarantee you an internship with a company/organization. You must apply for internship opportunities much the same way you would apply for a job. The search for an internship requires the same research skills and patience for sorting through information that are required for academic assignments in your classes. It is up to the company/organization to determine whether or not you are qualified for the internship and will be hired as an intern. Housing and transportation needs associated with the internship are your responsibility.

Don't hesitate to meet with a career counselor for advice on the search and application process.
Call the CHD at 207-778-7034 to schedule an appointment.