Research Guides: High Impact Practices: Internships

What do you need to know about Internships?

The Career and Professional Development (CPD) department can assist with internships, career fairs, and networking opportunities.

Email them at cpd@tamuct.edu to partner on internships for coursework, independent study, or practicums. Check out the CPD FAQs for Faculty and Staff for more information.

How can Career and Professional Development help find internships?

They recommend that students:

Attend the Fall and Spring career fairs
Join Live Employer Spotlights throughout the semester
Create an account on HireWarriors (Handshake) for employment.
Follow CPD on social media to get real-time event updates
Check out the CPD Resource Library on Canvas

As noted by the Director of Career and Professional Development, internships help with:

Confidence Building: Successfully completing an internship can boost self-confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment. It shows students that they can thrive in a professional environment and contribute meaningfully to a team.

Exploration of Career Paths: Internships allow students to test the waters in a particular industry or job role. They can gain clarity on whether their chosen career path aligns with their interests and strengths or if an adjustment is necessary.

Industry Insights: Being part of a company or organization gives students a firsthand look at how things work in their chosen field. You'll gain insights into industry trends, best practices, and the overall functioning of the industry.

Networking: Internships provide a platform for students to connect with professionals in their industry. Building relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and mentors can lead to valuable contacts that might help to secure future job opportunities.

Potential Job Offers: Many internships serve as a pipeline for future full-time employment. If a student performs well during their internship, the organization may offer you a job upon graduation, saving you time and effort in the job search process.

Practical Experience: Internships provide students with the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge they have gained in the classroom to real-world situations. This hands-on experience is crucial for understanding how concepts are implemented in a professional setting.

Professional Development: Internships often include opportunities for professional development, such as workshops, seminars, and training sessions. These can help students build skills, stay updated on industry trends, and continue learning beyond the classroom.

References and Recommendations: A successful internship can lead to strong recommendations and references from internship supervisors or colleagues. These endorsements can be valuable when seeking employment in the future.

Résumé Differentiation: In a competitive job market, having internship experience can set students apart from other candidates who lack practical exposure. It can provide an edge when applying for entry-level positions.

Résumé Enhancement: Having relevant internship experience on their résumé can make students more attractive as candidates to potential employers. It demonstrates that the initiative has been taken to gain practical experience and become familiar with the demands of the industry.

Skill Development: Internships allow students to develop and refine a variety of skills, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork, time management, and adaptability. These skills are highly transferable and can be valuable in any career.

Understanding Company Culture: Internships provide insight into the culture of different companies or organizations. This can help students evaluate whether a particular workplace aligns with their values and work style.

Overall, internships offer a unique chance for students to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. They help students develop a well-rounded skill set, make informed career decisions, and position themselves for success in their chosen fields