Internships

The Benefits of Internships For Students:

• Opportunity to identify and clarify career direction
• Develop skills important to career readiness
• Gain first-hand experience in the workplace

(Source: NACE Journal, November 2020)

What Is An Internship?

An internship is a temporary position in which you gain experience in a particular field or job function under the guidance of an employer. It can be paid or unpaid, during an academic semester or summer, and can range anywhere from a few weeks to a year. It is never too early and never too late to participate in an internship and benefit from work experience while also playing an important role in the functioning of organizations in the real world.

Internship Search Process:

1.) Use Handshake online platform.

• Create or access your LSU New Orleans Student Handshake account.
• You will be able to log in with your LSU New Orleans credentials (username/password).
• Complete your profile and upload your resume.
• Search for internships, according to your interests.
• Develop list of internships and review the requirements.

2.) Use LinkedIn online platform.

• Create a LinkedIn account.
• Search for internships that interest you.
• Build your network by connecting and reaching out directly to an internship recruiter.

3.) Network.

• Networking is an opportunity to build your network of professional contacts and learn about careers.
• Alumni can provide first-hand experience related to the work in your fields of interest and point you to useful resources to help you gather more information on organizations and internship opportunities.
• Participate in job and career fairs and attend employer information sessions throughout the year during which you may engage with employers regarding available internships. 
• Be proactive and reach out to an employer that you are interested in working with. Introduce yourself to that employer and ask about any internship opportunities they may have available.

Reviewing Internship Options:

Once you have identified a list of internships that interest you, review each internship itself, what it offers you, and how it fits with your goals. Consider the following questions: 

• Is this internship available during an academic semester or during the summer?
• What are the internship roles and expectations?
• Will location be an issue for me, and is the internship available remotely?
• How long is the internship?
• If it applies to me, will this internship count toward course credit?

Sample Steps For Applying For Internships:

Once you have determined which internships fit with your goals, you may follow these steps to apply for the internships, however, keep in mind that not all internships require all of these steps:

• Follow internship application instructions (pay attention to deadlines).
• Create a well-written resume related to the specific internship (Visit the Career Services office if you need assistance).
• Create a cover letter, if required as part of the application (Visit the Career Services office if you need assistance).
• Request current, official transcripts, if required as part of the application.
• Request three letters of recommendation related to your scholastic/work ability, if required as part of the application.
• Have your internship application reviewed.
• Submit your internship application. Contact the employer once you submit your application. Let the employer know just how   interested you are in the internships opportunity. Be responsive to any interview requests or requests for further   documents/information in a timely manner. Send adequate "Thank You" cards or emails.

Have Questions About Internships?

Contact Sergio Cuevas, Assistant Director, Career Services at [email protected].