Internships
From Classroom to Career: Your Internship Journey Starts Here
At the College of Arts and Letters, we understand the important role internships play in a student’s academic and professional journey. They provide hands-on experience, connect classroom learning to real-world settings, and help build a better future by developing the skills, confidence, and direction needed for success after college.
Think of an internship as your “laboratory” for the professional world. It is a targeted, short-term engagement where classroom theories meet industry challenges. Whether you are working remotely or on-site, you are building tangible proof of your expertise.
- It’s Educational: You aren't just an employee, you are a student in a new kind of classroom.
- It’s Flexible: Opportunities are available year-round (Fall, Spring, or Summer) and can be in-person, remote, part-time, or full-time.
- It’s Credential-Building: Whether paid or for academic credit, the goal is to gain hands- on experiences, master new skills and give your resume a competitive boost.
- Bridge the Gap: Apply classroom theory to complex, real-world challenges.
- Test-Drive Your Career: Explore different roles in your field before you graduate.
- Expand Your Circle: Build a professional network that opens doors to future employment.
- Boost Your Resume: Graduate with a portfolio of work that proves your value to employers.
Getting started is simpler than you think. Follow these steps to launch your internship journey.
- Explore Your Options: Don't wait for the perfect role to find you. Browse internship roles on Handshake, Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor or attend career fairs, to identify industries that match your major.
- Apply & Secure Your Role: Once you find a position of interest, it’s time to shine. Tailor your resume, write a compelling cover letter, and ace the interview.
- Choose Your Path: Credit or Experience? If you want your internship to count toward your degree, you may need to enroll in a specific internship course. Check with your academic advisor or the Internship Coordinator and Career Advisor ([email protected]) to see if your position qualifies for academic credit and to get more information.
- Maximize your Impact: Complete your internship hours, tackle real world projects and grow your professional network. Remember to document your achievements and new skills gained, these will become the powerful bullet points on your resume when you graduate.
Tip: Visit the internship/career resource page for career readiness support!
Student Success Stories
Hear how internships helped students grow professionally and personally.
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If you need help...
Not sure where you fit or where to start? That’s okay. We are here to help you move forward from wherever you are in your internship journey. Contact Martha Abeyta, Internship Coordinator & Career Advisor at [email protected].
Student Insights
During my internship at Bartell and Kwiatkowski in San Diego, a Government and Public Relations Firm, I was primarily tasked with advocating for Ryan's Law (CA SB-311) nationwide to expand compassionate care policy for terminally ill patients. This internship reaffirmed my passion for advocating for human rights, autonomy, dignity, and a testament to the power in policy change and its real impact on people's lives.
Karen Sawouq, Political Science and Psychology
