Find an Internship
Search with strategy. Apply with confidence.
| Platform | Why use it? | Pro-Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Handshake | Priority #1. The official SDSU platform where employers specifically hire students. | Don't just apply and wait. After submitting on Handshake, find the company’s ‘Hiring Manager’ or ‘Recruiter’ on LinkedIn and send a brief, professional note to express your interest. |
| LinkedIn & Indeed | Best for broad searches and setting up "Job Alerts" for your specific major and internship opportunities. | Follow companies you admire to see their "Life" pages and employee culture. |
| Glassdoor | Essential for checking company reviews, interview questions, and intern pay scales. | Research the "Interview" tab to see what questions previous candidates were asked. |
Professional roles often post months in advance. Use this guide to stay on track with estimated timelines:
| If you want to work in... | Start searching in... |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester | End of May – Early August |
| Spring Semester | September – December |
| Summer Semester | January – April |
Not sure what to type into search bars like Handshake or LinkedIn? Use these specialized keywords to find roles that value your specific field of study:
Creative, Media & Writing
- Majors: English, Rhetoric & Writing, Classics, Humanities, Art, Japanese, European Studies
- Keywords: "Content Strategy," "Technical Writer," "Copywriter," "Digital Archivist," "Publishing Assistant," "Creative Coordinator."
Public Service, Law & Advocacy
- Majors: PolSci, Philosophy, History, ISCOR, American Indian Studies, Africana Studies, Chicana/o Studies, Women’s Studies, LGBTQ+ Studies, Public Affairs
- Keywords: "Policy Researcher," "Legal Intern," "Legislative Assistant," "Victim Advocate," "Community Liaison," "Civil Rights Intern," "Government Relations."
Global Affairs, Languages & Translation
- Majors: Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian, Arabic, Brazilian Studies, Asian/Pacific Studies, International Business, Latin American Studies, Linguistics
- Keywords: "Bilingual Outreach," "Localization Specialist," "International Development," "Global Communications," "Translator," "Foreign Service Intern," "Cross-Cultural Consultant."
Human Behavior, Social Science & Research
- Majors: Sociology, Economics, Sustainability, Geography, Urban Studies, Anthropology, Study of Religion, Social Science, Food Studies, Student Affairs
- Keywords: "UX Researcher," "Sustainability Coordinator," "Urban Planning Intern," "Data Analyst," "Market Research," "Program Evaluator," "Environmental Consultant," "Social Impact Intern."
Technology, Ethics & Web Services
- Majors: Artificial Intelligence & Human Responsibility, Science Technology & Society (STS), College Web Services
- Keywords: "AI Ethics Researcher," "Tech Policy Intern," "User Experience (UX) Writing," "Digital Specialist," "Information Architect," "Emerging Tech Policy."
- Faculty Referrals: Discuss industry connections with your professors during office hours.
- Alumni Networking: Use the "Alumni" tab on the SDSU LinkedIn page to find CAL grads in your field.
- Career Fairs: Attend campus-wide mixers to meet recruiters face-to-face.
- Direct Outreach: Don't be afraid to send a personalized, professional email to an organization you admire to make a great first impression.
Curious where to start your search? We’ve curated an employer master list of over 30+ San Diego organizations that align with CAL majors.
Please Note: This is a Discovery List, not a list of formal partnerships. While many of these organizations have hired SDSU interns in the past, others are included because their industry and mission are a perfect match for the skills you are developing in the College of Arts & Letters.
How to use this list:
- Research: Click the links to explore the "Careers" or "About" pages of these local organizations.
- Verify: Check their current listings on their websites to see if they have active openings.
- Network: Use this list to identify companies for "Informational" or direct outreach.
Tip: Quality over Quantity. Sending 5 tailored, thoughtful applications is much more effective than sending 50 generic ones.
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].
