Understanding What an Internship Really Is
An internship is a temporary work opportunity provided by companies or organizations, typically aimed at students or early-career individuals. It offers hands-on exposure to a specific industry or role, blending education with practical work. The goal is for interns to gain insight into the field, work on relevant projects, build useful skills, and make connections that might help them in their careers. In some cases, internships can even lead to full-time job offers.
Summer internships often run for about 10 to 12 weeks, usually involving a 40-hour workweek. Fall and spring internships are generally part-time, with schedules that can vary. Some internships come with a paycheck, while others do not. We’ll delve into the payment aspect shortly.
Why Internships Matter
Internships allow participants to work alongside professionals and observe what an entry-level position in the industry might involve. It’s an opportunity to gain real-world experience and begin forming a professional network that can be valuable in the future. Another important but less obvious benefit is discovering what roles or industries may not be the right fit. Job hunting can feel overwhelming, and internships provide a low-risk way to explore different career paths. You may discover a passion—or rule out something that isn’t for you.
With internships becoming more common, employers increasingly expect to see them listed on resumes. Candidates with internship experience are generally more competitive than those whose experience is limited to academic coursework. These positions offer a platform to apply skills in a professional setting, showing potential employers that you’re capable of handling real job responsibilities.
Internships also serve as a recruitment strategy for companies. Many employers view internships as an extended interview or a form of training, allowing them to evaluate potential full-time hires. As a result, some students secure job offers before their final year of college even begins, easing the pressure of post-graduation job hunting.
In essence, internships are a key step toward identifying a suitable career path and securing that first full-time role.
Are Interns Paid?
The compensation for interns varies significantly across industries. Fields like tech and finance tend to offer higher pay, while areas like journalism, fashion, and nonprofit work often offer little to no pay. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), a growing number of students—over half of graduating seniors in 2017—had paid internships, with undergraduates earning an average of $18.50 per hour. Graduate students, particularly those at the doctoral level, earned even more.
Because interns are not full-time employees, they usually don’t receive benefits like health insurance. However, some companies offer perks such as social events, a few vacation days, or even housing and relocation support, depending on the organization’s size and budget.
Now, about unpaid internships: although the general consensus is that people should be compensated for their labor—and U.S. labor laws typically support that stance—unpaid internships still exist. Legally, they are allowed if they function primarily as educational experiences rather than work. The U.S. Department of Labor uses a seven-point test to determine whether an unpaid internship at a for-profit company is lawful. For nonprofits and government agencies, unpaid internships are usually legal as long as the intern volunteers without expecting compensation.
However, the legality doesn’t always align with ethical practice. Some organizations—both for-profit and nonprofit—offer unpaid internships that stretch or cross legal boundaries. Certain industries are infamous for not paying interns, yet still require internship experience for entry-level roles. This system puts students from lower-income backgrounds at a disadvantage, as they might not be able to afford to work for free, thereby limiting their access to crucial early career experiences.
If you’re passionate about a field where unpaid internships are common, but you can’t afford to work without pay, don’t lose hope. Start by checking with your university’s career center or academic departments. Many schools offer grants or financial support for students taking unpaid internships. External funding is available too. For example, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship helps financially limited undergraduates with internships or studies abroad. Organizations like the Association for Women in Sports Media also offer paid placements and scholarships to help cover expenses.
Though it may take some effort to find the right funding source, seeking financial support for an unpaid internship can make it more accessible—and ultimately worthwhile.
How to Find an Internship
There are several ways to search for internships. If you’re a student, begin with your university’s career services. They often host job fairs, organize on-campus recruiting events, and maintain job boards featuring employers actively looking for students from your school. These resources are tailored to your academic background and are a great place to begin.
Online platforms are another powerful tool. Websites like The Muse post both job and internship listings, along with company profiles to help you understand organizational cultures. To make your search more effective, narrow it down using specific keywords like “software engineering internship” or “marketing internship.” Although it might seem like casting a wide net is best, a focused search is often more manageable and productive.
Another effective strategy is to explore the websites of companies you admire. Even if you’re unsure about the exact role you want, reviewing internship opportunities at your favorite organizations can lead you in the right direction. If something looks promising, go ahead and apply—internships are designed to help you explore what you might want to do long-term.
Tips for Securing an Internship
Finding an internship is only half the battle—the other half is getting it. First, begin your search early. Larger companies often recruit for summer internships in the fall, sometimes nearly a year in advance. If your school hosts a fall career fair, that’s a great time to start. Smaller businesses may hire closer to the start date, but it’s still best to begin researching opportunities a semester ahead of time.
Next, take the time to polish your resume and write a compelling cover letter. Even if you think you lack experience, remember that relevant school projects, extracurriculars, volunteering, or hackathons can all count. Present them in a way that demonstrates your skills and enthusiasm.
When you land an interview, don’t assume it’s just a casual conversation. Prepare by reviewing common questions, researching the company’s mission and values, and understanding their current projects. If you know who’s interviewing you, look them up on LinkedIn or the company site. Come prepared with insightful questions that show your interest and initiative.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Let your professors, alumni, and career center staff know what kind of internship you’re seeking. They can’t support you if they don’t know your goals. Instead of asking outright for a job, seek advice and guidance—they may connect you to valuable opportunities or mentors along the way.
