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When should I pursue an internship?

Students typically pursue their first internship at the end of their sophomore year, but it’s never too early or too late to do an internship! Internships are available year round and around 70% of internships in Colorado are paid. You can do multiple internships throughout your college career. Make an appointment with a career advisor to map out your college timeline and find a place that would make sense to pursue an internship.

How do I pursue an internship?

Begin your internship journey by exploring opportunities on . Take advantage of resources like Quinncia, attend workshops or schedule an appointment with a career advisor to refine your resume. Visit our cover letters page for guidance on crafting an impactful cover letter that captures employers' attention. Watch out for scams and invest time in interview preparation. Persistence is key–continue applying until you secure an internship. If you're interested in pursuing an internship for credit, consult with your academic advisor for guidance.

How can I handle doing an internship, school and having a part-time job?

Navigating the demands of an internship, school and a part-time job can indeed be challenging. However, there are effective strategies to strike a balance. Explore paid internship opportunities such as CU PIIE, consider undertaking internships during the summer break, or seek guidance from a career advisor to formulate a strategic plan for managing your career alongside your academic commitments.

What’s a career fair?

A career fair is an event where employers and potential employees come together to network, discuss job opportunities, and explore potential career paths. These events typically feature booths or tables where employers set up to share information about their companies and job openings. Job seekers, often students or recent graduates, attend to learn about different industries, make connections, and submit resumes.

How should I dress for a career fair?

Professional attire expectations are changing. Wear what you feel comfortable in and dress for the job you want.

How do I prepare for a career fair?

See this page on how to prepare for a career fair, and tips on accessibility before, during, and after a career fair.

What counts as experience?

There is a common misconception that only paid or internship experience is considered valid on a resume. However, the reality is that any experience you've accumulated, such as part-time jobs, class projects, hobbies, extracurricular activities, involvement in Greek organizations, freelancing, community support, volunteering, and more, can all be deemed valuable. These diverse experiences contribute to the skills you've developed, making them transferable to various jobs. It's essential to recognize the breadth of experiences that can be highlighted on your resume, showcasing a well-rounded skill set beyond just traditional employment.

What is an internship?

An internship is a temporary position within a company or organization that provides practical work experience for individuals, often students or recent graduates. Internships are typically short-term and are designed to give participants the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a specific field or industry, apply their academic knowledge to real-world situations, and develop relevant skills.

Internships can be paid or unpaid, and they may be part-time or full-time. The duration of an internship can vary, but it is generally a finite period, ranging from a few weeks to several months. The goal of an internship is to give participants exposure to the professional working environment, foster the development of practical skills, and provide networking opportunities that can be beneficial for their future careers.

Interns often work under the supervision of experienced professionals and may be assigned various tasks and projects to help them learn and contribute to the organization's goals. Successful internships can enhance a person's resume, provide valuable industry connections and increase the likelihood of securing a full-time job in the future.

How to know if an employer is a good fit for me?

While it may be difficult to determine how truly supportive any organization is, proactively exploring some key indicators can give you a sense of their espoused values:

• Does their website state a commitment to diversity and non-discrimination?
• Using LinkedIn or the company’s employee directory, can you see if there is racial/ethnic diversity amongst their employees, senior management and board of directors?
• How do others review the company on Glassdoor?
• How do recruiters and employees respond when asked about diversity, inclusion and social justice? Can they give you an example of ways the organization promotes diversity and/or combats discrimination?
• Does the organization actively recruit or collaborate with professional organizations to recruit diverse candidates?
• Are there in-house employee supports or social networks for different identities including professionals of color, LGBTQ+ folks and more?

Why do I need to network?

Networking is an essential tool for career advancement, particularly for members of historically marginalized communities such as people of color, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, undocumented folks, women, first-generation professionals or students, veterans or military members and many more.ÌýFor individuals who have not traditionally had access to the same resources, opportunities, or connections as others, building a robust professional network can serve as a powerful equalizer.

Networking provides a platform to share knowledge, gain mentorship, access hidden job markets, and build relationships that can transform systemic barriers into new pathways for opportunity and growth. By actively engaging in networking, you can tap into broader support systems, advocate for inclusive practices within industries, and create a ripple effect that uplifts not only individual careers but also the community as a whole. Thus, fostering connections and nurturing a diverse network is not just about individual success—it's about creating a more equitable professional landscape where everyone has the chance to thrive.

How do I find people to network with?

Consider starting with who you already know- friends, family friends, professors, supervisors, etc. can be a great place to start, especially since you already have a relationship with that person! See if there’s anyone your close network would be willing to introduce you to.

Next, identify ways to expand your network. This can be by pursuing an on or off campusÌý job or internship, by joining a club, sports team or Greek life, or by reaching out to alumni on (basically a LinkedIn for CU Boulder alumni) and requesting an informational interview!