Internships for Students
A Student's Guide to Finding Internships
The biggest obstacle to landing that first good job is lack of experience. One way to gain that all-important work experience is to serve as an intern. Competition is tough for acquiring an internship, but it is well worth the effort.
What is an internship?
An internship is an opportunity for a student to apply classroom learning to a real world work experience while gaining valuable skills. Typically internships are paid and require the intern to work a minimum of 10 weeks and at least 15-20 hours per week. Many internship opportunities last longer and require more hours. They may be for a summer or for the entire year. The internship employer typically works around the student's class schedule. Internships often lead to full-time offers.
Who can be an intern?
Internships come in all shapes and sizes. Finding the right “fit” is of utmost importance. Key to securing any internship is doing the research. The requirements for internships vary tremendously. Review the job description, qualifications and internship requirements. Research the company or organization to determine if it is right for you. If so, you are on the right track. You must do your homework.
Typically to qualify for most any internship a student must:
- Be a currently enrolled student in good standing with the college
- Possess the GPA required by the organization
- Provide a copy of your current transcripts
- Submit a resume, cover letter, and letter(s) of recommendation
- Complete an internship application and other essential documents
How do I get started?
There are hundreds of internship openings across the nation and beyond. Most of these opportunities are highly competitive and offer a variety of workplace experiences. Start early! You will need to narrow your search to the locations of choice, the opportunities of choice, and the requirements--especially deadlines. Knowing where and how to look is key. Student Employment Services has numerous resources available for your search. Additionally, various academic departments have internship opportunities built into their curricula. These include: clinicals, externships, cooperative education (co-op), practica and field studies. Check with your department to see what is available and if you are eligible.
Contact us
Student Employment Services
Airport Campus: Student Center
Suite 237, Room 244
803.790.7558
Beltline Campus: Student Center
Room 229
803.822.3321
Student Employment Services (SES) at Midlands Technical College (MTC) and all employers they represent are expected to abide by the Principles for Ethical Professional Practice published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
Internship Search Engines
Backdoor Jobs
Career Campus Center
College Recruiter
Cool Works
EntryPoint.org
Hispanic Colleges/Universities
Indeed.com
Inroads.org
InternWeb.com
LinkedIn
Monster.com
idealist.org
South Carolina Intern
Studentjobs.gov
Internship Companies
AT&T
Allstate
BMW – Greer
Bank of America
Carowinds Internship Program
Deloitte
Disney
ETV
Ernst & Young
General Electric
Intel
IT-ology
Internal Revenue Service
KPMG, LL P
Lockheed Martin
Lowes
Marriott
NASA
Nascar
Northwestern Mutual
SC Dept. of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
State Farm
U S Department of State
Walgreens
Apprenticeships
Other Resources
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