Internship Search Strategies

Career Services

Oregon State University8 Kerr Administration Building

737-4085

osu.orst.edu/dept/career-services/

Program Objective

• Learn about types of internships

• Learn how to search for an internship– Expand your knowledge of resources– Help you clarify your goals and objectives– Review search tools

• Use some resources

Types of Internships

• Critical Components:– To gain career-related experience– To utilize and build upon existing knowledge

and skills

• Varied time commitment and duration• “Internship” title does not guarantee a

good experience• May also be referred to as Co-op

Purpose & Benefits: Students

• Active learning

• “Real-world” experience

• Test career fields and industries

• Make contacts

• May lead to other positions

• May receive wage or credits

Purpose & Benefits: Employer

• Additional staff member

• Short-term new hire

• Training and review of a potential employee

• Gain energy and new perspectives

• Give back to students, schools and community

Search Strategies and Resources

• Varying employer hiring timelines

• Multiple resources– Directories– Postings (paper and electronic)– On-Campus Recruiting– Referrals

• Consider local organizations

• Take the initiative and research!

Search Tools

• Resume– Contact sheet with summary of

experiences

• Cover Letter– Identifies your goals and highlights or skills

• Interviewing Skills– Prepared and adaptable– Professional and thoughtful

Tips for Success• “What do you want to gain from an internship

experience?”• Internship Learning Agreement Form

– /osu.orst.edu/dept/career-services/intern/– Share expectations & goals with

employer/advisor• Request mid-term and final-term feedback and

evaluation• Ask for what you want!