Internship experiences offer students the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of career fields through work experience at sponsoring organizations. Internships are available during the summer, fall, and spring semesters.

Answers to Common Questions

What is an Internship?

Internships are learning opportunities; they allow students to observe and participate in professional work environments and explore how their interests relate to possible careers. An internship provides a student with on-the-job experience and training, the chance to apply knowledge learned in the classroom, and opportunities to network and build relationships with professionals.

How do I begin looking for an internship?

Your career options are not limited by your major. However, coursework and other activities develop and inform interests, values, and skills. Review the Career Resources section to find out more about internships, resumes, interviewing, and industries. Visit us at the Center for Career Education for a walk-in appointment to develop your internship search plan, generate ideas about careers you would like to explore, and learn about all of the programs we offer to partner with you in your internship search.

Where can I find available internship opportunities?

There are many resources for students who are searching for internships. Internship resources through CCE include:

• ColumbiaTrak, our job listings database containing internships from companies across the country, and InterviewTrak, our on-campus recruiting system.
• CCE managed internships programs include Columbia Experience Overseas (Hong Kong and London), Encouraging Dynamic Global Entrepreneurs (Scotland and Guatemala), and New York-based Columbia Arts Experience and Summer Interns Living and Learning programs.
• Internships also are found through networking with Columbia peers, faculty and alumni and external sources. Review our calendar of events to learn about our many networking events and dates for our Power Half Hour workshops on Columbia Career Connections, our student-alumni networking database.

What should I expect from an internship?

Expect to gain a greater understanding of the organization and industry through direct participation in its mission through an internship, but don't be surprised if the internship also includes some degree of general office assistance. Successful interns demonstrate that they're team players and willing to contribute to an organization in any and all capacities. Interns are encouraged to remember that it's their responsibility to get the most out of the internship experience. Join us for one of our workshops on how to maximize your internship experience.

Can I get academic credit for my internship?

No. CU does not offer academic credit or course points for internships. If an internship requires students to obtain credit, "transcript credit" can be arranged through the advising centers. Please contact your academic advisor for details.

When should I start my internship search?

Internships are available part-time during the semester and full-time during the summer. Because the application processes for most internships are highly competitive, it is important to begin searching early, often in the semester in which you wish to work and in some cases in the prior semester or season. Many organizations, including some government agencies and media companies and virtually all financial services and consulting firms, conduct their recruiting well in advance of their start dates. Learn through us and through research about the hiring cycles for industries of interest to you.

If studying abroad, please see tipsheet on finding internships while studying abroad.

Are there internship opportunities for First and Second-year students?

First and second year students will find that many of the employers who are interviewing on campus are looking to hire third year students who have completed more coursework. It is important for students to consider sources beyond on-campus recruiting for internship positions, such as volunteer and community activities, research for professors, and part-time positions. Partner with us to identify and apply for opportunities throughout your time at Columbia.

Once I have the names of companies I'm interested in, what should I do?

Search company web sites or call their offices to identify contact information for the appropriate people to whom you should send your cover letters and resumes. Try to find peers or alumni who have interned or work at the companies to learn more about them. Once you’ve done your research, write a cover letter and resume tailored to each company. Attend our Power Half Hours on resumes and cover letters, internships, and Columbia Career Connections and visit us during walk-in hours to discuss your research and review your resumes and cover letters before you send them out.