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Internships are valuable ways to experience the world of work firsthand. Start early.

Employers offer internship opportunities to give students exposure to their organization while also observing interns' capability for contributing to their objectives. There are many advantages to participating in internships for you and for the employer. Some companies offer very structured internships designed to lead to job opportunities; others are just willing to give you a chance to learn in a real-world environment.

• What is an internship?

  An internship is usually a one-time work or service experience related to your academic major or career goals. Internships generally involve students working in professional settings under the supervision of practicing professionals. They can be paid, for academic credit or no credit; and they can be part-time or full-time (typically part-time during the academic year but may be full-time during summer and winter breaks).
  
  Paid vs. Unpaid
  Internships are either paid or unpaid depending on the type, industry and size of a company. This is a factor to consider in your search. Being a paid intern is certainly more favorable, but the experience gained even in unpaid situations can be invaluable. Often times, unpaid internships can provide you with college credit, travel or meal stipends, although there is no guarantee of this. For more information, review the U.S. Department of Labor Fair Labor Standards Act on Internship Programs. And remember, whether paid or unpaid, an internship can be a valuable experience with numerous benefits.
  
  Credit vs. Non-credit

  Academic Credit Internships	Non-credit Internships
  Earn academic credit torward graduation	No academic credit earned
  Registration for internship class and tuition payment required	No registration or tuition required
  Requires approval from department's Faculty Internship Director; supervision and learning goal development provided	No approval required; no supervision or learning goal development provided by Faculty Internship Director
  Formal contract between student, Director and employee about responsibilities is established	No formal contract necessarily established
  Certain class level or number of credits required per department's guidelines	Students at any class level can apply
  A determined number of hours must be completed per department's guidelines	Hours are negotiable, not mandated by department
  Paid or unpaid	Paid or unpaid
  Benefits include earning credit towards degree, gaining professional experience, building network, increasing knowledge and skills, gaining better understanding of career goal	Benefits include gaining professional experience, building network, increasing knowledge and skills, gaining better understanding of career goal

• What are the benefits of internships?

  Apply classroom learning to a specific industry or work environment

  Explore a job/career without a permanent commitment

  Enhance professional skills and understanding of organizational cultures

  Gain networking opportunities and potentially acquire a mentor

  Increase marketability to employers

• How do I get started?

  Consider what kind of internship fits with your career goals and academics interests.

  Make an appointment with a Career Coach to clarify your goals and review your resume and cover letter before you begin the application process. Complete or update your UBworks profile.

  If you're seeking academic credit, contact your department's faculty internship adviser to ensure you meet the requirements for an academic internship.

• Where can I search for internships?

  Search UB's internship sites:
  Merrick School of Business
  Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences
  College of Public Affairs

  In addition to UBworks, here are other search sites:
  
  Internships.com
  A searchable database of internships
  
  Collegetownnetwork.org
  The Baltimore Collegetown Network brings 16 area colleges and universities together with government, business and community leaders to develop and market Baltimore as a vibrant place to live and learn.

  InternTown.com
  A searchable database of internships by industry and country

  Federal internship Directory
  One of the best ways to gain experience and make connections within government is to intern with a federal agency. Take advantage of this valuable resource and search for internships that match your interests, experience and skills.
  
  InternMatch.com
  A searchable database of internships

  USAJOB.gov
  USAJOBS is the Federal Government's official one-stop source for Federal jobs and employment information.

  Intern Opportunities within Federal Government
  Listing of internship opportunities available to undergraduate, graduate and law students within the federal government.

  Internships.About.Com
  A great website for finding articles and resources about internships and other experiential opportunities.

  Magazine Publishers of America Internships
  Provides links to internship opportunities with a variety of magazines and magazine publishers.

  Idealist
  An internship and volunteer search engine for opportunities with Not-For-Profit Organizations nationwide.

  Everett Public Service Intern Program A searchable database of paid internshipes with Not-For-Profits in Washington, DC.

  Indeed.com
  Indeed.com is a search engine for jobs, allowing job seekers to find jobs posted on thousands of company career sites and job boards.

  www.careerbuilder.com
  CareerBuilder puts over 1 million jobs in front of poised job seekers wherever they are - at home or at work - in print and on the Internet.