Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of interning?-
There are many benefits to interning! Choosing to take on an internship will allow you to:
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- "Test drive" several career fields of interest before you graduate and enter the job market or apply to a graduate program. The best way to know if a career will be a good match is to try it out before committing!
- Gain valuable experience and develop skills and knowledge specific to your targeted career areas.
- Present yourself as a more competitive candidate during the search for your next internship or full-time job – employers take note of your demonstrated interest in the field and having exposure to how the field operates.
- Have an edge in pursuing your next opportunity – the process and steps involved in searching for another internship or a full-time job will be very similar, if not exactly the same.
- Will UCS place me in an internship?
- Since requirements and deadlines vary a great deal, you are responsible for identifying and applying for internships yourself. However, we offer assistance in the form of individual advising, internship listings, and informational sessions. Our team can help you identify numerous resources, prepare a resume and cover letter, and practice interviewing skills. Please see our main Internship page.
- When are most internship deadlines?
- Application deadlines are set by the individual organization and therefore vary widely. Some well-established annual programs have quite early deadlines (i.e., as early as October for a summer placement), whereas some smaller companies may not know whether they will require summer interns until March or April (and sometimes later).
- It is wise to begin your summer internship search early in the Fall semester so as not to miss early deadlines; then return to UCS periodically through spring semester, continuing to research new notices as they arrive, until you find a placement. More helpful information, including some fall internship deadlines, can be found on the internship timeline page.
- Do I need a resume to apply for internships?
- This depends on the sponsoring organization, but most organizations will require a resume and/or an application. Read notices carefully and follow the instructions. If you need a resume, UCS has several handouts and numerous books on resume-writing, as well as a resume critique service to assist you.
- How can I get academic credit for my internship?
- While UCS does not have the authority to grant credit for internships, there are several options you can pursue in seeking academic credit. One of these options is the University Internship Program, the only formal internship program at U.Va.
- My employer gave me forms for someone at the University to sign. Can someone at UCS help?
- UCS is not authorized to sign any type of documents for internships or experientially based opportunities. Some examples of forms students have been asked to seek signatures for have included Hold Harmless Agreements and verification of good standing, academic standing, or enrollment. You may wish to check with your academic advisor, department chair, or the Dean of Students Office for inquiries on verification of standing forms.
- Aren’t internships just for rising fourth-year students?
- Many organizations prefer their interns to be upper-level or graduate students, but will allow any college student to apply. Although you may be most competitive for internships the summer after your third year, an interest in the field (and sometimes academic or previous work background) can help you compete at a younger age. You are encouraged to begin interning as early as you can in order to get as much career-related experience as possible before graduation.
- How can I get help with deciding what internship I should pursue?
- UCS career counselors can assist with initial exploration, final decision-making and application procedures. Make an appointment through the UCS Information Desk as early as possible to get general information on your internship search.
- What is the difference between an internship and an externship?
- An externship is an unpaid job shadowing opportunity with a company of your choice for up to three weeks that can occur during winter, spring or summer breaks (or during other times both a student and employer are available). The Externship page provides details on the process of creating an externship, which is similar to the internship and job search.
- An internship is often viewed as an opportunity to work and gain substantive career-related experience. Internships are administered by the individual organization desiring interns, therefore, their structure and policies will vary. Internships may last anywhere from a few weeks to a semester to a full year; they may be full or part-time; and they may be paid or volunteer positions.
