Resources Internships

About Internships

If you've ever test-driven a car, you'll know, at some point during the test drive, whether or not that car is for you. Sometimes you like the car, sometimes you realize it's just not for you - and either outcome is valuable.

What's true for cars is true for internships - they are an opportunity for you to "size up" a potential career, and they allow you to build needed on-the-job skills to complement your academic course work.

Internships Matter to Employers

Forbes reports that 65% of all employers are looking for college graduates with two or more internships, and the National Council for Colleges and Employers reports that 54% of graduates obtained their current position directly from their internship experience.

Factoring Internships into your College Years

Meet with your major advisor to map out your overall course load and factor in time for at least two (preferable semester long) internships or related substantial work or academic research.

The COVE Career Center can help you learn more about receiving academic credit for your internship (including summer internships while you're home), as well as help you with searching for internships, nailing your resume and LinkedIn profile, and interview skills. Schedule a time on Handshake with COVE to take advantage of their many resources.

Are you an employer with an internship opportunity to offer? Email Rick Ifland at rifland@westmont.edu