For Credit

Whether an internship can count for academic credit towards your degree or not is dependent upon your academic department. Most degree programs require internships as part of the degree requirements. Consult with your academic advisor to determine if an internship is required for your degree program. If so, you can discuss internship opportunities with either your advisor or with the Career Services Office by appointment. To schedule an appointment, contact us at (574) 237-4425 or sbcareer@iusb.edu.

For Pay

Many paid internships are found in the world of big business. Consulting, investment banking, commercial banking, accounting, information technology, venture captial, entertainment and marketing offer some of the highest paying internships. Others may or may not pay as much depending on the high demand for the internship. Still, almost all industries offer some paid internships to attract talented students at an early stage in their education.

For students who may not want to have an unpaid internship, there are some alternatives. Organizations are incresingly realizing that although some students are motivated by paychecks, many just want income to cover basic necessities. In response, many traditionally unpaid internships now come with one-time stipends to help students defray their costs of living.

If you decide against—or can't get—a paid internship there are also still opportunities to gain valuable work experience. For example, if you're interested in politics, an unpaid internship campaigning for your local Congressman may help you establish valuable connections in your future. Working in a hospital lab offers the opportunity to practice skills, such as blood drawing or microscopy, that will come in handy for a doctor-to-be. A future lawyer will gain understanding of a firm's document and litigation services by working as a legal assistant.

Even if you are not paid for these internships, you'll get connections, training and an understanding of the field that makes the lack of pay less significant.

For Experience

The fastest way to add luster and experience to your resume is to do an internship, but the benefits don't stop there. By interning, you not only gain professional experience and valuable experience, but you also gather insight into a particular industry or organizational culture, and establish connections that might lead to a job.

However, before diving into the first internship you're offered, make sure you investigate all your options and speak to your academic advisor and/or the Career Services Office. Internships vary widely in the amount of pay or academic credit offered, experience gained, type of supervision and mentoring you receive, the length of time you are expected to work, and the amount of learning you will do.