Internships

In a competitive job market, an internship can help set you apart from other applicants. In fact, research shows that when choosing between two equally qualified candidates, employers often consider internship experience as the #1 factor in their hiring decision (NACE Job Outlook 2023).

Additional benefits include:

• Acquiring industry knowledge

• Understanding multiple aspects of an organization

• Learning how to apply classroom knowledge in a professional work environment

• Developing career competencies to help you advance in your future career

• Expanding your professional network

Not sure where to begin? Here are some tips for finding the internship that's right for you.

1.  Define your goals

Think about what kind of internship you're looking for. What type of experience do you want to gain and how does this align with your academic interests and/or career goals? Also consider your personal requirements (pay, location, etc.). This will help you focus your search.

2.  Start searching early

Decide on a timeline for your internship (e.g., summer of junior year) and start searching early. Unlike most jobs, internships are usually filled well in advance. The deadline for internships vary by industry, with some companies (banking, finance, etc.) recruiting up to a year in advance. However, in general, you should start looking for an internship at least 4-5 months in advance.

3.  Update your resume/cover letter

Make sure that your resume and cover letter are up-to-date and follow best practices.

4.  Meet with a career coach

Schedule an appointment with the career center. We can meet with you to discuss your career goals, review your resume/cover letter, and discuss internship search strategies.

5.  Utilize Handshake

Search internship postings on Handshake. With 750,000+ employers recruiting on Handshake, it's the #1 way college students find jobs and internships.

6.  Attend career fairs

Our career fairs and events are a great opportunity to meet with recruiters and learn more about internship opportunities within their organizations.

7.  Tap into your network

Just as 80% of jobs are filled through networking, many internships are as well! Tap into your network, including family, friends, co-workers, classmates, and professors.

Unpaid Interns: Know the Facts

Today, more and more employers are paying their interns. However, many internships are still advertised as unpaid. The Department of Labor created a Fact Sheet to determine whether interns working for "for-profit" companies must be paid under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

DISCLAIMER: Job Postings (Beware of Scams/Protect Your Safety)

Winthrop's annual career fairs and events are excellent opportunities to network with employers and learn about internships with local, regional, and national employers.

Fall Career Fair

September 25, 2025
West Center Courts

Education Career Fair

January 21, 2026  |  10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (on-site interviews: 1:30-4:30 p.m.)
Richardson Ballroom, DiGiorgio Campus Center

Spring Career Fair

February 12, 2026  |  11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
West Center Courts

Complete your online profile and set job alerts for new opportunities!

• GoGovernment.org – An online guide for finding and applying for jobs in the Federal government; includes a Federal Internship Finder with hundreds of internship opportunities.
• Idealist.org – The world's largest job board with nonprofit and social good internships.
• Indeed.com – A job search database that lists internships from thousands of websites.
• LinkedIn.com – The world's largest professional networking platform; features job board with internship opportunities in many fields and industries.
• USAJobs.gov – The Federal government's job board, featuring Federal internships opportunities with various government agencies.
• The Ultimate U.S. Internship List – A collection of well-regarded internship programs, primarily in the technology, finance, and consulting industries.

Thinking about studying abroad? Explore programs with internship opportunities in Winthrop's study abroad portal Via!