students in a study group

Internships combine classroom learning with work in a professional setting.

They can be paid or unpaid, for credit or not-for-credit, and can take place locally, out-of-state, and in other countries. Internships provide you with valuable opportunitities to gain professional experience, confidence, and skills and allow you to better understand your own strengths, interests, and values. They also help you establish your career network and find potential mentors.

Your Guide to Internships

Below, you'll find information on finding, funding, and securing an internship. Looking for more support? Attend a drop-in at the Career Center or schedule time to meet with your Interest Group leader in Handshake. International students - be sure to understand how your immigration status impacts paid internship opportunities by connecting with the Office of International Education.

Find Internship Opportunities

  • Narrow your search by reflecting on your interests and goals for an internship. Talking with friends, classmates, Interest Group Leaders, faculty advisors, and others you know can help you refine your search.
  • Use job boards like Handshake and attend networking and recruiting events like career fairs where you can identify specific opportunities that sound right for you. 
  • If your dream organization doesn't have an internship program and you're the entrepreneurial type, you could try to propose your own internship opportunity. This requires proactive networking, a good deal of research, and lots of follow through. 

Fund Your Experience

You may have numerous financial demands, including tuition, housing, travel, and other personal expenses, and unpaid or minimally-paid internships can create a financial burden. UVM has several funding sources that provide scholarships for students who need financial assistance to cover costs of living while they complete an internship.

Earn Academic Credit

To earn academic credit you must enroll in an internship course at the same time that you complete your internship. There are several course options, but all require that internship credit is agreed upon and enrolled in prior to the internship (that is, credit cannot be awarded retroactively for work already completed). Like other academic courses, you must pay tuition for the credit you earn, and the course will require academic work such as reflections, readings, essays, and/or other assignments.

It is crucial to consult with your academic advisor to understand how internship credit would fit in with your graduation plan. The number of credits earned depends on how much academic work you complete and how much time you spend working at your internship. Internship credit earned is most often elective credit, and does not typically count toward major requirements.

Find internship courses using the designation "INTN" in the Registrar's schedule of courses.

Make the Most of Your Internship

Check out this video from CandidCareer for tips on how to make the most out of your internship experience.

The University of Vermont Career Center Division of Student Affairs
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internships posted in
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