Develop Your Own Internship

If there is an organization you know you would like to work for that is not listed on Go IRISH or other internship databases, proceed directly to the website. Some organizations don’t post internships to central databases, but have internship opportunities posted on their individual websites.

If you get to the website and there is not an internship listed, don’t be afraid to contact the organization directly and develop your own internship. Many organizations are open to the idea of taking on an intern, particularly those who are willing to work for academic credit. If you are developing your own internship, be sure to think about what it is you would like to do as an intern before contacting the employer. Think about ways in which you might be useful to the organization and the skills that you would like to utilize. It’s also helpful to network and see if you can find contacts within the organization. This will increase the likelihood that they will review your resume.

If you need more guidance regarding organizations in your field of interest, CareerSearch is a powerful database that can help you locate employers by size, location, and industry. This site is particularly useful for students seeking internships in their hometowns.

Make an Appointment with a Career Counselor if you plan to create your own internship. We can assist you with the process, help you customize your search, and provide direction regarding guidelines for designing internships.