Internship Search 101

How do I find internships?

  • Start by meeting with your Gateway Counselor to discuss what kind of internships interest you and review the below information regarding key elements involved with searching for and securing internships to prepare for this meeting.
  • Click here for suggestions on resources and the tools necessary for an effective search.

What do I gain by doing an internship?

  • An internship will give you an in-depth look at a career and a specific employer.  It will also help you to determine if this is (or is NOT) the field for you.
  • You will acquire new skills, as well as gain valuable work experience and information necessary in the career decision-making process.
  • A “foot in the door” with employers who look to their internship pool for full-time hires. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers cite internships as their number one way of recruiting new college graduates.
  • A network of professionals, and perhaps a mentor, who can assist you with your career management.

What do I need to apply for a summer internship?

  • Resume and cover letters – work with your Gateway Counselor to develop these important documents, they are the employer’s first impression of you and your ticket to an interview.
  • Mock interview – schedule a practice session with the Career Center. Use Interview Prep to do a mock interview from your own computer (contact Career Center for more details).
  • Employer information – know all about the organizations you are applying to and interviewing with by conducting research in the career library or the internet
  • List of objectives – have a sense of what you’d like to accomplish during the internship
  • A professional network and LinkedIn– work with your Gateway Counselor on strategies to build your network and LinkedIn presence, in addition to using these resources
  • An open mind – possess a willingness to experience all that you can while you are there
  • Enthusiasm and eagerness to learn – turn an internship into a permanent job offer

How do I get academic credit for my internship?

  • Receiving credit for an internship done over summer will require additional payment for those credits. Assess if you need or truly want to receive credit for this internship.
  • Not all internships require academic credit. Be sure that your internship either requires you to receive credit or that you want to gain credit prior to proceeding.
  • Credit for internships are available through selected academic departments or the INT 200 option.
  • You must apply for credit through the Registrar’s Office PRIOR to the start of your internship!

How do I fund my internship?

Through the generosity of Lafayette alumni, parents, and the senior class, the Gateway Career Center has a number of internship stipends available to support students doing unpaid, underpaid or high cost summer internships. These vary in amount and some are designated by career focus and geographical location. In addition, there are external resources available to support you during a summer experience. Learn more by visiting our Find Funding Opportunities page here.

How do I find internship housing?

Access our collection of resources to support you with your search for internship housing, in the greater Lehigh Valley area and beyond.

How do I get academic credit for my internship?

  • Receiving credit for an internship done over summer will require additional payment for those credits. Assess if you need or truly want to receive credit for this internship.
  • Not all internships require academic credit. Be sure that your internship either requires you to receive credit or that you want to gain credit prior to proceeding.
  • Credit for internships are available through selected academic departments or the INT 200 option.
  • You must apply for credit through the Registrar’s Office PRIOR to the start of your internship!
  • Learn more about Internships for Credit here!