What is an Internship?

An internship is a supervised learning experience, where students apply their knowledge and skills in a professional work setting. Internships offer an opportunity to gain practical experience in areas directly related to the student's personal, academic and/or career interests and goals. The emphasis is on learning and the intern should reflect actively on what he/she is learning throughout the experience.

Who can do an Internship?

Internships are available to all currently enrolled students at the University of Louisiana, Lafayette. Opportunities are available for all classifications, from the entering freshman to the graduate student. Employers may have specific qualifications based on your classification and/or level of experience. Read the internship description carefully to ensure you qualify.

Are Internships paid? Can I receive credit?

Internships can be paid or voluntary. Positions in the non-profit area are rarely paid. For those not offering monetary compensation, remember your payoff is really reflected in the valuable experience you are gaining. Compensation can take the form of an hourly wage, salary, stipend or other benefit.

Receiving academic credit for an internship is not guaranteed. You must inquire about the possibility of receiving academic credit through your academic department. If you are interested in pursuing academic credit, check with your department BEFORE you accept an intern position.

How long is an Internship? How many hours will I work?

Internships are offered year-round and typically coincide with the academic semester. Most only last one semester, although the company/organization determines the exact length of the internship. Internships may be part-time or full-time. Most full-time opportunities are offered during the summer. Many employers are flexible with scheduling based on your school commitments.

What is the value of an Internship?

There are many valuable benefits to gaining practical work experience before you graduate, such as:
Career Development

• Opportunity to test career possibilities
• Can reaffirm your interest in a career area or cause you to reevaluate your intended career plans
• May help you identify specific areas of interest you had not considered
• Allows you to evaluate likes and dislikes that will enable you to make informed career decisions

Where do I find Internship opportunities?

Fortune 500 companies, small entrepreneurial organizations, non-profit agencies, government organizations, private firms and colleges and universities offer internships. To locate these opportunities:

• Review the internship listings posted on the Career Services website. To view these opportunities, Click here
• Use the internship binder in the Career Services office. These listings are primarily out-of-state, national and international internships.
• Attend events/programs sponsored by Career Services for networking opportunities, such as Career Days, Employer Panels and Mock Interviews.
• Check with your academic department.


• Search internet sites. For a few such sites, Click here
• Consider registering with a temporary agency. Some agencies, such as Westaff, matches students to intern positions within their client companies.
• Develop your own leads - family, friends, professors, previous or current employers, company websites, professional associations, chamber of commerce.
• Be creative and take initiative! If you know of a company or organization where you would like to get your foot in the door and gain experience, initiate contact with their human resource department and inquire about possibilities. Be prepared to discuss your learning objectives and career goals. Let the employer know what you can do to provide additional staff assistance and to benefit the company.

For more assistance with finding an internship,
contact the Career Services office.

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