So you’ve made it to college, and now you’re looking to snag yourself an awesome internship. But with so many types of college internships out there, how do you know which one is right for you? The truth is there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on your interests, skills, and career goals.
Use my list below to help narrow down your search.
Choosing a college internship can be tough. As someone who’s been there, done that, let me tell you – it isn’t easy. There are so many types of internships out there to choose from, it can make your head spin.
From paid internships at tech companies to unpaid positions in nonprofits, there’s something out there for everyone. But when faced with all of these options, how do you choose the right one for you?
Here’s what I did: I put my wallet first and evaluated which internship could do well for my bank account. I looked at paid internships in the tech sector, unpaid internships in nonprofits, and even government-hosted programs with scholarship opportunities.
In the end, I picked an internship that was both educational AND financially beneficial – a win-win situation for me!
If you’re considering college internships, don’t be intimidated by the options out there – just find the one that works best for you and your goals and you should be good to go ✔️.
11 Types of College Internships to choose from
1. Paid/ Unpaid Internships
Paid internships are a great way to get experience in the field you’re interested in while also earning some extra cash. Many tech companies offer paid positions, so if you’ve got an affinity for coding or design, this could be a great option for you. Plus, many of these internships come with additional perks like free meals, flexible hours, and travel opportunities.
Although not a popular option, Unpaid internships can be a great way to gain experience, and exposure and make valuable connections in your chosen field. Despite not being paid for their work, interns still learn from experienced professionals and gain skills that will benefit them in the future.
Unpaid internships can also give you an opportunity to explore different career paths before committing to one. It’s also important to remember that many unpaid internships offer other forms of compensation, such as free housing, travel expenses, free meals, and more.
So don’t rule out the possibility of an unpaid internship just because you won’t be paid – it could have some great benefits for your future!
Related: How to prepare for a college Internship Interview
Getting an internship interview can be as exciting as it is nerve-wracking, especially if you’ve never done one before. But fear not, preparing for an internship interview as a college student will ensure that you nail it, despite nerves or inexperience. So here’s our full guide to help you prepare for internship interviews!
2. Nonprofit Internships
Searching for an internship in a nonprofit organization that aligns with your passion might be the perfect option to explore for a lot of college students.
While there are many great nonprofits out there, it’s important to take into account the quality of the organization as well as its ability to accommodate your schedule and provide you with appropriate learning experiences.
Don’t just pick any group that you like; make sure it can offer something meaningful and beneficial to your growth.
3. Internships for College Credit
If you’re looking for an internship and are having trouble finding one, why not check out what your school has to offer?
Many colleges have credit-bearing internships that give students the chance to gain college credits while gaining real-world experience.
It’s a great way to get hands-on learning in whatever field you’re interested in and could be a great option if you’re just starting your search or don’t have many other options. Plus, it’s super convenient! So why not give it a try?
4. Summer Internships: Types of College Internships
Summer internships are a great way to get an experience of what the real world looks like and to gain some valuable skills.
You can choose from various summer internships that range from working in the medical field to teaching English abroad. It’s important to research each type of internship before committing so you know exactly what you are getting into.
Whether you want to gain some hands-on experience or broaden your international horizon, there are a plethora of summer internships for college students out there. Take advantage of this amazing opportunity and make the most of your college years!
5. Corporate Internships
Internships at a corporation are like the “pros” of college internships. Every year, corporations recruit thousands of eager and enthusiastic interns to work in various departments.
From sales, marketing, finance, and more, corporate internships offer an invaluable opportunity to get your foot in the door with many major companies. Plus, there’s nothing quite like networking with executives and other interns to gain insight into the corporate world.
And of course, you can also make some money while gaining hands-on experience in a professional setting.
All in all, internships at a corporation are the way to go if you want to get an inside look into what it’s like working for one of the most powerful companies in the world!
6. Externships: Types of College Internships
Externships are a great way to gain real-world experience without committing to an entire semester of work. A typical externship is usually a short-term, unpaid position that can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
During this period, you’ll be working closely with professionals in your chosen field to gain invaluable insight into the industry. Externships are also a great way to build connections, as you’ll be working side-by-side with other interns and professionals alike.
It’s a great way to get your foot in the door and make valuable contacts that you can use when you’re job searching after graduation. All in all, externships are worth considering for any college student looking to gain real-world experience without a full-time commitment.
7. Work-Study, Graduate, and Research Assistantships
These kinds of internships are relatively new, but they are becoming increasingly popular for college students to get valuable experience while still in school. Work-study and graduate assistantship programs allow college students to work part-time for the university in exchange for a salary. Research assistantships are similar but involve working for a professor or on a research project.
8. Service Learning: Types of College Internships:
Another option is to look into service-learning opportunities. These internships usually take place within your school and require you to complete a service project while gaining some experience on the side.
Most students find this kind of internship useful because it allows them to work within their school to meet some requirements while also getting valuable real-world experience. The drawback is that finding an internship with a service learning component can be difficult.
9. Volunteer Internships
For those students who have little or no experience, volunteering might be an excellent way for them to gain valuable experience while also giving back to their community without having to put in much time or effort themselves. Volunteers are usually very approachable and helpful, which can be an asset during your internship. They will also be able to help you with your resume and make it look more professional.
Plus, you’ll be able to make a positive difference in the world while gaining meaningful experience at the same time. Depending on your chosen organization, you might even be able to get college credit for your volunteer experience.
Many schools have set up organizations that connect students with opportunities to volunteer or get involved in projects. This gives students a way to educate themselves while also helping others, which can help improve their work ethic and make them more committed to the work that they do during their internship.
10. Part-Time Internship: Types of College Internships
Another option is to find an internship that is part-time. Perhaps you need to work a few hours a week, or perhaps you can only work part-time during the school year. This can be helpful if it allows you to balance your workload and your studies, which are two important things that you need in order to graduate successfully.
11. Government-hosted internships
Government-hosted internships are another great option for college students looking to gain experience in their field. These internships often come with scholarship opportunities that can help offset the cost of tuition or other expenses associated with college life.
Plus, many of these internships offer hands-on experience that can be invaluable when it comes to finding post-graduate employment.
No matter what type of college internship you decide to pursue, one thing is for sure: with the right attitude and effort, your time as an intern will result in an invaluable experience that can open up a world of opportunities.
You’ll gain new skills, make valuable connections, and have a great time in the process. So don’t be afraid to take a chance and put yourself out there.
College internships are an incredible way to jumpstart your career and make your dreams a reality. All you have to do is take the first step!
This post is all about the 11 types of college internships and how to choose the right one for yourself.
Leave a Reply