Internships
A great way to build professional connections, increase work experience and update your resume for the career path you want.
Internships for Your Major
Earn college credit for your internship. Some programs require an Internship or you can choose this course as an elective.
Work Experience for Credit or Noncredit
Earn credit for a job you already have while building your professional skills.
Work Experience is a great way to build your Resume, increase your confidence and create lasting industry connections. Work experience can be an internship, apprenticeship, paid position or volunteer role. Below are the steps to accomplish a successful employer search. Students must apply, interview and secure their own employer placements with the support of Career Services.
The Work Experience Education (WORK) Department is an academic department offering credit and noncredit classes including topics such as networking, professional goal setting, Resume and Interview preparation. You will need to enroll in a WORK class if you would like to earn college credit for work experience.
What is an internship?
Any opportunity for students to apply their knowledge to hands-on paid or unpaid employment.
Build skills in your professional area of interest
Network to gain contacts for professional growth
Experience a job environment to see if it’s the right fit for you
See current list of potential Internships and part-time jobs
Stories of past Work Experience and Internship Students
How to find an Internship or Job:
Access Your Handshake Account: Start your internship or job hunt at our Handshake Job Board – a modern, easy-to-use platform where students and alumni can find full-time, part-time, internships, and on-campus opportunities. On Handshake, you can connect with employers, register for events, and more!
Having Trouble finding an Internship or Job? Expand your search...
Internship Websites
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) National Internship Program
Internsource (The Community College Foundation)
Job Websites
Update your Resume: Create one from scratch using Career Coach and then fill out our Support Form and we will follow-up to schedule a meeting with you--offering tips and suggestions for your Resume and employer search.
Research local businesses: Is there an industry or specific company for which you dream of working? Do you know the names of companies that are leaders in your field of study? Many companies post internship opportunities online – check out a company's website or give them a call.
Attend a Job Fair: Find out if there are any local job fairs you can attend. At a job fair, you can collect business cards and then follow up with employers or recruiters you meet. Connect with friends and acquaintances and let others know you are looking--utilize your network!
Find a Volunteer Opportunity: Consider researching and contacting community organizations looking for volunteers. Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County is a great resource for volunteer opportunities.
Creating Your Own Internship:
A great way to earn work experience at a company you are interested in is by developing a relationship with the employer and creating a volunteer or internship position with them using our Work Experience class as a vessel. The Work Experience class is offered in both a for-credit and noncredit option.
Create an Internship: If you identify an employer who is willing to hire you as an intern, then you can create an internship from scratch.
Approach Employers with an ask:
Reach out to them, ask for an Informational Interview
Explore potential Volunteer or Internship Projects with them
Ask for a referral to someone else in their organization or another similar organization
The Work Experience class is a great way to engage with potential employers, by asking them to host you for a credit or noncredit class.
Download this Employer/Student Orientation packet to get started.
Earn credit for your internship or work experience: Did you know you can earn college credit for your internship or work experience? For more information about these options select Internships For Your Major or Work Experience for Credit or Noncredit.
NOTE: Internships can take only a few weeks to find or they might take a few months, plan ahead and be prepared! We are here to help you--whether it's a job or an internship. We also offer a free Internship and Work Experience Preparation Course to get you ready and prepared for your search.
