Create Your Own Internship

Many companies have formal internship programs and regularly advertise positions.  If however, there is an organization where you’d like to work, but you don’t think that it has an internship program, be proactive about creating your own opportunity.

Begin by researching the organization thoroughly.  Determine in advance why the department should take you on as an intern, and what value you can add to its current work.  What specific strengths, previous experience and transferable skills can you offer?  Contact a person working in the area where you would like to be, and offer to work as an intern.  if the organization is in the non-profit or public sectors, let them know that it is likely you can get funding from a Lewis & Clark summer internship grant. Be clear about why you are approaching this organization (or person) specifically, and what you have to offer.  A great place to start making connections is LinkedIn.

For step-by-step help on how to score your dream internship, schedule an appointment with a career counselor!