Internships
Take what you’re learning in your major-related classes and put it to "real-world" use by doing an internship. Internships can be full- or part-time, paid or unpaid, for credit or not for credit, and can vary in length from a semester to an academic year. An internship is one of the most important experiences you can gain during college.
What Can an Internship Do for You?
- Career exploration – Explore how your interests, skills, personality, and values fit (or don’t fit) in a particular work setting.
- Practical work experience – Develop skills, self-confidence, and an understanding of a profession.
- A network of contacts – Establish relationships with people working in your field—some internships even lead to jobs after graduation.
- References – You can ask for written and verbal recommendations from your supervisors that will help you apply for future jobs or to graduate programs.
How to Find an Internship
Internships come in all shapes and sizes with varying requirements and deadlines. Start your search early and use a variety of methods to find a great internship experience!
Online
Log in to BullsEye (using the menu link at the top of this page) and search the job/internship database for a variety of openings.
- Internship Search Engines – View a list by industry or specialty areas.
Additional Methods
- Academic Department
– Some departments have programs and internship listings available to students. Many majors require a credit-bearing internship or practicum experience as part of the required curriculum. - On-Campus Interviews – Participate in this program where employers visit campus to recruit UB students.
- Career Fairs and Events – Visit on-campus job and internship fairs organized by Career Services throughout the year.
- Employer Research – Target organizations of interest directly by researching employers in your field. Check their websites to see if they have internship programs or contact them directly to inquire about additional possibilities.
- Use CareerSearch, a directory of more than one million companies, to generate a list of organizations to target.
- Networking– Ask family and friends if they are aware of internship opportunities.
- Keep an eye out for bulletin boards, fliers, and other “word-of-mouth” advertising means.
Get Prepared for Your Internship
Once you have an internship posting in mind, there are some steps you should take to help you stand out from other applicants and to ensure you get the most out of your experience.
- Talk with your academic department advisor or internship coordinator to be sure you’ve completed any registration necessary to receive credit.
- Write a cover letter and create a resume.
- Schedule a practice interview appointment at Career Services.
- Find out the dress code at your internship site and be sure to dress appropriately on your first day!
- If you’ve missed a deadline, apply now for the next cycle and ask to be considered if something becomes available sooner.
UB Internship Programs
- The Engineering Career Institute – technical elective opportunities and co-ops for School of Engineering & Applied Sciences students.
- Public Services Internship Program (PSIP)
– coordinated by the Cora P. Maloney College at UB.
- Sophomore Internship Program (SHIP) – coordinated by Career Services and intended for academically high-achieving sophomores interested in not-for-profit opportunities.
- Credit-Bearing Internship Program (CBIP)
– for qualifying School of Management Students.
- Career Peer Advisor Program – opportunity to intern as a paraprofessional in the Career Services office.
- Social Sciences Interdisciplinary Internships
– opportunities for students in the Social Sciences Interdisciplinary majors.
- Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (CURCA)
– hub for undergraduate students to find challenging research and creative opportunities that match their academic interests and career goals.
UB Experiential Learning Opportunities Database – This includes credit-bearing internships, practicum, independent study, research and more!
New York City Internships
Looking to spend the summer or a semester in the most exciting city in the World? Explore internship opportunities in New York City!
