Blog

Fall internship season is here! While everyone’s timeline is different depending on their major and field, fall semester is usually when students begin attending job and internship fairs, meeting with recruiters, and even committing to offers for spring and summer internships.

Finding an internship can be a difficult experience, especially when dealing with high competition among other talented students. Luckily, there are many resources at U-M for finding and landing an offer for the perfect internship that suits your needs.

Internship Search

A great way to start any internship search is online. Personally, I recommend setting aside some time each day towards my internship search; whether that means fine-tuning my resume, updating my LinkedIn, or surfing the internet for job openings. Searching for internships can seem exhausting, but by making profiles on platforms like Handshake or LinkedIn, you can find openings that are catered to your interests, using filters for your field or preferred location.

Using Handshake, you can also find relevant job and career fairs sponsored by the University Career Center (UCC), which can help you brainstorm ideas about what company you may want to work for and connect you face-to-face with campus recruiters. Through Handshake, you can also add yourself to a career track, with a diverse array of options like law, data science, health, and finance. Adding yourself to a track means you have access to a career-specific newsletter with catered events and job postings, which can be a great resource for exploring internship and job opportunities. Different schools and colleges within U-M, like Michigan Ross, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), and Michigan Engineering also have specific career services that students can access.

Lastly, networking with Michigan alumni and other professionals can also give you a leg up on your search and application process. By using resources like LSA Connect or LinkedIn, students can connect and contact alumni for support, mentorship, and to inquire about career opportunities.

Application and Interview Preparation

Once you’ve found internship opportunities that interest you, the UCC can help you perfect your resume and application materials. While many students wait until the last minute to gather application materials or research questions for their interview, using UCC resources and beginning to prep in advance will give you a head start on other applicants. On their website, you can access resume examples, templates, and formatting tips, and get feedback on your written application materials. They also provide students with personalized interview assistance. You can book an interview room on campus, get tips for interview prep, or schedule a mock interview with UCC staff.

If you are in need of professional attire to wear to an interview or a job fair, you can visit the UCC clothes closet to try on and select three gently-used or new items of professional clothing, including suits, blouses, dress pants, ties, and more.

Other Helpful Programs

While going through the application process, it's important to think ahead and look outside the box for opportunities. For example, I’ve found the Center for Global and Intercultural Study (CGIS), which offers the option for students to intern and work abroad, and the Public Service Internship Program (PSIP), providing opportunities for students to obtain summer internships, to be helpful for my search.

While not necessary, many students find that having a summer or semester-long internship can be helpful for post-grad development and an important part of their time at U-M. By using campus resources and planning ahead, you can navigate the internship application process smoothly and prepare yourself for post-grad success.