Internship FAQs
Anytime! Either over the summer or during the academic year (typically just a semester). /intern when you’re ready—anytime from second semester of your first year to the summer after you graduate.
Start now! Getting a head start on your internship search will provide you with more options. Organizations may accept applications on a rolling basis or have hard deadlines. Begin your search at least a semester or up to a year prior to your ideal start date.
No! Advising and Career Development assists you every step of the way, but students and employers should choose each other. No employer is assigned an intern.
Sometimes! Internships can either be paid or unpaid. Employers determine whether or not the internship is paid. Regardless, the experience you receive is an invaluable form of payment for an internship. You can also qualify for the Pono Internship Fund.
Probably! Academic departments and professors in conjunction with the internship site will ultimately make this decision. Should you desire academic credit for your internship, meet with your academic advisor to determine where an internship course fits into your schedule. You must also inquire with the professor teaching the internship course to determine their criteria for internships for academic credit.
- With yourself! Before you begin your internship search, set a few goals and evaluate what you want and need from an internship. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What are my career interests? What kind of work do I want to do?
- What kind of organization or industry intrigues me?
- What personal traits, skills, or knowledge would I like to develop?
- When can I fit an internship experience into my schedule?
- What are my income needs and transportation options?
- Schedule an appointment with your Career Advisor to discuss futher.
- Develop a polished, error-free resume. Your Career Advisor (link to Diane’s contact info) can assist you.
- Write a cover letter if needed. A cover letter supplements your resume and details how your experiences align with the position.
- Prepare for an interview. Your Career Advisor (link to Diane’s contact info) can assist with interview preparation and conduct a mock interview with you.
