An internship as a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional workplace setting. Internships provide students with the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience, develop social capital, explore career fields, and make connections in professional fields.

Source: National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE)

FAQ

An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skill development in a professional workplace. Internships provide students with opportunities to gain valuable experience, develop social capital, explore career fields, and build professional connections.

Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)

FAQ

What Should I Look for in an Internship?

A strong internship should be more than just a job. It should be a meaningful learning experience that supports your academic and career goals. When exploring internship opportunities, look for positions that include:

  • Hands-on, real-world learning: Opportunities to apply what you are learning in the classroom to real projects and professional settings. Internships should focus on learning and skill development, not simply filling an organization’s staffing needs.
  • Transferable skill development: Experiences that help you develop communication, problem-solving, teamwork, professionalism, and other skills that are valuable across industries and future roles.
  • A clear timeframe: A defined start and end date that aligns with the academic calendar and is agreed upon by both the student and employer.
  • Clearly outlined responsibilities: A position description that explains the duties, expectations, and required or preferred qualifications so you understand the role before you begin.
  • Intentional learning goals: Specific learning objectives that connect the internship experience to your academic interests, career path, or professional development goals.
  • Professional supervision and feedback: Guidance from a knowledgeable supervisor who provides mentorship, regular feedback, and the tools and resources you need to succeed.

When Is a Good Time to Start Looking for an Internship?

Internships are available year-round, not just during the summer. Many follow the academic calendar and begin in September for the fall semester, January for the spring semester, and May or June for the summer. Because hiring timelines vary by employer and industry, it is best to prepare early and check for new opportunities regularly.

6–9 Months Before Your Desired Start Date

  • Begin browsing internship opportunities using our available resources.
  • Explore industries and roles that interest you.
  • Attend career fairs and employer events.
  • Update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
    • Whether it is your first or fiftieth resume, create a strong general version that highlights your skills and experiences. This will make it easier to tailor your resume for each application instead of starting from scratch.

3–6 Months Before

  • Begin applying, especially in competitive fields such as technology, finance, and engineering.
  • Meet with a career coach for help with your resume, cover letter, or interview preparation.
  • Apply early because many employers review applications on a rolling basis.

1–2 Months Before

  • Continue applying because new internships are posted throughout the year.
  • Prepare for interviews and evaluate offers.
  • Finalize your decision and complete any required onboarding paperwork.

Summer vs. Academic-Year Internships

  • Summer internships: More opportunities, more competition, and often full-time schedules.
  • Fall and spring internships: Often attract fewer applicants and may offer part-time or full-time schedules.

What Year Should You Complete an Internship?

  • First- and second-year students: This is a great time to explore career options and begin building experience.
  • Third- and fourth-year students: This is an ideal time to pursue more focused internships related to your career goals.

There is no “perfect” year to complete an internship. Internships can be valuable at any stage of your college experience.

Important Reminders

  • You can begin searching for internships as soon as you start college.
  • Smaller companies and nonprofit organizations often hire closer to an internship’s start date.
  • Applying early can increase your chances of securing an opportunity.
  • It is okay if your timeline is not perfect. Many students secure internships later in the hiring process.

What Are Some Tips for a Successful Application Process?

  • Prepare early: Begin working on your resume, cover letters, and references before applications open.
  • Build your network: Attend MSU career fairs, Hire-A-Bobcat events, employer events, and student organization meetings. Use LinkedIn and connect with alumni to learn about opportunities—sometimes before they are publicly posted.
  • Tailor each application: Customize your resume and cover letter to match the position description and highlight your most relevant skills and experiences.
  • Stay organized: Track application deadlines, employer contacts, interview dates, and application statuses. A spreadsheet can be a helpful tool.
  • Follow up after applying: If you have not received a response, it is appropriate to send a brief, professional follow-up email seven to 10 days after applying. Reiterate your interest and politely ask about the status of your application.
  • Prepare for interviews: Practice answering common interview questions and be ready to discuss your experiences, skills, and qualifications with confidence.
  • Send a thank-you message: Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview. Express appreciation for the opportunity, restate your interest in the position, reference something specific from the conversation, and briefly explain why you are a strong fit.

Why Are Internships Important?

For Students

Internships help students build career momentum. Through hands-on, work-based experiences, students gain practical skills, explore career interests, and build professional confidence. Internships can also expand professional networks and help students clarify their post-graduation goals.

Students who complete internships—especially paid internships—are more likely to receive job offers after graduation and feel better prepared to enter the workforce. According to the NACE 2022 Student Survey of students attending four-year institutions, paid interns received an average of 1.61 job offers, compared with 0.94 offers for unpaid interns and 0.77 offers for students who did not complete an internship.

For Employers

Internships can also be an effective recruiting strategy. Eight out of 10 employers reported that internships provided the best return on investment among recruiting strategies.

Why Should I Choose a Paid Internship or Job Over an Unpaid Internship?

Internships can help you gain experience, develop skills, and determine what you want to do after graduation. However, compensation also matters for your financial well-being and future career.

Paid Internships Can Lead to Better Employment Outcomes

Students who complete paid internships tend to receive more job offers after graduation than students who complete unpaid internships or no internship. They also tend to earn higher starting salaries. On average:

  • Students who completed paid internships earned starting salaries of approximately $62,500.
  • Students who completed unpaid internships earned starting salaries of approximately $42,500.

This pay gap begins immediately after graduation and may grow over time.

Paid Internships Make Opportunities More Accessible

Not everyone can afford to work without pay. Unpaid internships may exclude students who need income to cover rent, food, tuition, and other expenses. Research shows that first-generation students, students of color, and women are more likely to participate in unpaid internships, which can contribute to long-term inequities. Paid internships help make career-building opportunities more accessible.

Your Work Has Value

Interns contribute to organizations by supporting teams, completing projects, assisting customers, and performing other meaningful work. Students should be compensated fairly for the value they provide.

Paid Interns May Have Greater Workplace Protections

Paid interns are generally classified as employees and may qualify for workplace protections that do not always apply to unpaid interns. Employment protections can vary depending on the position and applicable laws.

Academic Credit Does Not Replace Compensation

Receiving academic credit does not mean you are being paid. In many cases, students must pay tuition for internship credits. Academic credit alone should not be used to justify unpaid work. When possible, students should be able to receive both compensation and academic credit for an internship.

What MSU Career Services Recommends

Whenever possible, we encourage students to pursue:

  • Paid internships
  • Paid part-time or seasonal employment
  • Internships that provide both compensation and meaningful learning opportunities
  • Jobs that help develop relevant, transferable skills

If you are considering an unpaid internship, meet with a career coach to discuss funding options and paid alternatives. You may also want to meet with a financial coach to consider how the opportunity fits into your financial plan.

Where Can I Find Internships?

Students can find internships through Hire-A-Bobcat, LinkedIn, other online platforms, career fairs, and networking events offered by Montana State University.

Students can also meet with a career coach at the Student Success Center for personalized recommendations and internship-search strategies. Friends, family members, professors, alumni, and other personal or professional contacts may also be valuable sources of information about internship opportunities.

What Resources Can I Use If I Have Not Secured an Internship or Job?

On-Campus department links to internships posted:

Agricultural Economics and Economics

Agriculture: Research Center Student Internships

College of Arts and Architecture

College of Letters & Science: American Studies Program

Department of Animal & Range Sciences

Department of Ecology

Departmet of English

Department of History & Philosophy

Department of Political Science

Department of Sociology & Anthropology

Empower Program at MSU 

Land Resources and Environmental Sciences

Montana Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) Internship

Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering

Plant Sciences & Plant Pathology Department: Horticulture

 

Research:

Montana State University has a wealth of opportunities in research for our undergraduate students. If you are wanting to learn more about these opportunities and the steps to take, visit the MSU Research and Economic Development Page to get started! Undergraduate research positions are also posted on Hire-A-Bobcat powered by Handshake.