An internship provides direct experience in a work setting related to your career interests. Internships are offered by employers to guide and evaluate future job candidates.
When choosing between equally qualified job candidates, employers typically choose candidates who have completed an internship at the organization or in the industry. - Job Outlook (National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2024)
Timeline
Some employers offer internships for students in their early years of study (30 to 60 units completed). They allow you to learn how to complete general tasks and projects in a professional setting. They do not require the advanced knowledge or skills developed in the later years of your degree program.
Employers typically provide internships to students in their later and advanced years of study (90 units of undergraduate; 20-30 units of graduate school). They allow you to learn complex duties on the job or specialize in the field. They require the advanced knowledge and skills developed in your academic subject.
To obtain an internship, you will most likely need to apply for the opportunity. Internships are posted year-round and employers typically post internship opportunities an average of six months before the internship begins. This means that if you are seeking a summer internship, you should plan to apply at the end of the fall semester.
Types of Internships
Internships are available across different industry groups within business, non-profit, or governmental settings. They vary depending upon the duration and expectations. Here are a few common internship types.
An internship is an average of 20 to 35 hours per week over a 10 to 12-week period. They are usually offered in the summer and can also be offered during the fall and spring semesters.
Internships often pay an hourly wage ($16 to $25 per hour). Paid interns are typically considered employees whose work benefits the company. An authorization to work is typically required before hire.
Internships can also be unpaid or offer a fixed amount paid at the end of the experience called a stipend ($1,000 to $5,000). Unpaid interns are not considered employees.
Micro-internships are short-term, paid, professional projects that are similar to those given to interns or new employees at companies or emerging start-ups. Projects can include research and strategy, operations and support, IT and cyber, marketing, and others.
Micro-internships can be done year-round and are typically remote. Projects take 5 to 40 hours to complete and are due between one week and one month after you are offered the project.
Micro-interns are typically considered independent contractors rather than employees. This means that you determine your work schedule and use your own tools to complete the project at your chosen location.
We connect you with micro-internships using Parker Dewey. Parker Dewey provides short-term, paid, professional projects for college students and recent graduates. You will not have to negotiate pay, send invoices or create a contract as Parker Dewey manages these for you.
Academic internships require enrollment in an internship course. They can be paid or unpaid. The duration of the internship is the academic term.
If you have found an internship and would like to enroll in an academic internship course, view this road map on how to request an academic internship.
Fellowships focus on academic research or professional development rather than professional experience. Academic fellowships are merit-based scholarships for advanced research of an academic subject. Professional fellowships are scholarships to develop advanced skills such as grant writing, community organizing, or public relations.
Fellowships can last a few months or a year and some can be renewed depending upon the rules of the granting institution. Fellows can receive a monetary stipend of a specific amount. They are typically funded by universities and colleges, corporations, non-profits, foundations, media groups, and governmental entities.
Fellowships are often less structured with the fellow managing their time and process to complete the project. Fellows are typically not considered employees. They are selected based on their potential to make a positive and long-lasting contribution to the field. Fellowships are demanding and require a significant commitment from students.
Externships provide an opportunity to observe a workplace, sit in on meetings, and have career conversations with employees.
Externships can be one day or up to a few weeks and are usually unpaid. They are similar to a job-shadowing experience where you follow an employee to observe their day-to-day work.
Graduate externships are offered to graduate students by the academic program such as law school or medical school. These opportunities are usually long-term and require enrollment in a course.
Application Tracker
We provide an online internship application tracking tool called Huntr. This tool helps you organize your internship search.
Log In: Internship Application Tracker
Add jobs using the Chrome browser and the Huntr Chrome Extension. For help getting started, watch the video Introducing Huntr Job Search Tracker and review the Huntr Job Seeker Guide.
Additional Support
Experiential learning coordinators are available by individual appointment. We can answer your questions about searching for an internship and help you connect with opportunities. Schedule an appointment for career advising.
We offer workshops throughout the year to help you find internships and network with professionals. Sign up for workshops on the Career Center calendar.
Part of choosing an internship includes knowing about the opportunities available for your major. Employers host events where you can meet company representative and learn more about what’s possible. Sign up for employer events using Cal State LA Handshake.
We provide new and gently used interview and career-appropriate clothing, uniforms, and seasonal necessities in partnership with basic needs support programs and external corporate partners. Learn about the Career Clothing Closet.