Internships

Internships and cooperative education experiences improve your ability to get a job after graduation. You can gain relevant work experience to include on your resume, develop and utilize a variety of occupational skills, learn how to write resumes and interview, make valuable contacts with professionals in your field, and explore and clarify career options. Practical experience is critical!

What’s the first step to learning more about internship opportunities?

Set an appointment with a SCC Career Counselor by calling 636-922-8241. They can explain the process, help you draft/update your resume and practice interview skills, and guide you as you seek work experience.

How do I find out about internships or other career-related opportunities?

1. In the Career Services Center you will find three books: An “Internship Book,” a “Full-Time Job Book” and a “Part-Time Job Book.” These list opportunities from area employers. You can review these postings any time. No appointment is necessary. Apply directly to the company.
2. Register on College Central Network, SCC’s online job and internship posting program. Go to www.collegecentral.com/stchas Check the site often as new jobs and internships are posted daily.
3. Tap into professional organizations for contacts. Professional associations are committed to helping train and socialize people in a specific profession or trade. Find the ones that apply to your career.
4. Call companies in the community who might hire interns in your chosen career field. This proactive approach may be just what the organization is wanting in potential employees.
5. Check newspaper "help wanted" ads and Internet sites of employers in the community who may hire workers with the skills you are developing in your college coursework. Apply to entry-level positions in your field of interest.
6. Ask the academic department chairperson of your major or field of interest if they know of any opportunities available.
7. Look at internship sites such as: www.careerplanet.com and www.internjobs.com
8. Read the following books:

• The Back Door Guide to Short-Term Job Adventures, by Michael Landes; published by Ten Speed Press, 1-800-841-2665. This book contains over 40,000 listings of unique internships, seasonal work, volunteer opportunities, overseas jobs , and short-term adventure jobs. www.backdoorjobs.com
• Peterson’s Internships. It lists over 40,000 internships all across the country. Call 1-800-338-3282 to order.
• The Internship Bible, by Mark Oldman and Samer Hamadeh. Published by the Princeton Review, 1-2-2-874-8282. Lists over 100,000 internships.

TIP: Get a written job description for your internships or co-op and save it because you can use that job description to describe the internship on your resume.

Excerpts from Major in Success, by Patrick Combs

How do I get college credit for my internship experience?

1. Complete a registration form.
2. Locate a faculty member to oversee your internship and sign the registration form.
3. Register for the class in the Admissions/Registration Office.
4. Pay for the credit(s).

If you do not want college credit, you may apply directly to the company.