For most majors, internships are a requirement. While it can seem stressful and time-consuming to find one, it doesn’t have to feel that way.
An internship is a work experience offered by an organization temporarily. Internships allow students to get hands-on experience and network. Opportunities like these push students to discover and learn skills within their career field and possibly secure a job before graduation.
Internships also serve as a test and trial for students, as they help students decide if they are ready for the “real world” and see if they are fit for their career of study.
Typically, students begin looking for internships their junior or senior year of college. Depending on the company and internship, students can intern sooner. Some companies offer after-graduation internship opportunities for recent graduates.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is one of many companies in Louisiana that offers internships for recent graduates.
“Junior or seniors or someone who has recently graduated up to a year after graduation can come ahead and get that experience,” Lindsey Lucca, the talent programs partner at BCBSA, said.
BCBSA currently has applications open for internships; any majors are welcome to apply, but they are geared more towards business majors. They offer hybrid and remote internships for human resources, confederation, marketing and business analyst. For more information and to apply, click here.
Paid internships have started to become more common. However, not all do this. This depends on the company and what type of internship you are looking for.
Internships are most common throughout the fall, spring and summer time. The length of each internship varies depending on the company and position received. Prior research and meetings with the intern supervisor are necessary to get this information.
“The best time to apply would probably be typically when graduations happen so right around the fall — right around through March and May would probably be the best time,” Jaden Miller, a talent sourcer manager at The Center for Children & Families, said.
The Center for Children & Families primarily offers internships for master’s students in counseling and psychology but also provides some part-time internships for psychology students working with the community.
Miller also shared they are one of the few companies that offer paid internships in the state.
Obtaining an internship may seem complicated, but it simply starts with finding one through a quick Google search for local internships nearby. Generally, universities also hold job fairs and bring recruiters looking for interns. Northwestern State University of Louisiana has recently held job fairs for their students.
“I’ve found that a lot of students share that Handshake is where they are finding these opportunities,” Morgan Hope, a talent acquisition specialist at Northwestern Mutual in north Louisiana, said. Northwestern Mutual is a financial planning and insurance company.
Requirements for each internship vary which is why prior research is necessary before applying. Another good way to start looking for internships is through LinkedIn and Handshake, online resources that allow users to build an online portfolio and market themselves to a more specific audience.
“It’s the first thing that I feel like employers are going to be looking at to get to know you better and your professional experience. I would say that is personal branding, so it’s a great thing to have,” Hope said. Another way to start looking for internships is to check in with the university or department you are currently attending. NSU also provides university internships where students can complete an internship with one of their professors. They also provide a list of internships on their website.
As college students, networking and finding opportunities such as an internship can be scary, but it’s fundamental to secure connections that will be beneficial after graduation.
