Internships are great ways to explore career options and gain valuable experience while building a network and developing potential advocates. Research shows that students who participate in at least one internship/experiential learning activity are more likely to receive an invite for an interview, have a higher chance of securing a job, and are able to negotiate a higher salary when compared to peers who didn’t secure an internship or experiential learning activity.
The Internship Guide – 5 Steps for Success offers a detailed overview of the internship search process, helping you prepare effectively as you pursue internship opportunities. Check off the boxes as you complete each step applicable to your internship search.
Internships can be found on Handshake.
A strong internship experience should be well-structured and centered on your learning and growth. Look for opportunities that include the following key elements:
Defined Duration
The internship should have a clear start and end date, typically aligned with an academic term or the summer.
Guidance & Supervision
A dedicated staff member or supervisor should be available to provide mentorship, structure, and access to resources and meaningful projects.
Learning-Focused Experience
The work should contribute to your career interests and include specific goals for skill development and professional growth.
Reflection Opportunities
Interns should have chances to reflect on their experience, either through journaling, check-ins, or discussion prompts.
Structured Evaluation
You should receive feedback at key points in the internship, such as a midpoint review and a final evaluation.
Compensation Transparency
Internships may be paid or unpaid. If unpaid, employers should follow state, regional, or federal guidelines for unpaid internships.
Clear Work Schedule
Internships may be part-time or full-time. During the academic year, part-time is typical; during the summer, full-time is more common.
Support with Logistics
Some employers may offer assistance with housing, transportation, or remote work options.
In addition to the above, consider your personal values, needs, and priorities. For example:
- Do you need accessibility accommodations?
- Are you looking for an employer with a commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging (DEIJB)?
- Do you need flexibility around coursework or caregiving responsibilities?
Don’t hesitate to ask. In some cases, employers may be open to adjusting the role or providing additional resources if you communicate your needs early and clearly.
Internship Application Deadlines
Knowing internship application deadlines is crucial for college students because many opportunities, especially competitive ones, require submissions months in advance, sometimes up to a year. Being aware of these timelines allows students to plan ahead, gather necessary materials such as resumes, cover letters, and recommendation letters, and refine their applications without last-minute stress. This not only improves the quality of their submissions but also increases their chances of success. Additionally, staying on top of deadlines enables students to apply to a wider range of opportunities, maximizing their options. Meeting deadlines also reflects strong time management and professionalism, qualities that are highly valued by employers.
- Summer internships: Typically have the earliest application windows, often opening in the late fall (September-November) and closing in late January or early February.
- Fall internships: Applications generally open in the spring (March-April), with deadlines extending through June and July.
- Spring internships: Recruitment often starts in the fall (September-October), with deadlines in November or December.
- General internships: These may have rolling deadlines and can be open year-round, so it’s a good idea to apply at least 2-3 months before your desired start date.
Submitting an early application is key and can increase your chances of being considered – especially for highly competitive programs!
Career Empowerment Center – Available Opportunities:
Community Service Internship Program (CSIP)
Application opens during the Spring semester
The Community Service Internship Program (CSIP) was initiated by Bruce and Marie Rosenblatt in 1992. Since inception, we have provided over 400 internships to Cal State East Bay students to participate in community service while they attend school. CSIP matches non-profit organizations with students desiring to gain experience in their intended career field.
Pioneer Career Accelerator (PCA)
Application by invite only
The Pioneer Career Accelerator is a federally funded fellowship by Cal State East Bay’s Career Empowerment Center that supports rising seniors and recent alumni with career coaching, networking, and professional development.
Currently in its Fall 2025 pilot phase by invitation, it will expand to more students and alumni in Spring 2026.
CPT/OPT is processed through the Center for International Education (CIE). For more information, send an email to cie@csueastbay.edu. For off campus positions, you are required to complete paperwork with CIE prior to starting the position.
NOTE: Internship dates must align with federal guidelines. Please review more information about applicable dates at the Center for International Education website.
Internships are a form of experiential learning that allow students to gain real-world experience by working with an organization for a limited period of time. These opportunities are often connected to a student’s major or career interests, helping them apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting.
Think of an internship as a road map to career success—research shows that 7 out of 10 internships may lead to full-time job offers.
In many cases, students can earn academic credit for their internship by enrolling in a course related to their major or program of study. This allows students to gain credit toward graduation while also developing professional skills. If you’re interested in receiving credit, be sure to start the internship registration process early, as enrollment often involves department approval, learning agreements, and site verification.
We strongly encourage all undergraduate and graduate students to complete at least one internship experience before graduation—whether for credit or not.
For full details and step-by-step guidance, visit the Center for Community Engagement website.