| What is the difference between an internship and a summer or seasonal job?
An internship offers a one-time, career-related work assignment, which may be paid or unpaid. Internships are generally reserved for upper-division students and are often completed for academic credit. Internships usually last one semester or summer, but can also occur during an academic term while a student attends classes full time.
Summer or seasonal employment provides paid work experience, which may or may not be directly related to a student’s curriculum and is not integrated into the academic program.
Although not identified as an internship, career-related summer employment may provide the same valuable work experience. For the sake of simplifying terminology on this website, the term ‘internship’ will be used to refer to either type of opportunity.
Why should I consider an internship?
Exploration – Internships allow students to explore career paths before fully immersing themselves in a professional career.
Experience – Internships provide valuable experiences and skills that are the building blocks for an excellent resume.
Education – Internships help bridge the gap between academic theory and the practiced career, preparing students for the world of work, and may even fulfill some college credits.
Engagement– Internships allow students to engage with others in professional relationships, provides a valuable asset to career building.
How do internships work at NMSU?
NMSU’s Cooperative Education and Internship Program takes the role of facilitator in a student's search for an internship. We help students launch a search using the best resources available. Our partnership with students fosters responsibility in finding the best and most appropriate opportunities to meet their needs.
Academic credit may be earned for some internships. The possibility of academic credit for an internship is handled through the appropriate academic department. Students should visit their academic departments or advisors for details.
Unlike Cooperative Education, internships are not coded on a student's academic transcripts.
The Essential Resume and Cover Letter…
Before students launch a search for an internship, they should construct an appropriate resume. A good resume and cover letter are key to obtaining an interview, and subsequently, the internship.
Students should contact the Career Services Office in Garcia Annex, room 224, (575) 646-1631, to learn more about attending resume or interviewing workshops, or to make an appointment for a resume critique with a career advisor.
Web Articles on Internships:
MonsterTrak archive of articles on internships:
Princeton Review article index:
http://www.princetonreview.com/cte/articleIndex.asp
Articles by career-oriented Wetfeet website:
hhttp://wetfeet.com/Undergrad/Internships.aspx
Vault’s internship-related articles:
http://www.vault.com/
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