Preparing for an Internship

Prepare for your internship using the guides and resources below!

• Create a list of careers that interest you.

• Create and update your resume. Need help? Go to Career Services. 

• Get involved with relevant club or volunteer experiences.

• Obtain necessary clearances, if required.

• Go to the career fairs.  HDFS has a volunteer and internship fair each semester.

• Build your network.  Job shadow and do informational interviews. Who you do you know who has the job you’d like to do?  Talk to family, friends, friends of friends, faculty, staff, anyone you know!

• Look up information about salaries, credentials, requirements, and desired experiences. Utilize the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

• Research relevant organizations or places to work and volunteer in State College or your hometown. 

• Curate at least two professional references. Part time jobs count! 

• Curate two academic references from faculty members or mentors. 

• Explore graduate programs and understand the entrance requirements. 

• Check out alumni mentoring programs. The College of Health and Human Development hosts one with alumni of the college.

• Explore your fields of interest through coursework, including engaged learning sections, HDFS 397, minors and supporting course requirements, and experience in a research lab.