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For Students


For Students


Finding an Internship


Internships may be found in a spectrum of settings, including not-for-profit agencies, government offices, and corporations. They may be part-time or full-time and may last one or more semesters or a full summer. Employers who sponsor interns have an interest in preparing future professionals; in turn, interns help employers accomplish projects that may not have been possible otherwise. Most employers consider internship experience in the hiring process, and many look to their own interns as potential candidates for full-time positions.

Setting the Parameters of Your Search


  • What are your fields of interest (human rights, economics, geology, etc.)?
  • What kind of organization do you want to intern with (public, private, nonprofit)?
  • Are you interested in exploring a specific occupation (veterinarian, insurance broker, magazine editor, etc.)?
  • Is there a geographic region or language you would like to gain skills or exposure to?
Self-assessment is the first step in an internship search and career development process. If you have trouble answering the above questions, please visit our self-assessment tools or make an appointment with a counselor by calling extension 2352.

Logistical Considerations


1. Can you afford to take on an unpaid internship or do you need to earn money?
  • Paid internships exist. You will often find paid/unpaid criteria to select in an internship database. Look first through paid opportunities and see if you find a match for your skills and interests.
  • Look for internships near home, which help to keep living expenses down.
2. Do you want to intern full-time or part-time?
  • Part-time internships provide the exposure, connections, and skill building of full-time
    internships, but give you time to earn money for tuition and living expenses through a second job.
3. Where will you live during the internship period? Do you need/want to be located in a particular geographic region?

4. Does this internship require academic credit? Unpaid internships in some industries require that the intern receive academic credit. While Wellesley College does not award academic credit for internships, the CWS can serve as a resource to students needing to meet that requirement. Please review our section Internships for Credit get more information.

Searching Strategies


There are four key strategies for finding an internship: Searching Internship Databases, Researching Companies and Organizations of Interest, Creating Your Own Internship, and Networking.

Internship Databases: The CWS subscribes to many internship databases on your behalf. Key databases include MyCWS and LACN.  Additionally, you can access our comprehensive resource list by clicking here.

Company Research: Companies and Organizations may not always post their opportunities in databases. By checking the about us, employment, or get involved sections of their website you will access opportunities and also gain insight into the industry. Hint: keep an on-going list of organizations and companies that interest you to use in future internship and job searches.

Creating Your Own Internship: It is often possible to create your own internship within a small company or organization. Contact the appropriate person with a short cover letter (or email) indicating, your background, interests, time you are able to devote to their work. Remember to attach your resume and be flexible.

Networking: Think about the built-in network you already have: family, friends, professors, employers, etc. are all possible connections for an internship. Search the W-Network, but remember to ask for advice and information, not internships! Information interviews and job shadowing are great ways to build your network.  Click here for more tips on Networking.

Funding Opportunities for Wellesley College Students


Check each site for current deadlines


Once you have found an interesting opportunity visit the applying section for tips and details.