Tag Archives: internship planning

Which internship season is right for you?

‘Tis the season—not for the early onslaught of Christmas commercials and incessantly overplayed holiday music, but for the beginning of a fruitful internship search. In fact, every season is an internship season. Companies and organizations offer spring, summer, fall and year round internship programs.  There are pros and cons to each time, so it’s up to you to research and decide what best suits your needs, expectations and availability. Here are a few things to take into consideration while deciding.

First, look carefully at your schedule and figure out when you will be able to work. An internship during the academic year can be convenient assuming it is close to your school and where you’re living. Check the facts to be sure you don’t have to move anywhere and the internship can slide into your year without taking up much, if any, break time. However, make sure you double check the internship’s expectations. Many programs require interns to work a certain number of days or hours, sometimes on predetermined days. This can be difficult to schedule, especially if you’re taking a full course load.

That’s one reason why spring and fall internships often attract college juniors, seniors or recent graduates. The coursework is most likely lighter during these years and students have the time and flexibility to focus on their major or explore career options. An internship can fit nicely into this kind of school schedule.

If you don’t have time during the academic year, however, a summer internship may be the one for you. Since school isn’t an issue, a summer program offers wide-open opportunities. You can stay close to home or go somewhere new. This is especially beneficial if your field of interest is tied to a particular part of the country, such as fashion in New York or international relations in Washington D.C. Choosing a time when you can travel means many more opportunities and options.

Don’t get too carried away, though. Remember moving away means new living arrangements and this can be a hassle.  Some internships provide room and board, but many do not. Make sure you know what your program includes and look into living arrangements before you commit to applying.

Regardless of what season is right for you; it’s always a good idea to get started on your applications early. If you’re looking to intern your junior or senior year, start doing the research when you’re a sophomore. Some internships require an application nearly a year in advance so it’s smart to start looking and applying as soon as possible.

If you’ve missed out on a spring internship, summer is just around the corner. It’s a great time to gain useful experience while school is out. ‘Tis the season…to get an internship!