Exploring Internship Options: Tips for Getting Started

As you embark on your internship search, consider these key questions and explore areas of interest within specific fields:

Defining Your Goals

• Do you have a clear idea of where you would like to intern or work after college?
• Identify specific companies or organizations that align with your career aspirations.

Passions and Values

• Are there particular issues, products, or services that captivate your interest?
• Whether it's sustainability, women's rights, fashion, sports/entertainment, retail, or healthcare, explore internship opportunities aligned with your areas of passion, not solely based on your degree title.

Geographical Preferences

• Have you considered the location where you'd like to intern?
• If you have friends or family in another city or town you'd like to explore, include these locations in your internship search.

Clearance Requirements

• Do you have the necessary clearances to begin your internship?
• Ensure you understand any specific requirements or clearances needed for your chosen field experience to ensure a smooth start.

Internship Search Strategies

• Seek Faculty Advice: Schedule appointments with faculty advisors or the campus internship coordinator to assess your interests and skills, guiding you towards suitable internship opportunities.

• Embrace Networking: Networking is crucial for finding internships. Engage with professionals you've met previously who left a positive impression. Tap into the Greater Allegheny alumni network and attend campus events to connect with potential employers.

• Connect with Peers: Learn from other Greater Allegheny students who have completed internships. Attend career events and job fairs to expand your professional network and discover unadvertised internship opportunities.

Online Job Resources

While online job boards are not the sole solution for internships, they serve as a great starting point for research. Nittany Lion Careers is Penn State’s portal for students and alumni to access job postings. You can upload a resume for employers to view. You also have access to hundreds of alumni to connect with via LionLink. To access the system, you must use your standard Penn State User ID and password.