Internships

What is an internship?

An internship is a temporary work experience in an organization, usually lasting between 3 and 6 months. Internships are opportunities for students to learn from professionals in a field that they themselves would like to pursue and that complements their academic program.

 

What are my duties and responsibilities as an intern?

Although duties and responsibilities vary by industry, daily activities usually include:

  • Shadowing meetings
  • Research and writing
  • Visiting other departments and/or sites
  • Working with other employees and interns
  • Greeting people and answering phones
  • Working individually on projects
  • Applying knowledge gained in the classroom

 

How many hours do I have to commit?

Different career fields require varying time commitments, but employers usually expect 20–25 hours per week. This can be a full-day schedule for two or three days or a part-day schedule for three to five days.

 

What is the difference between a paid internship and one that offers a stipend?

A paid internship offers an hourly wage. A stipend is a sum of money, usually meant to cover expenses, which could be given in installments over the course of the internship or in a lump sum at the end (for example, an intern might receive a $1,000 stipend upon completion of the internship). Note: In lieu of pay, some employers may require that interns at their company receive academic credit from the university.

 

How can I receive academic credit for an internship?

Academic credit may be offered through your program of study. Contact your academic advisor or program office to find out about eligibility requirements and what your options are for a credit internship.

 

What is the expected behavior while on an internship?

Expect your employer to treat you like an employee. Many have standards of behavior outlined in employee/internship handbooks. Some good rules to follow:

  • Don't talk on your cell phone, check your email, or text while on the internship.
  • Dress appropriately and in accordance with the dress code of the organization.
  • Maintain confidentiality about the employer's business on and away from the work place.
  • Expect to adhere to and respect a hierarchical structure within the organization.

 

When is the best time to intern?

The best time to intern is when you can commit the most time and energy to the experience while balancing your other responsibilities. Summer is the most competitive time, followed by spring semester, fall semester, and winter intercession.

 

When should I apply to an internship?

Think about where you want to apply during the semester before you plan on doing an internship. Employers usually begin to advertise internships and interview applicants two to three months before the term begins For example, an organization will start interviewing in October and November for positions that begin in January.

 

How easy is it to get an internship?

Internship searches are not necessarily as competitive as full-time job searches, but there are some highly competitive programs. In any case, your self-marketing materials are key. Resumes, cover letters and applications need to be stellar representations of you at this point in your college career. Take your time applying and have your materials reviewed by a career counselor before sending them to prospective employers.

 

How can I maximize my chances of getting an internship?

Be mindful of application deadlines, and keep track of the places you've applied to. Many students apply to five or more organizations. Follow up on the status of your application and continue to apply for positions and go on interviews until you secure one.

 

What if the organization only wants a junior or senior and I'm a sophomore or freshman?

It's never too early to gain experience. Approach the organization and ask if you can volunteer or shadow an employee for a few hours a week, fewer hours than an intern would work. You could also propose an internship to an organization that may need a few extra hands and may not have the same eligibility constraints.

 

What should I expect when I go on an interview? How should I prepare?

Internship interviews should be treated formally no matter how the interviewer projects him or herself. Interviews may be conducted over the phone or in person, one-on-one or in a group. Be ready to discuss why you want to intern at the organization, your goals, and everything on your resume.

 

How do I turn down an offer?

Be sure to send notification immediately if you turn down an offer. To keep doors open, be polite and thank the employer for the opportunity. You may wish to ask them to keep you in mind for next semester. Once you accept an offer, be sure to stop interviewing for others.

 

Can I intern as an International Student?

International students can obtain internships. However, they must speak to an advisor in International Student Services to learn about any restrictions attached to their student visas before applying for a position.

 

Are there internship opportunities out of state?

Our online job board, College Central Network, mainly lists internships in the New York metropolitan area. However, our resource page contains information by area of interest that can lead students to internships throughout the U.S.

 

Are there internship opportunities abroad? How do I apply?

Check out the job search tools and links on our resource page for information on programs that allow students to intern internationally. There are many opportunities covering many areas of interest.

Students interested in interning or volunteering abroad are strongly encouraged to go through a formal program as they may otherwise encounter issues with student visas if pursuing opportunities on their own.

 

What kinds of internships are available to New School students?

Below is a partial list of organizations that have offered internships to New School undergraduates and graduate students:

  • ACLU, Policy and Advocacy Intern
  • Amnesty International, Organizing Unit Intern
  • BBC Productions USA, Production Intern
  • Brant Publications, Editorial Intern
  • Cherry Lane Theatre, Technical/ Production Intern
  • Children's Museum of the Arts, Communications Coordinator
  • Citizens Union, Policy and Research Intern
  • Discovery Channel, Development Intern
  • Dramatists Play Service, Assistant to the Vice President
  • DreamWorks, Marketing Intern
  • Ensemble ACJW, Pianist
  • Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, Media Research Manager
  • HBO Documentary Films, Manager, Acquisitions
  • Hoff Productions, Television Production Assistant
  • Hudson River Park Trust, Events/Promotions Assistant
  • IndiePix, Production and Copy Writer Interns
  • International Rescue Committee (IRC), Alternative Education Intern
  • Lippincott Massie McQuilkin, Literary Agency Intern
  • MTV, Creative Services Intern
  • NBC, Media Intern
  • New York Public Interest Research Group, Community Outreach Intern
  • NY 1 News, Commercial Operations Intern, Media Intern
  • NYC Department of Buildings, Press Aide
  • NYC Economic Development Corporation, Project Management Interns
  • Rowman and Littlefield Publishing, Editorial Intern
  • Rubin Museum of Art, Programming Intern
  • Seattle Symphony, Conductor
  • Skyhorse Publishing, Book Publishing Intern
  • The Wings Theatre Company, Submissions Evaluator
  • UNICEF, Media Intern
  • UNIFEM, Human Rights Consultant
  • USAID, Education Officer Afghanistan
  • WNYC Radio, Listener Services Associate, Marketing Coordinator
  • World Policy Institute, Advocacy Intern
  • Youth Challenge International, Youth Ambassadors