Obtain an Internship
Internships are a key way of building relevant work experience. They can build your resume, add needed skills, expose you to the professional workplace, help build your network, help you find positive references, and lead to a full-time job. They can also help point you in the right direction of selecting your major and/or career.
According to a 2022 Job Outlook report through the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), when choosing between two otherwise equally qualified candidates, employers deem having an internship with its organization or within its industry to be the most influential factors. Employers expect to increase their intern hiring by 9.1% for the 2022-23 academic year over the previous year, according to results from NACE’s 2023 Internship & Co-op Report. The increase underscores the value employers place on their internship programs and their commitment to them. According to a NACE quick poll, four out of five employers said their internship program provided the best return on investment as a recruiting strategy, giving them the best means for identifying and building relationships with potential employees.
Before scheduling an appointment with Starr’s Internship Manager, students are strongly encouraged to attend Starr’s Internship Seminar. All events and workshops can be found on Starr Search.
Preparation for an Internship
In order to find the right fit for your career interests and goals, you should determine your internship target and know where to search for internship opportunities. Prior to beginning the search, it is strongly advised that you prepare a resume and practice your interviewing skills. During the interview process, it will be crucial to understand correspondence etiquette and how to handle internship offers. Once you are interning, it is important to be aware of how to succeed, troubleshoot and make the best of the overall experience.
Download Internship Success Guide
Internship Types
OCR
Throughout the fall and spring semesters, employers recruit on campus and virtually for internship opportunities, Early ID leadership programs and full-time jobs. In order to be eligible for on-campus recruiting (OCR), students must attend a Mandatory OCR Workshop by clicking “Events” within their Starr Search account. Attendance at this workshop will result in the adjustment of their Starr Search Applicant Type status to be “OCR Eligible”, allowing students to apply to all OCR opportunities provided they still meet all other eligibility criteria (minimum GPA requirements, major, year in school, graduation date, etc.) within each OCR posting.
- It takes up to 48 hours (2 business days) to activate your OCR eligibility in Starr Search once you’ve attended the OCR workshop.
- In order to have your results processed, your Starr Search account must be complete. This means that all fields such as your GPA, year in school, expected graduation date and major must be entered. An updated resume must also be uploaded to your Starr Search account.
Paid
An internship that allows you to combine classroom learning with hands-on practice prior to graduation while you receive compensation in return for the work you do. You can view and apply to these types of positions on Starr Search.
Unpaid
An internship that allows you to combine classroom learning with hands-on practice prior to graduation and for which you receive no compensation but you gain work experience and opportunities to network. Many of these internships offer a stipend or academic credit. We encourage you to speak with Starr’s Internship Manager to learn more about these opportunities. You can view and apply to these types of positions on Starr Search.
Zero Credit
Students who meet specific criteria can land paid or unpaid internships whereby you will take an internship class while interning. Upon completion of your internship, you will receive a transcript notation. View the below guide to learn about eligibility criteria.
Download Zero Credit Internship Guide
If you feel that you meet the internship course criteria, please complete the Zero-Credit Internship Application form and submit it to the Internship Manager in the Starr Career Development Center.
Credit
Paid or unpaid internships whereby you will take an internship class while interning. Upon completion of your internship, you will receive academic credit. Feel free to view our Center’s Internships for College Credit Guide to determine which internship faculty member within your academic department you will need to reach out to for this process.
International Students
F-1 international students are permitted to apply for a paid internship through a program called Curricular Practical Training (CPT). For more information, visit the International Student Service Center.
Internship Funding Programs
Starr and Baruch offer various opportunities for internship funding. View this document to learn more about Starr’s internship funding programs. Contacts and links listed below.
- Starr: Max Berger Pre-Law Unpaid Internship Stipend Program: Tina Coco (tina.coco@baruch.cuny.edu)
- Starr: Dr. Wendy Heyman Public Interest Fellowship: Sandra Kupprat (sandra.kupprat@baruch.cuny.edu)
- Starr: Feel free to visit the section of our Center’s blog which addresses internship funding programs as well.
- Weissman Center for International Business: Entrepreneurial Intern Fellowship Program | Click here for more program details and FAQ’s.
- Weissman Center for International Business: C.V. Starr International Experiential Learning Fellowship