Internships

You are strongly encouraged to obtain career-related experience prior to graduation. Most students at NC State accomplish this with summer internships. One or two internships is typical and allows you to mix in study abroad, volunteering, summer school, and other valuable opportunities for personal and professional development.

Common questions

• When should I start looking for an internship?
  Begin your search now. Employers recruit during the fall and spring semesters.
  
• Can I intern as a freshman?
  While some employers hire freshman, more hire sophomores and juniors.
  
• Are internships paid?
  All technical internships are paid. Most non-technical internships are paid.
  
• Can I receive credit for my internship?
  Most departments do not offer credit. Check with yours to be sure.
  
• Can I intern during the semester?
  Many employers offer part-time internships that work well with your school schedule. A few employers offer full-time semester internships.
  
• How is co-op different?
  Co-op is an academic program with a commitment of three terms with the same employer.
  
• Is research experience considered an internship?
  Yes, research with faculty is considered career-related experience. It's a great choice if you are considering graduate school.
  
• Can an internship lead to a full-time job?
  Yes, it is the most popular employment trend of employers!