Internships are experiential learning opportunities (hands-on experience) that help students explore different career paths, network with industry professionals, and apply their education, knowledge, and skills to real-world workplace environments.
What is the value of pursuing an internship while in school?
Graduates with internship experience are likely to receive more job offers, a higher starting salary, and a wider set of skills upon graduation compared to students with no internship experience (according to the NACE 2022 Employer Survey). Mentoring and networking opportunities with industry professionals also offer interns insight into career paths in their field of interest.
When can I start my first internship and how do I apply?
Students can pursue their first internship as early as the spring semester of their freshman year. Internships can be in virtual, hybrid, and in-person formats and be both part-time (typically offered during the academic year) and full-time positions (summer semester). Students can apply for internships on Handshake through their myCI account and receive job/internship emails by filling out their Handshake profile.
The Career Development and Alumni Engagement team is dedicated to supporting CSUCI students on their career paths through our workshops, employer events and partnerships, and individual counseling sessions. To request information on how to obtain an internship through CDAE, please contact jillian.yanai@csuci.edu or make an Internship Search appointment with a Career Counselor through Handshake.
Students
Resources for students searching for an internship, already in an internship, and about how to successfully end their internship. Learn more about internships here, then talk to a career counselor or department internship contact.
Find Student Internship Resources
Employers
Alumni and employers interested in recruiting interns or establishing an internship program, we will work with you to provide high-quality learning experiences that integrate academic knowledge and professional experience in a work environment.
Find Opportunities For Internship Employers
Faculty & Staff
Information and resources for faculty and staff involved with academic credit internship courses. Here you will find a new Internship Guide to assist in facilitating the experiential learning opportunity to bridge academia and professional industry.
Learn more about Faculty and Staff Involvement in Internships