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It is an opportunity to apply the knowledge you’ve gained in your classes in a professional setting. You also can gain valuable knowledge about working in the profession, professional work experience for your resumé and begin networking and developing references for future job searches. Internships also may provide mentoring or future employment opportunities.

No. Internships can be completed with non-local companies.

Search the company’s website for career, employment or job opportunities. You can also call the business/organization and ask if it takes interns. Complete their online application or follow any instructions received by the business/organization on how to apply for the internship.

If it's been awhile since you submitted your application, follow up with the hiring manager or business/organization and ask for a status update on your application.

You should have a resumé and cover letter prepared. Send them to a potential employer, and make sure you bring copies to the interview. If applicable, consider taking a portfolio or work samples. Assignments from key classes or work published in student organizations are very appropriate. It is wise to have a faculty member review your portfolio before you present it to a potential intern employer.

Show your interest in the organization. Research the organization, understand what they are known for, who their clients are and typically how interns are utilized. Consult with classmates who may have interned there before.

Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer. Many times, an interviewer will ask you if you have any questions, so make sure you do. Ask about primary intern responsibilities, employer expectations, challenges and opportunities.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Check out the location of the internship before your interview, so you know how long it takes to get there and where to park. There is nothing more stressful and damaging than arriving late for an interview.

Try very hard to think on your feet, so you can answer the interviewer’s questions quickly. If you really don’t know something, say so. But remember, the interviewer is trying to find out what you do know. Stay relaxed and conversational. If you think of a question, ask it. If you don’t understand something, say you aren’t sure what the interviewer means.

Think about possible questions before the interview and think about your answers to those questions. Research potential interview questions for your area of study and practice.

You will want to ask about working hours, to learn if the internship will meet your credit requirements. Avoid asking about the salary until you are offered the internship. Asking before you are offered the internship can leave the wrong impression.

Try to get some idea of the next steps. If the interviewer doesn't provide next steps, ask. If there are further steps, make sure you understand clearly what they are. Whatever the interviewer tells you, make sure you note it and put the date in your calendar.

Whether you are offered the internship or not, you should follow up immediately with a written and mailed thank-you note and/or email.

Promptly write a thank-you note and/or email to the hiring manager. Confirm your start/end date, hours and general expectation of duties.