Internship Resources

Internships 101

Internships provide hands on experience to students in all grade levels. They help students add experience to their resume in addition to helping students find out whether their intended career path is the best choice for them. Beginning their first year, students should be working to get an internship to get the hands on experience to help them achieve their career goals upon graduating from WSU Tri-Cities.

Where to find internships

Handshake is the system WSU uses to house all internship opportunities. Local organizations who work directly with WSU Tri-Cities will post their opportunities through Handshake.

Workforce Portal – WSU Tri-Cities partnered with the Association of Washington Business, the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce and Columbia Basin College to launch a new portal that will help connect students with internships and other career opportunities.  Use the advanced internship search to find an internship by keyword, job category, location and more. If you don’t see anything that interests you, continue to check the website as new positions are added frequently.

Check the employers where you are interested in working. Many employers often have their own internship programs.

The Career Center is located in the Learning Commons, CIC 101N. The Career Center Coordinator and Peer Career Navigators can help you with your internship search.

Internship for college credit

Many degree programs require an internship or practicum as a graduation requirement. Check with your academic advisor to inquire about your degree requirements.

Things to keep in mind:

  • There is a cost associated with internship credit. Students pay a per credit cost if they are below 10 credits or above 18 credits. If a student is between 10-18 credits, the cost is combined with the general tuition cost.
  • There many be additional assignments required by your program if receiving credit.
  • These credits may help with degree completion.
  • Internships may give you first hand experience for your future career.

Paid internships

Not all internships are required to be paid. There are paid and unpaid internship opportunities available.

Tips and advice

Before applying, set up an appointment with career services to get your resume and cover letter updated.

Practice for the interview. The Career Center can help students develop answers to those hard internship questions.

Check often for new internship opportunities. While it may seem most internships are spring semester or summer semester, internships are actually offered year around. The Career Center is open throughout the summer and is always available to help students with those last minute questions.

Dress for success. Even if your internship may be working in a warehouse, for the interview you always want to bring your best foot forward. Business professional is always encouraged with interviews.

After your interview, do not forget to write a thank you letter. A quick thank you email or a handwritten note may put you one step above other candidates.

Handshake

Don’t forget to check out Handshake. Handshake is the portal WSU uses to post all jobs and internships. Students should make sure to set up a complete profile as many professionals will use Handshake to recruit students.

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Get your resume and cover letter reviewed today.

Have Questions?

Contact John Navarro, Career Center Coordinator at john.navarro@wsu.edu