Internships are work-related learning experiences for individuals who wish to develop hands-on experience in an occupational field. They can last anywhere from three months to a year, can be paid or unpaid, and students may be able to receive academic credit for their internship experiences.
Internships can provide you with the following benefits:
- The start of a professional network
- Professional experience in your field
- Career sampling (can you picture yourself in this field?)
- Possible income
- Possible college credits
- A chance to apply what you’ve learned in school to the real world
Resume & cover letter
It is important to make a good first impression with your resume and cover letter. These documents are sometimes your only opportunity to land an interview; perfection is crucial. If you need assistance with your resume or cover letter, please sign up for the “Writing Resumes & Cover Letters” workshop or set up an individual appointment with Haley Brown, Student Services Coordinator: 621-3130 or hbrown120@maine.edu.
Interviewing skills
An interview is your opportunity to show a potential supervisor your ability to present yourself in a professional manner, both verbally and non-verbally. It’s also a time to convince him/her that you are truly interested and are the perfect fit for the organization. For help with your interviewing skills, attend the “Successful Interviewing” workshop or set up a mock interview with Haley Brown: 621-3130 or hbrown120@maine.edu.
Motivation and persistence!
An internship may not fall in your lap. Similarly to a job search, it can take time, energy, and persistence to find an internship opportunity, especially since not all internships are posted. Some organizations may hire interns without advertising, and some may consider accepting an intern for the first time – if you ask them. These hidden opportunities require you to reach out to organizations where you want to do your internship, not necessarily the ones who ask you to apply.
Start your search early, and don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts don’t pan out. Continue networking with professionals in your field to learn about new opportunities.
All internship advertisements sent to the Career Connections Office are posted on UMA CareerLink. Current students may access the system by clicking on the “blue cube” on their launchpad in the UMA Portal. Alumni may access UMA CareerLink by clicking here and creating an account.
Visit this national website to search for internships nationwide, read intern blogs, and get tips on searching and applying for internships.
Faculty members
Don’t forget that faculty members have connections outside of UMA. Talk to your instructors about possible internship locations and contacts.
Other Resources:
Jobs in ME
Career Rookie
Top Internship Employers
Study Abroad
Search for internships on websites pertaining to your career interests
Search for internships on company websites
Most internships are unpaid, so don’t expect a paycheck when you apply. However, keep in mind that under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the U.S. Department of Labor has put forth specific guidelines that outline under which circumstances interns must be paid. For more information on these guidelines, visit http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs71.pdf. Remember that an internship is about gaining experience, building your network, and potentially receiving a job offer.
The UMA majors listed below have a required or optional internship/practicum. Students in majors not listed below have the option of pursuing an internship through an independent study.
Major | Class Number | Class Title | Required/Optional |
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Bachelor of Architecture | ARC 406 | Architectural Apprenticeship | Required |
BA Art | ART 496 | Internship | Required |
BA Biology | BIO 475 | Internship in Biology | Optional |
AS Business Administration | BUA 294 | Coop Education/Field Experience | Optional |
BS Business Administration, Accounting Major | BUA 495 | Business Internship (in Accounting) | Optional |
BS Business Administration, Management Major | BUA 495 | Business Internship | Optional |
AS Computer Information Systems | CIS 280 | Internship | Optional |
BS Computer Information Systems | CIS 380/480 | Internship | Required |
B.S. Cybersecurity, P.B. Cybersecurity |
ISS 380 | Cybersecurity Internship | Required |
B.S. Data Science | Choice of: CIS 380/480 BUA 495 SSC 420 |
Internship Business Internship Social Science Senior Project |
One class for this requirement is required |
AS Dental Hygiene* | DEH 400 | Dental Hygiene Practicum | Optional |
BS Dental Hygiene* | DEH 400 | Dental Hygiene Practicum | Optional |
BS Education Tracks:
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AS Information & Library Science | ILS 299 | Library Assistant Practicum | Required |
BS Informational & Library Science | ILS 499 | Advanced Research/Internship | Required |
BS Justice Studies | JUS 361 | Community Policing Practicum | Optional |
AS Medical Laboratory Technology | MLT 395 | Hospital Practicum | Required |
BS Mental Health & Human Services |
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AS Mental Health & Human Services | HUS 270 | Field Placement I | Required |
BS Nursing (4-Year BSN) |
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BS Public Administration | POS 485 | Public Administration Internship | Optional |
BS Veterinary Technology* |
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*These degree programs have additional required clinical experiences built into their curriculums.
Check the UMA catalog for more information on courses and degree requirements.