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.

UMA CareerLink

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.

Internships.com

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
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:

  • All Tracks
  • Early Elementary Education (K-3)
  • Elementary Education (K-8)
  • Art/Music Education (K-12)
  • Secondary Education (6-12)
 

  • EDU 215
  • EDU 492
  • EDU 491
  • EDU 493
  • EDU 490
 

  • Field Experience I
  • Student Teaching Education
  • Student Teaching
  • Student Teaching
  • Student Teaching
 

  • Required
  • Required
  • Required
  • Required
  • Required
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
  • HUS 270
  • HUS 470
  • Field Placement I
  • Field Placement II
  • Required
  • Required
AS Mental Health & Human Services HUS 270 Field Placement I Required
BS Nursing (4-Year BSN)
  • NUR 312
  • NUR 315
  • NUR 412
  • NUR 415
  • NUR 356
  • NUR 450
  • Caring for Adults
  • Caring for Families
  • Caring for Adults II
  • Mental Health & Wellness Nursing
  • Community & Global Health Clinical
  • Holistic Nursing Clinical Practicum
  • Required
  • Required
  • Required
  • Required
  • Required
  • Required
BS Public Administration POS 485 Public Administration Internship Optional
BS Veterinary Technology*
  • VTE 115
  • VTE 330
  • Veterinary Technical Student Internship
  • Practicum in Veterinary Technology
  • Required
  • Required

*These degree programs have additional required clinical experiences built into their curriculums.

Check the UMA catalog for more information on courses and degree requirements.