Frequently Asked Questions

Are internships available only in the summer?   [Top]
Although some organizations and companies only have summer internships, many others sponsor interns throughout the academic year and sometimes even offer short-term internships for just a few weeks to complete a special project. Internships are available year round. However, if you are interested in a particular company or location, it is important to find out what their timing is for sponsoring interns.

When should I do an internship?   [Top]
Consider completing an internship in your junior or senior year, after you’ve completed significant coursework in your major. Usually, you will gain more from an internship if you have finished some core courses in your major. Also, many employers prefer employing more senior students.

What if I want to do more than one internship?   [Top]
If you wish to complete multiple internships while at UNCG, consider doing a “starter” internship sometime in your sophomore year, followed by a primary internship in your junior or senior year. When planning your time, please keep in mind that an internship should not require so much of your time that your grades suffer. Academics come first.

How many months in advance do I need to start looking for an internship?   [Top]
If you are searching for a typical internship in the Triad area, a good rule of thumb is to begin at least 2-3 months in advance. This allows enough time to meet with a Career Services counselor and to meet with your Faculty Internship Coordinator. You will need time to write (or fine-tune) your resume, apply for internships, and interview. If you are applying for a nationally-advertised internship, the deadline may be many more months in advance. For Federal agency internships that require a Security Clearance, the minimum time may easily be a year. Give yourself plenty of time.

How many months before summer should I start to look for an internship?   [Top]
If you want to do an internship in the Greensboro area, then start in March. If you want to do an internship with any major company or in another area of the country, start much earlier - at least 6 months in advance.

How do I obtain academic credit for an internship?   [Top]
To receive academic credit for your internship, call your major department and ask to speak with the Faculty Internship Coordinator. This faculty person will be able to explain the requirements to receive academic credit. Usually this requires taking an internship course or doing independent study, while you are completing your internship. This may require some advance planning on your part.

What if I want to do an internship, but don’t need the academic credit?   [Top]
No problem. Many students do internships simply for the experiential value.

What are the work hours required by an internship?   [Top]
Internships vary in terms of time. In the summer, some employers are looking for interns to work 40 hours a week. During the school year, internships typically run 8-15 hours a week, thus allowing the student time to attend classes and study. Some employers even offer “mini” internships for 5-8 hours a week. Usually, if an internship is unpaid, the employer does not expect the student to work long hours.

Most employers expect you to report for work for a minimum of three hours each day. This allows you enough time to accomplish something that day.

Can I work a regular job and still do an internship?   [Top]
Many students who have jobs also do internships. Typically, working students will seek a “mini” internship that requires fewer hours a week. This allows more time for studying. Since a mini-internship takes less time, it can unpaid because you can still work your regular job. Again, though, your first priority should be academics. Don’t over schedule!

Do non-profits have internship opportunities?   [Top]
They sure do. Although most internships in non-profits are unpaid, students often report great satisfaction in contributing to a worthy project or cause and gaining professional experience while doing so. For example, a student majoring in graphic design might do an unpaid design internship creating brochures and posters for a non-profit agency. Even though the internship is unpaid, the student is able to build his/her professional portfolio and increase his/her employability upon graduation.

What do organizations usually look for in an intern?   [Top]
Internship employers are similar to any other employer you will encounter. During the application process, they look for a concise resume and well-written cover letter. Career Services can help you develop these documents.

During the interview, employers usually select the best qualified applicant who also demonstrates good communication skills, who prepares for the interview by studying what the employer does, and who genuinely wants to contribute and to learn.

On the job, employers look for students who can relate well to others, learn quickly, accept supervision well, follow-through on assignments, and show up on time with few absences or excuses.

Do internships pay? If so, what salary is typical?   [Top]
If an internship offers pay - and not all do - it will typically pay from $8-$10 an hour for undergraduate intern, sometimes more for graduate interns.

How long does an internship usually last?   [Top]
Most internships last a semester. If you do a good job, the employer may ask you to stay longer, but you should not count on this.

Do you have to have experience to get an internship?   [Top]
You do not need a lot of experience for most internships. Most employers understand that interns have much to learn and are just starting out. If you have any questions about what is required for an internship you have seen on SpartanCareers, consider calling Internship Programs in Career Services to get more information.

What is the best way to get started looking for an internship?   [Top]
To get started on your internship, we suggest that you call UNCG Career Services at 334-5454 to schedule an appointment with Internship Programs. Also, be sure to call your major department to schedule a meeting with your department’s Faculty Internship Coordinator. Working with both Career Services and your department will help increase your chances of finding a meaningful internship.

What is SpartanCareers?   [Top]
You’ll find SpartanCareers on the Career Services website (www.uncg.edu/csc). Click on the SpartanCareers logo and follow the instructions on the login page and it will connect you to a list of internship postings available to UNCG students. Using SpartanCareers is an effective way for you to get an overview of “ready made” internships.

What if I don’t see an internship I am interested in on SpartanCareers?   [Top]
Consider meeting with a Career Services counselor and with your Faculty Internship Coordinator to discuss a “custom made” internship. Customized internships take more time to develop and require you to research companies or non-profits who are a match for your interests. Allow yourself more time for an internship when it requires special research. Career Services has numerous resources to help you develop a custom internship, including databases and a career library filled with information.

Who can set me up with an internship?   [Top]
Career Services and your faculty can definitely help, but the responsibility for finding an internship is up to you.

StudentsAlumniFaculty and StaffEmployers
UNCG Career Services - Internships
#1 EUC, PO Box 26170
Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
VOICE (336) 334-5454
FAX (336) 334-5185
EMAIL Internships@uncg.edu