Internships

Exploring internship opportunities?

Use this checklist to guide you through the process and our regularly updated Block Career Center internship listings for plenty of opportunities to connect with employers. The menu above includes resources specific to the Friedman School, including sample internships completed by students, internship requirements for those degree programs that include internships, and more. Remember: You’re welcome (and encouraged!) to chat with a Block Career Center Advisor as you complete any/all of these steps.

• Engage in self-assessment
  How do your past experiences, current interests, skills, values, personality, and career competencies relate to potential career paths? Use the tools and worksheets on our Deciding Your Next Steps page to help you think about which sorts of experiences you’re looking for in an internship.
• Establish a timeline and specific goals for your search
  How much time will you be able to devote to your internship search? Schedule it into your week, much as you would any class or other obligation. Set aside time for each of the steps listed here, i.e., learning about career paths, strengthening your resume and cover letters, searching for and evaluating positions, applying, and following up. Set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals for yourself, e.g., “This week, I’ll schedule an appointment with a Block Career Center Advisor for a resume review and look at least 5 internship listings on two different search sites.” As you plan, remember that different career fields have different recruiting timelines! Your process may not look like someone else’s, and that’s to be expected.
• Learn about career paths and employers
  There are numerous ways to research careers and employers, and we encourage you to begin with our Career Directions. Each of the 4 directions features helpful blog posts, videos, and resources targeted to particular career interests. You’ll find industry news, insider tips, and alumni success stories. By clicking into the subgroups within each Career Direction (available on the green navigation bar), you’ll find just a few of the many positions and organizations where like-minded Friedman School grads are working. Finally, networking (a.k.a. connecting with people to exchange information and develop contacts) is one of the most effective ways to learn about career options and potential employers. We offer many career programs and workshops throughout the year to help you meet alumni and employers.
• Refine your application materials
  Whether you’ve recently refreshed your resume and cover letter, or it’s been a while since the last revision, we can help! Visit our Resumes & Cover Letters page for content tips and formatting best practices, as well as sample Friedman School documents. Remember: Block Career Center Advisors are available for resume and cover letter reviews.
• Search for internships and determine how well they match with your criteria
  In addition to your networking efforts, you can find many internships online through our regularly updated Block Career Center internship listings. Also, visit our Career Directions for industry-specific internship search engines, professional associations, and region-specific websites.
• Tailor your documents and apply to positions
  Before you apply, you’ll need to customize your application, i.e., make it clear to the employer that your resume and cover letter are meant for their organization and position. This means demonstrating that you possess the requisite qualifications in the job description, as well as showing that you’ve researched the employer and can convey reasons why you’re interested in what they do. Use this cover letter worksheet for assistance with matching skills/experiences to an employer’s needs.
• Follow up on applications and plan next steps
  Follow up with employers about a week or two after applying (unless they specifically prohibit follow-up). You’re welcome to ask about the status of your application, get info about the hiring timeline (unless those details are already online), or offer additional materials. Brush up on your interviewing skills in preparation for conversations with employers.