What could I gain from an internship?
- Practical, marketable skills
- Increased likelihood of a job offer after graduation
- Expanded professional network, including potential references for future job applications
How can I tell if an internship opportunity is worthwhile?
- Assigned supervisor who will work closely with you
- Substantive assignments and responsibilities
- Periodic evaluations of your work
- Reputable company/organization with a track record of preparing their interns for success
How do I increase my chances of getting an internship?
- Start looking early; December, January, and February is when many summer internship opportunities are advertised
- Seek letters of recommendation early from professors and other mentors.
- Polish your resume and your profile for LinkedIn and Handshake. Free help available here!
- Attend the STEM Career Fair each Fall and Winter semester.
- User your personal connections!
Where should I look for internships?
- Ask around in your professional network!
- Government lab internships: DOE national labs, Fermilab, NIST (here and here), NASA (here and here)
- National Science Foundation REU program: summer research experience at universities around the country.
- Department of Defense labs: Army, Air Force, Navy
- Industry internships: Direct searches on LinkedIn, Indeed, Google, etc.
- Professional organizations: APS, AIP/SPS (here and here), ASA, AAS
- Other databases: Physics Today Jobs, Pathways To Science
- BYU alumni: Check on Handshake!
- See list of other internships that recent BYU students have done here
The best asset in pursuing an internship or job opportunity is to be bold. Don't be shy!