Internship Opportunities

Two students work together
What could you 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
  • Experience in a field beyond what’s available in Physics and Astronomy at BYU
  • Optional academic credit (PHSCS 399R) and possibly turning your internship into a capstone/thesis (discuss with Drs. Allred, Frandsen, Chesnel, or Bergeson)
Student sitting with tablet
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), Los Alamos (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, USAJOBS
  • Quantum-related internship programs here (talk to Dr. Rasmusson for more tips!)
  • BYU alumni: Check on Handshake!
  • BYU-curated database of international companies here (email Prof. Frandsen at benfrandsen@byu.edu for more info before applying)
  • See list of other internships that recent BYU students have done here
Mentor helping a students
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
Two people reviewing application materials
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.
  • Use your personal connections!