Internship Opportunities

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, Chesnel, or Transtrum)

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
BYU alumni: Check on Handshake!
See list of other internships that recent BYU students have done here

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.
Use your personal connections!