Which summer gig is right for you? 5 tips to help Cardinals make the most of an internship
April 17, 2025
Sasha Gorchanyuk, a communications major with a minor in film studies, discovered her passion for and talent in working with corporate partnerships through her internship with the Louisville Bats Minor League Baseball team.
As the end of the semester approaches, many Cardinals are on the lookout for a summer internship that will further their academic journey and bolster their education with real-world experience. Internships can be competitive, so the process of choosing the right one may seem daunting.
Kristen Dethloff, internship and student employment coordinator at the University Career Center, provided some tips for students seeking opportunities to help them determine the best choice.
- Credit and Compensation: “Students should receive academic credit or financial compensation for their internships. A student can also receive both, it is not an either-or,” Dethloff said. “According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Fact Sheet #71: Internship Programs Under The Fair Labor Standards Act, employers are required to provide one, if not both of these forms of compensation to their interns.”
- Explorative Experience: “Students can use internships as an opportunity for career exploration. This is a chance for students to test the waters in industries and roles that interest them since it is a short-term experience in a real-world setting. Students should take stock of the pros and cons of an opportunity, their individual likes and dislikes, etc.,” she said.
- Criteria Alignment: “A student ought to be sure that the internship they are considering meets the criteria for their goals, such as academic department credit, postgraduate admissions, or experience toward full-time employment,” Dethloff said. “For example, many health professions prioritize candidates with hands-on patient care experience, but not all healthcare internships meet the definition of hands-on.”
- Self Development: “Students should consider whether or not an internship offers professional development and skills enhancement. In other words, students should consider what they will come away from the internship having learned, additionally thinking about what could go on a future resume or how to leverage the internship on an application,” she said.
- Strong Communication: “Students should look for continuous and clear communication from the hiring manager throughout the application and interview process as this can be a green flag illustrating how the internship will play out,” Dethloff said.
Summer internships are a great way for students to expand their college experience without overloading their fall or spring semesters. To learn more, visit the University Career Center to find career coaches, job listings, and other resources for Cardinals looking for an engaged learning stop on their journey towards graduation and their future vocations.
