What is an Internship?
An internship is a learning adventure, a passport to a professional experience, and an opportunity for you to synthesize what you’ve learned in your classes and put it into practice in a real-world setting. But it’s much more than that — an internship takes you outside of the classroom and gives you the chance to gain first-hand experience of your career path. It’s a chance for you to grow your perspective, hone your academic and professional skills, and solidify your vision of the future.
Where to Start
Your first step in the internship process is to activate your ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ support team.
- Talk to your professional or academic advisor about your career interests and how an internship can help you connect the dots.
- Make an appointment with ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s Internship Coordinator to identify internship opportunities, begin the application process, and make sure you’re prepared to gain from your experience.
Benefits You Can Count On
Participating in an internship as an undergraduate student can be a game changer for your academic and professional journey. It provides you with a unique opportunity to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting and allows you to gain invaluable insights, skills, and connections that can significantly impact your future career. Through internships, you'll develop a deeper understanding of your field, discover your strengths and interests, and enhance your problem-solving abilities. Moreover, you'll have the chance to network with professionals in your chosen industry, potentially leading to mentorship opportunities and future job offers.
Hands-On Learning and Networking
Some of the many benefits of completing an internship include:
- Hands-On Learning: Apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.
- Skill Development: Build while gaining practical skills and experience.
- Career Clarity: Discover your strengths and interests within your field.
- Networking: Connect with professionals in your chosen industry.
- Mentorship: Potential opportunities for mentorship.
- Resume Enhancement: Boost your resume with relevant experience.
- Career Opportunities: Increase your chances of securing future job offers.
Whether you're seeking to boost your resume, clarify your career goals, or gain a competitive edge, an internship is your gateway to personal and professional growth.
Experience a Pre-Med Internship at a Local Hospital
Tyler Riendeau ’21
Why ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥
I decided to do the Environmental Science 4+1 program because it allowed me to continue working on research I had been doing since sophomore year. The 4+1 program also allows me to enter the workforce at a younger age [because I finish my masters in one year instead of two].
Another benefit of the 4+1 program is certainly the financial aspect. Graduate school is costly and this program structure includes only paying one year of grad level schooling instead of two.
Hands-on Learning
I have been working with Dr. Klak on the American chestnut restoration project since 2019. My research allowed me to meet professionals in the field and gain a better understanding of applying what I learn in the classroom to real-world situations. Most of the work I do cannot be taught from a textbook or made on a video.
That research experience also helped me gain an internship with the American Chestnut Foundation national headquarters. I worked on advancing the current scientific knowledge on the species while also working on the social dimensions of the project. That included meeting different stakeholders and possible collaborators who are interested in the work we do.
My internship experience will help me moving forward mostly on the social side of environmental consulting. A big part of consulting is the ability to work with stakeholders who might not share the same values you have. That means negotiating and working around common differences to reach active solutions.
My internship experience will help me moving forward mostly on the social side of environmental consulting.
Where and when you can do an internship
At ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥, we believe in empowering our students right from the beginning of their academic journey. That's why we offer internship opportunities starting from your first year. Whether you're seeking local experience to balance your studies or want to explore regional, national, or global opportunities, we've got you covered. Our extensive network of relationships spans every sector, including businesses, corporations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. So when it comes to choosing when and where to embark on your internship adventure — the possibilities are endless.
Early internships allow you to apply classroom knowledge, gain practical skills, and build a strong foundation for your future career, ensuring that you graduate not just with a degree, but with the experience and confidence to succeed in your chosen field.
Biological Sciences major Emily Morris interns as a dental assistant with the Kennebunk Center for Dentistry in Kennebunk, Maine.
Medical Biology student Ethan Gagnon interns as part of the COVID-19 Vaccination Initiative at Maine Medical Center-³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ in Portland, Maine.
Marine Affairs major Julia Basantes interns as a production assistant with Ocean’s Balance in Biddeford, Maine.
Paid Internships
At ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥, we recognize that the financial aspect of an internship is a top concern for students. The good news is that many internship opportunities are paid or provide stipends. These paid internships not only allow you to gain valuable hands-on experience but also help you offset some of your educational expenses. We understand that financial considerations are important, and our team of professionals is dedicated to helping you find paid opportunities whenever possible. Whether you’re considering a paid or unpaid internship, we’re committed to helping you secure an experience that will help you make the most of your academic journey.
Credit-Bearing Interships
Many internships can be taken for credit, and in fact, an internship experience is likely part of the required coursework in your major. This means that your internship can count towards your degree requirements, providing a seamless integration of real-world experience with your academic curriculum. Our dedicated advisors and faculty work closely with you to tailor the internship experience to align with your academic and career goals, ensuring that you maximize the benefits of your internship while earning credits towards your degree. It's a win-win opportunity that combines practical learning with academic achievement.