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Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How does registering with UCS benefit me?
Registration allows you to
tell us what you want from our office. It allows you access to all of
our resources. Other benefits include:
- Access to the online
part-time job and internship listings
UCS maintains over 1,800 active part-time job and internship listings all year long. - Resume
Referral
UCS sends resumes directly to employers upon their request. You must post your resume to the UCS system, be registered, and meet the employer’s qualifications for UCS to send your resume to an employer. - On-campus
Interviewing
Many organizations interview students for internships on-campus at UCS. You will need to follow a specific process in order to submit your resume for and sign up for these interviews. Please be sure to review the section about On-Campus Interviewing. You may also find it helpful to attend the workshop, "Using UCS for your Internship Search" or "Using UCS for your Job Search" which will cover the specialized on-campus interviewing process and policies.
What is an internship and why should
I do one?
UCS defines an internship as a field-based experience related to your
career interests or academic major. You may participate in an internship
during either semester or in the summer. An internship may be part-time
or full-time, paid or unpaid. Internship benefits include allowing
you to:
- Explore career interests
- Increase motivation for school
- Gain a competitive edge on the job market
- Enhance your professional and personal skills
- Develop a network of professionals
An internship is an investment in your future and makes you a more appealing candidate for jobs after you graduate.
When should I start looking?
Students should begin searching for an internship about 3-4 months before
they want to start working (some summer internships have deadlines
as early as November!). Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.
Apply to multiple internships. There is no correct number!
How do I find an internship when I am unsure what I want?
You don’t have to figure out what you want to do for the rest of
your life, just for an 8-12 week period. Start by attending a Career Clinic
in order to explore your interests. The workshop
may also help to answer these questions:
- Where do I want to go? Which field(s) do I want to try?
- Does it have to be paid? Most unpaid internships are part-time.
The UCS Internship Coordinator can help you answer these questions. Please use our online scheduling system to arrange an appointment to discuss your particular needs.
Where do
I find internship opportunities?
There are a variety of resources you can use to find an internship. Depending
on your needs (geographic location, field of interest, etc.), some
resources will be better than others. If you are unsure which resources
are best for you, please contact the Internship Coordinator.
- UCS online Internship listings (you must be registered)
- I-leads
A database of internships leads - Carolina Connection
A database of alumni, parents, and friends of UNC-Chapel Hill willing to provide you with career advice - Helpful
web resources
A specific list of internship sites listed by category - Directories & printed
resources
Available by career fields, in the UCS Resource Room - UCS Career Fairs especially the Internship Fair
- Networking with relatives, friends, faculty, etc.
What is on-campus interviewing and how do I participate?
Some organizations interview students on-campus for internships. Registered
students that meet the organization’s qualifications are eligible
to submit their resume for consideration.
Please visit the on-campus recruiting section to view a list of participating organizations and for information on how to submit your resume and to sign up for campus interviews. Not all organizations will interview on-campus. Students should consider this only a part of their internship search. You must be registered and have a resume on file with UCS.
What is the application process? How
do I follow up?
For the most part, all you will need to apply is a well-written resume
and cover letter. On occasion, you may need other material such as a transcript,
writing sample, or letters of recommendation. Please visit Your
Job Search for detailed step-by-step guidelines on job search material
and correspondence. Follow the application instructions specified by the
organization. After applying, be sure to follow up by phone or e-mail
4-5 days later to find out if your application materials were received
and when interviews will be conducted. If applying on an organization’s
website, you may get an automated confirmation that your application was
received. Learn more in Your Job Search: Resumes
& Letters.
What are the ethics of accepting an
internship offer?
Consider carefully before accepting a job or internship offer. Once you
accept, you are legally and morally committed to that employer. It is
unethical to continue to interview or accept another offer (“reneg”)
if you have given your word that you will work for an organization. A
student who has interviewed with UCS who renegs on a job or internship
acceptance will be denied further use of University Career Services. Make
an appointment with a UCS counselor if you are having trouble with
your decision.
What will my duties as an intern
be? Will I just be photocopying?
Administrative tasks will probably be part of your internship. In most
internships, basic office duties account for approximately 20 percent.
That leaves you with 80 percent of your time doing higher level projects!
Asking for a job description prior to accepting the internship provides
you
with an accurate indication of what your projects will be.
How do I know that it is a safe organization?
Check organizational references. UCS does not endorse any employer and
urges students to use good judgment in all of their interactions with
employers. UCS suggests that students request business references for
unknown organizations before interviewing with them off campus. UCS advises
students to interview in public places only and do not give out ANY personal
or financial information (such as Paypal accounts, bank account information,
social security number for a credit report) without verifying if the organization
is legitimate and why they would require such information. If you are
unsure about an organization ask for a list of business references and
ask to speak with a former intern (if they have had some).
Please contact UCS with any questions or concerns at usc@unc.edu or 962-6507.
How do I find housing or additional
funding for my internship?
Housing
Very few organizations offer housing to interns. Some provide monthly
living stipends, while others leave the matter entirely up to you. You
should also our selection of summer housing
resources on the Helpful Links page.
Possible Internship Funding
Learn more about the following funding
opportunities.
- International Internship Awards
- Non-Profits/Arts Internship Stipend
- Public Service Internship Prize
Can I get academic credit for an internship?
If you are seeking academic credit for your internship, please contact your faculty advisor.
Questions, comments? Email us
at ucs@unc.edu
919-962-6507
Internship FAQs
Experience Enhancers: Student Organization Skills Bank
