Internships & Externships
In today's competitive job market, it takes more than a degree to land a job upon graduation. That's why an internship is very important to your overall education experience. Employers look for work-related experiences when choosing candidates. An internship proves that you can do the job and will give you a decided edge over another candidate without an internship. Many employers look first at their own internship pool when filling positions.
Internships provide you with an opportunity to learn in a real work environment with professionals in your field. You'll be able to develop skills and work characteristics that employers seek, including developing your communication and interpersonal skills and learning how to work with others. You will also have a better understanding of what people in your field do, gain more confidence in your abilities, and learn how to get things done. In general, you will be better prepared to enter the world of work in your chosen field.
Participating in an internship will also help you decide if you are really suited to a particular profession or field. If you decide it isn't for you, you'll still have time to modify your plans.
- Students should do an internship by the summer of their Junior year, if possible.
- Need help finding an internship? Call 217-581-2412 to schedule an appointment with a career counselor.
- For international internships, please reach out to the office for more information.
- HANDSHAKE will give you access to thousands of internship listings across Illinois, the United States and abroad!
STUDENT SUCCESS STORY
Jamye Camfield did an accounting internship at Lake Land College.
"In my job search, I noticed that having more than one internship was a definite advantage for getting job interviews and higher salary offers. I would recommend that all students get at least two internships in their field if they want to set themselves apart from all the job seekers. If I could go back I would have done more. I was so focused on just getting the course work done and thought they were a waste of my time. Now, I completely see why it's very important."
Share your internship experience with others! Send your photos or video clip and story to careers@eiu.edu.
Do an Externship! (a.k.a. Job Shadow)
What is an Externship?
An Externship is designed to help underclassmen obtain an accurate understanding about the daily routine, skills and demands of a particular career. Early identification of a career allows students to select the major, elective classes, activities, internships and professional development plan that provide the skill sets required by specific fields.
What will I do as an Extern?
Student externs observe day-to-day activities of an organization and assist with a variety of projects or short-term activities, such as: