INTERNSHIP PREPARATION CHECKLIST

Why Internships Matter

Internships give you real-world experience, help you explore careers in your field, and boost your job prospects. Students who complete internships:

Land more interviews
Get hired faster
Earn higher salaries

Some programs require an internship, while others allow it as an elective for credit. Either way, why not turn your hard work into both career experience + college credit?

To help you secure an internship for academic credit, here’s your step-by-step checklist:

📌Step 1: Check Your Program’s Requirements

Before you start searching, get clarity on your program’s internship requirements.

Contact your Department Chair or Academic Advisor to ask:
Does my program offer an internship, co-op, or practicum course?
What are the requirements to register, and when do I need to take the course?
Do I need to find my own internship, or will the class provide the work experience?

💡Pro Tip: Most students need to find their own internship. Start EARLY! Some employers recruit 3-6+ months in advance.

📌Step 2: Build Your Professional Toolkit

Part of the internship experience is learning the “art of the job hunt.” Build these essential tools:

Create Your Resume

Include a skills section you can tailor for each application.

Draft a Cover Letter Template

Develop a strong template you can customize for each opportunity.

Polish Your Online Presence

Complete your Handshake and LinkedIn profiles.

💡Pro Tip: Career Services can help you with all of these! Visit austincc.edu/career.

📌Step 3: Know Your Timeline & Apply Early

Start your internship search 3-6 months before your internship semester begins. It is your responsibility to have a position secured by the first day of class.

Contact your internship instructor 3-6 months before your internship semester to ask about available opportunities.
Search on multiple platforms: Handshake, LinkedIn, Indeed, company websites, and more! You can even prompt ChatGPT for leads.
Attend job fairs and networking events.
Utilize your personal and professional networks (professors, family, friends).

Remember: Employers recruit early, and the best opportunities fill quickly – don’t wait!

📌Step 4: Apply Strategically

Cast a Wide Net

Apply to multiple positions (don’t put all your eggs in one basket!).

Stay Organized

Keep detailed records of where you applied.
Save copies of all job descriptions.

Be Responsive and Professional

Check email and voicemail daily.
Respond quickly to employers.
Prep for interviews by researching common interview questions in your field.

📌Step 5: After You’re Hired

Congratulations! Once you secure an internship:

Tell your Internship Instructor and Department Chair right away.

If you’re already registered for the internship course, they’ll want to know you have secured a role.
If you’re not yet registered, ask about the steps to enroll and get credit.

Follow their guidance to make sure you get academic credit.

🚨 If You Don’t Have an Internship by Day 1 of Your Internship Semester

We have a process to support you, but you need to know the terms.

Submit the Emergency Placement Assistance Request Form

with your instructor’s guidance ASAP. These forms will not be accepted after the 2 nd week of the semester

⚠ What you need to know:

Placement is not guaranteed

Positions may be unpaid

You must follow up with every employer contact

You may need to withdraw or accept an instructor-approved incomplete

(Keep in mind, the longer you delay withdrawing, the less of a tuition refund you will receive.)

Internships