What is an internship?–Working for experience and receiving no compensation would be a pretty close definition in most cases.

Do I need an internship and when should I apply?–Yes, and if you are interested in getting a decent internship — not just any job at your local fast food restaurant this summer — then you should apply now. Of course, for some, working at Hooters would be a dream come true.

Why do I need an internship?–It’s all about the experience. Assuming you are planning on getting your graduate degree, internships can play a key role. Good internships work like neon signs on your application. Let’s look at a specific example: Joe Doe and Wolf Romanovich, S.J. both apply to same grad school. Romanovich, S.J. gets in and Doe does not. Why do you think that’s so? No, not because Romanovich was a Jesuit, but because he made sure that while getting his B.A. he was also interning at various places for the experience.

I’m a freshman. Should I apply for an internship?–Although it is not as common for freshmen to apply, it won’t hurt you especially if it is worth it. The best thing to do would be to get a paying job and try to receive elective credit for your work. Make sure to arrange all of this with your chairman’s officeprior to the internship.

I’m a sophomore. Should I apply for an internship?–Yep, this is the time to be more serious and try to get a job at some decent place where you can learn a few things. It also helps to see if you really want to do this for the rest of your life.

I’m a junior. Should I apply for an internship?–You, out of all people are almost under an obligation to intern. This is your LAST CHANCE to get that experience before you apply to — quiet…drums please — graduate school.

I’m a senior, what can I do?–For you, my friend, I have a special gift. Check out this web site and see if it can help you: http://www.gradview.com

Where can I get help with finding internships?–The best place to look for your type of internship is at your own department. For example, the communications department has several bulletin boards filled with numerous internships. Also, Danna Center bulletin boards often contain internship opportunities. Try locating an internship through your major’s honor society (if you have one), and if not, often talking to your adviser will give you some fresh ideas in your search.

–If everything else fails, Loyola offers free career counseling services and has numerous databases in print and online of internships and jobs available to you. These are arranged by categories making it easy to find your pick.

How do I contact Career and Counseling Services at Loyola?–Call (504) 865-3835–Email [email protected]–Or visit the Danna Center 2nd Floor